Basking Shark Map

Whale & Dolphin Tour

Explore your adventure
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Prices
  • Bookings

 Highlights


The Hebrides is an incredible place to search for whales and dolphins, 23 different species of Cetacean have been recorded here in Hebridean waters, that’s over a quarter of all the world’s species of whales, dolphins and porpoises! On our fast RIB, we will set out on a journey up the Sound of Mull where we can often spot harbour porpoises along the way, out to the deeper water between Coll and the Small Isles. The deep water creates the perfect feeding areas for species such as common dolphins and minke whales. We also have a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, and the elusive last members of the west coast community of orca, who knows what you could see when exploring the Hebridean Whale Trail!

  • 1 day boat tour travelling through the stunning scenery of the Sound of Mull
  • Search for wildlife in the Sea of the Hebrides Marine Protected Area (MPA)
  • Opportunity to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and an array of seabirds
  • Responsibly guided by a marine biologist
  • Visit the lagoon, a Hebridean marine paradise
  • Shore stop at the famous Tobermory waterfront

Humpback in the Hebrides, Isle of Coll

Logistics


Travel

Your 1 day boat trip starts from Oban town centre.  Those staying on the Isle of Mull have the option to join the trip in Tobermory.

For more information on travel and staying in Oban please see our FAQs.

On the Tour

Once you arrive at the marina a member of our friendly crew will meet you, and show you to the facilities and boat. We will then start our journey by passing many iconic landmarks such as Lismore Lighthouse and Duart Castle as we make our way into the Sound of Mull.

You will be surrounded by the stunning scenery of Mull on one side and the Morvern and Ardnamurchan Peninsula on the other. Our local guides will tell you more about this special area and which wildlife to look out for.

The search for wildlife begins as soon as we leave the marina, the rich waters bring plentiful wildlife to the Inner Hebrides and West Coast of Scotland. During the trip, we will keep an eye out for porpoises, eagles, seals, minke whales, and dolphins in addition to the abundant bird life.

To learn more about which species can be seen in the area visit our Hebrides Wildlife Guide.

Minke whale interacting with the basking shark scotland boat

Who is the tour for?

This tour is best for those who want to see as much of our wildlife and islands as possible whilst keeping their head above the water.

8 is the minimum age for this trip.

Our boats have indoor seating for a comfortable day at sea. There may be some physical considerations for boarding and disembarking the boat, please see here for more information.

Tour expectations

The natural world is very unpredictable, not a zoo or an aquarium, therefore sightings are never guaranteed. We can however promise that you are visiting a wildlife hotspot with a highly experienced and passionate team. Our boats are comfortable cabin RIBs built for the wild Atlantic conditions which are closely monitored by our experienced skippers. We will do our very best to give you a great experience!

Ready to join us on an adventure?

Prices


TOUR PRICES

Private Charter rates

from £1,500 (Up to 12 guests)

Group tours have specific payment terms & conditions. Please email for more information.

What’s Included?

  • 1 day boat tour
  • Responsibly guided by a marine biologist
  • Hot drink
  • Use of binoculars, books and information guides.
  • A shore stop at Tobermory

Additional Considerations

  • Accommodation
  • Travel to meeting point
  • Food and Drink

Cancellations

Please see our cancellation policy and terms and conditions here.

 

Bookings


Our 1 day Whale & Dolphin Tour runs from April to October. We have 10 spaces on board, providing a personal low impact way to explore the world of the Hebrides.

You can also join us on any of our day trips or multi-day tours for a good chance to see whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Currently our 2024 dates are private charter only. If you are interested to book as an individual please email your preferred dates and we’ll see if we can get enough numbers to put a tour together.

Alternatively we visit the same area on our Seal & Lagoon tour which you can book as a boat based passenger.

Ready to Book?

After booking your preferred date you will receive a confirmation email with a linked information document.

We will be in touch during your tour lead-up regarding capacity and sea conditions. We will do our best to get you offshore, allowing some flexibility in your schedule gives you extra opportunity to visit us.