Wildlife encounters

PORPOISES & DOLPHINS

If you don’t see any of these cetaceans bouncing along on your cruise then you’re probably not looking hard enough.

BASKING SHARKS

A leviathan that is actually a gentle, toothless giant found in Scottish waters in late summer and autumn.

OTTERS

These shy creatures hug the shoreline. Elusive but, with patience, they can be spotted throughout the country.

RED SQUIRRELS

Numbers of this threatened species have crept up in recent years and you will find them dotted around the isles.

GANNETS

These giant hunters cruise the seas in search of food and their improbably dives which can reach speeds of up to 90kmph!

WHALES

All manner of whale species patrol or visit Scottish waters from humpback and minke, through to killer whales,.

RED DEER

Best spotted in autumn when they descend from the higher hills for their rutting season – you’ll never forget their roaring.

EAGLES

The mighty sea eagle was reintroduced in the last Century. You can spot them around the Hebridean sea cliffs.

SOAY SHEEP

This wild looking sheep is a hardy breed able to withstand the worst of the weather. There are wild herds on Holy Isle.

PUFFINS

These are ridiculously cute seabirds with multicoloured beaks. June is the best time to catch them nesting in the isles.