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GO WILD –AT SEA THE SCOTTISH COAST


HARBOUR BOUND


You’ll be all at sea when it comes to taking in the vast array of ocean- based wildlife off the west coast


T


he summer is a great time to take a boat trip as the waters off the Scottish coast are rich in food. Tis


larder attracts a whole host of creatures, including whales, dolphins, seabirds and sharks. In fact, 24 species of whales and dolphins (collectively called cetaceans) have been sighted off the Scottish coast. Cetaceans are seen all around the Scottish


coast, but perhaps the best places are along the west coast of Scotland. Hot spots such as the Small Isles, Mull, Skye and Gairloch are particularly good places to take a trip. If you’re watching from shore, then pick


a calm day with good visibility and find a headland, such as Rua Reidh Lighthouse near Gairloch or Ardnamurchan Point, and settle down for a couple of hours. Other good dolphin-watching spots on the east coast are Channonry Point near Inverness and Aberdeen Harbour, Te cetacean you’re most likely to see is the harbour porpoise. Tis shy cetacean is our smallest – only 1.2 metres long – and you’ll often only see a glimpse of the fin as it comes to the surface to breathe. Te most commonly seen whale is the minke whale which can be up to 10 metres. Minkes have very indistinct ‘blows’ and rarely raise their tail (or fluke) as they dive. Bottlenose dolphins on the other hand can be very showy, and can be seen leaping out of the water and joining boats to bow ride. Tere’s no guarantee of seeing these species, which makes seeing them all the more special. Your best chances are from May to September. If you’re visiting any of the islands, use the ferry trip to look for fins. If you’re taking a wildlife-watching boat trip, make sure you choose a reputable operator and one who knows how to behave around wildlife.


44 SCOTTISH HOSTELLER 2012


Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a prime viewing spot


HOSTELS


TO VISIT Lochranza Youth Hostel Tel: 01770 830 631 Tobermory Youth Hostel Tel: 01688 302 481 Gairloch Carn Dearg Youth Hostel Tel: 01445 712 219 Book online at: www.hostellingscotland.com


DID YOU KNOW..? 10M


THE MINKE WHALE CAN BE


LONG


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