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Wildlife Holidays: Whale & shark watching

Itinerary WE-9: Mull Week of Wildlife from GBP 595 per person

The Isle of Mull boasts one of the most diverse eco-systems in Britain. During your stay you will be searching for a whole range of wildlife, from otters to red deer, puffins to eagles, seals to harbour porpoise, and dolphins to minke whales.

Day One

A memorable ferry ride takes you from Oban, on the West Coast of Scotland, to the island of Mull. We offer a choice of small family-run hotels in the north of the island for this holiday, one in the colourful main island village of Tobermory, the other an atmospheric and tastefully refurbished 17th century inn, in the Victorian village of Dervaig.

Day Two

Today's full-day 'wildlife safari' will not only introduce you to Mull's most spectacular wildlife hotspots, but is a great way to explore some of the more remote and scenic highlights of this wildly beautiful island. Your friendly hosts Pam and Arthur will help you to look out for golden eagles soaring in silent glens and swooping down to protect their chicks, white tailed sea eagles hunting in coastal bays, hen harriers gliding over scrub and marshes, perhaps even otters sunning themselves in seaweed-strewn bays. Coffee and tea are supplied, binoculars are provided, and Pam's homemade soup and buns are legendary!

Day Three

Perhaps the highlight for many is today's whale-watch. You will spend the day at sea in the company of expert marine biologists searching for minke whales. Spotting a whale in the wild is still one of the greatest thrills in nature. Spot them gliding elegantly through the water, perhaps lunging through a shoal of fish and breaking the surface. Along the way watch out for harbour porpoise, dolphins - both bottlenose and common - many seabirds and perhaps even a harmless basking shark, or for the very lucky, an orca, or killer whale

Day Four

A day to relax and explore Mull at your own pace. For example you could take the opportunity to visit the peaceful and spiritual neighbouring island of Iona.

Day Five

Today's boat trip will take you from a small harbour in the west of Mull, to the Treshnish Isles, more important wildlife habitats. From April to July these are the nesting sites for thousands of puffins, offering visitors a rare and memorable opportunity to watch this most engaging of birds at close quarters.

Day Six

A day to relax and explore the island, which offers some wonderful walking opportunities, with sandy coves and deserted villages in the north, as well as the high mountains of the south. Late afternoon or evening a final boat trip, a two hour Ecocruz, will give you a last chance to watch out for porpoise, perhaps dolphins and whales, and to view a large seal colony at close quarters.

Day Seven

Depart for home, with plenty of wonderful memories, and a yearning to return again soon.

Hotel Option A - Dervaig

This cosy 17th century droving inn, is ideally situated between Tobermory and Calgary in the pretty Victorian village of Dervaig. Popular with the locals, who come from far and wide to soak up its convivial atmosphere, this is a place where visitors can enjoy traditional island hospitality, regular live music and wholesome highland fayre. Hearty meals and lighter bar snacks both feature fresh seafood and the finest Mull beef and venison. Accommodation (including family rooms) is quietly situated away from the hustle and bustle of the bar, and residents can escape to a private lounge/TV room with glorious views over the village and glen.

Hotel option B - Tobermory

Basking in the picture-postcard charm of Tobermory's stunning waterfront, your hotel has been cleverly converted from a row of fisherman's cottages into a delightful family-run establishment. Comfortable lounges and bedrooms offer a warm welcome just a stone's throw from one of the world's prettiest working harbours. The inviting - and locally popular - restaurant enjoys views across to Calve Island and offers plenty to tempt your palate- advanced booking is advised. Tobermory itself is a lively little town with several friendly bars and other places to eat with a real night-time buzz.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from 25th April until 23rd September 2010.

The price is £595 per person for hotel option A in April and September and £605 for May to August, or £655 per person in hotel option B for April & September & £669 for May to August, based on 2 people sharing a standard double/twin room (with seaview in Tobermory), in a 3 star small hotel, for 6 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

Price includes return ferry crossing for a car and passengers (Saturday sailings from May to August attract a £10 per person supplement) and the following activities:

• A full day Wildlife Safari with expert local wildlife guide.
• A 6 hour Whale Watch, accompanied by marine biologist.
• A 2 hour Eco-Cruise.
• A 6 hour boat trip exploring the Treshnish islands & Staffa, with 2-3 hours ashore.

Please note: The full day whale-watch is not advised for children under 12. We can arrange for an alternative marine wildlife boat trip if preferred. Ask us for more details.

Puffins are only readily seen until the end of July.

Note for wildlife trips:
We can arrange hire cars from convenient airports if required. If you prefer to travel without a car, this holiday can be tailored to suit using public transport - just let us know your preferences. 
We of course cannot guarantee that you will see any of the wildlife described - these are wild animals and as such cannot be called to order, and no refund will be made if you are unlucky enough not to see any of the animals described, despite the very best efforts of the guides.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.