Bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and minke whales are all present. One of the attractions of a whale-watching cruise in the Western Isles is that you may see golden eagles, sea eagles, seals, otters and a vast range of other wildlife, including red deer back on the land. Western Scotland: Mainland and the Hebrides If you are interested in a private charter then this firm offers them on the 31-foot Alucia. Small but tough boat with water-jet engine. Listing them is in no way an endorsement, and we are sorry for those which are left out. All our trips include the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool. We run 3,4 and 5 hour trips which are suitable for all ages. Our whale-watching guide is not exhaustive lack of space allows us to name only a few representative operators in each area. Sealife adventures run whale watching and wildlife boat trips from our private pontoon and car park on the mainland near Oban. Pontoon and carpark, Clachan, Seil, Oban, PA34 4TR (pontoon), United Kingdom. 'When done well (which means responsible boat handling and adherence to local regulations or guidelines governing behaviour around the animals), whale watching inspires, exhilarates and educates in equal measure.' Membership of the club is just 10 a year. There are regular rowing sessions, novices or experienced rowers are equally welcome, young or old. Ayles Skiff (a 5 man boat) that was built by the local community. The Isle of Seil Rowing Club operate a St. 'We have promoted responsible whale watching as a wonderful way to connect with whales and dolphins in the wild and also to enjoy the wider marine environment. This huge boat offers unparalleled stability, safety and comfort, including an onboard toilet. 'Whale watching is a huge industry вЂ“ around 13 million people currently enjoy a trip each year in 120 countries, generating revenues of over $2bn,' said Vanessa Williams-Grey of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. By bus, take the 418 from Oban to Clachan Seil. After the bridge, continue exactly 0.8 miles & turn left into our site, look out for white Sealife Adventures signs.

Follow this road onto Seil Island over the steep, humpbacked Atlantic Bridge. 'But we're now coming to understand what makes these great animals tick, their social behaviours.' From the A816, turn onto the B844 (brown signs for Sealife Adventures). 'People used to believe that it was impossible to observe whales, that the only way to study them was to harpoon them,' says Vassili Papastavrou, whale biologist at the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Sealife adventures seil