Cetaceans and Other Animals

“Cetaceans” is the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Minke whales are the most frequently seen whales throughout the Hebrides. Although usually seen in the distance they will sometimes swim very close beside the boat, rolling on their side, to take in a better view (photo below). Common dolphins are often seen in large groups (up to 1000 animals) and frequently bow-ride vessels.

The Hebrides also have a great number of other mammals such as Common and Grey Seals, Otters and Red Deer.

Whales and Dolphins

Bottlenose Dolphins are being seen more regularly and we usually encounter the same group each time we travel through the Sound of Barra. This far north in colder waters, these Bottlenose Dolphins are considered among the largest of it’s species in the world.

The Harbour Porpoise is a very small and shy mammal. Groups are often large and they can be seen fleetingly all around.

Risso’s Dolphins are sometimes seen around the Western Isles in small groups. Shy dolphins, close encounters are particularly rewarding. Striped Dolphin, White-beaked Dolphin and White-sided Dolphin are more commonly seen further offshore, on our longer trips to the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda.

Orca (killer whale) are seen infrequently but certainly yearly. The once strong west coast community is now only small with the two famous males John Coe and Aquarius. Any encounter with Orca becomes an unforgettable experience!

Minke Whale is certainly the most commonly sited species of whale but the waters of West Scotland are also great for Humpback and the world’s second largest animal, the Fin Whale.

Other Mammals

It wouldn’t be a Scottish holiday without sighting majestic Red Deer on the hills. In the summer they can often be seen high on the hills with the stag’s antlers silhouetted against the skyline.

Fertile waters attract fish which subsequently attract the Eurasian Otter. Unlike their freshwater cousins, these sea dwelling otters can often be seen foraging in the daytime. Surfacing briefly to chomp on small fish and crustaceans or if you’re lucky you may see them drag larger prey ashore and sit for a while whilst it tucks in.

Scotland has a large number of breeding Grey and Common (Harbour) Seals. You may see them hauled out in their numbers whilst they rest and sunbathe, or you may see them bobbing on the surface of the water with their big eyes starting back at you.

Though not wild, many domestic animals are synonymous with the Hebrides, including Highland Cows. These big ginger gentle giants are a favourite with guests and on our days on land we may see them. On the remote island of St Kilda you will see the famous Soay Sheep, one of the rarest breeds of sheep.

Other Animals

Basking Sharks are enormous gentle giants slowly navigating their way through the rich waters of the Hebrides. Their mouth held wide open to sift through the water feeding on plankton, all of which fuels this massive 8 metre shark. Plankton rely on warm waters and as such we have seen a redistribution of Basking Sharks throughout Scotlands seas as a result of a changing climate. Staying close to the surface you can often see their dorsal fin and tail protruding out of the water showing just how big they are.

We are seeing increasing numbers of Ocean Sunfish – the world’s heaviest bony fish (average weight 1000kg) – a couple of sightings per year. Native to tropical waters the extremely strange looking creatures appear to be moving north as ocean temperatures gradually rise.