The middle of summer is the perfect time to focus our amazing adventures on Whales and Dolphins. With the waters being warmer help the plankton and subsequently attracting the fish and the Cetaceans; who are found where the fish are. Basking Sharks move northwards following the plankton blooms too and once you have witnessed one of these 8 metre giants it is something you will never forget.
Some of the species we will be looking for include Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoise and Common Dolphins, Risso and White-beaked dolphin; which often seek out the Hjalmar Bjørge to ride her bow wave. Being nearly eye-to-eye with these graceful creatures. Dolphin species make for an unforgettable encounter and is often the highlight of our guests day.
During August, the waters of the North Minch are favourable for observing some of the larger whale species, including Humpback Whales and the Fin Whale, which is the second largest animal to have ever existed.
The high, flat, viewing tops of the Hjalmar Bjørge provide the perfect vantage point to scan the waters for a surfacing whale or leaping dolphins. All the while not forgetting to keep a weather eye open for seabirds. Such as… Gannets, Manx Sheerwaters, Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills, both Great and Arctic Skuas, Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, all the usual suspects.
At this time of year you may also may be lucky enough to spot other scarcer forms of Skua such as the long-tailed or Pomarine species, Sooty Shearwaters and even a Leach’s Petrel hiding amongst the Storm Petrels, for the very observant. White-tailed Eagles patrol many of the local sea lochs and cliffs, with Golden Eagles often spotted over the hill ridges too.
Each evening we anchor somewhere special, where we can watch the sunset with a glass of wine or a whisky! Our skippers know all the best anchorages, so you feel as though you have the islands all to yourself.
