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Wildlife Holidays: Whale & shark watching

Itinerary WE-1: Whale-watching, from GBP 289 per person for 3nts

Spotting a whale in the wild is still one of the greatest thrills in nature. Join our full day whale watch accompanied throughout by knowledgable and enthusiastic marine biologists, who will help you spot minke whales, basking sharks, dolphins and porpoise. You can even do your bit by helping out with data collection. A simply unforgettable experience - and all easily accessible from the central belt of Scotland, and therefore from any of the main airports or other travel routes.

We have arranged this unique holiday in co-operation with one of the most experienced whale watch companies in the UK. Your holiday will include a full day's whale watching . You will also have plenty of time to explore the rest of the island, which boasts a highly diverse eco-system.

Itinerary

Catch the 45 minute ferry ride from Oban to Mull and make your way to your base for the next three nights. We offer a choice of hotels both around half an hour's drive from the ferry port.

You will normally join the whale watch on your first full day. The trip departs from Tobermory, and will involve around 5-6 hours at sea and may land on a remote island or cove. Hot and cold refreshments are available on board for a small charge, but you will need to bring a packed lunch - as well as a camera of course.

On your second day you will be able to explore more of the island, which is also a haven for bird watchers, and has several stunning sandy beaches. Perhaps take another ferry to the peaceful island of Iona, the birthplace of Scottish Christianity and the final resting place of the former Labour leader, John Smith.

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 and a real night-time buzz.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from 22nd April until 27th September 2010.

If you stay in Dervaig, the first hotel option, the price is £289 per person for April, August & September and £305 per person for May, June, July.
If you prefer to stay in Tobermory, add £30 per person, for a standard double room with seaview, or £54 per person for a larger double or twin with seaview.

Prices are based on 2 people sharing an ensuite room for 3 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

Price includes return ferry crossing for a car and 2 adult passengers and a full day whale watch. There is a £10 per person peak ferry supplement for Saturday ferry crossings from May to August.

We do not recommend this full day trip for children under the age of 12.

A shorter more general marine wildlife-watching trip with 4 hours at sea - more suitable for children under 12 and for those who are hesitant about longer trips on boats is also available for a reduction of £35 per adult. Children sharing a family room with 2 adults cost from £140 with this shorter trip.

Public transport

Although we would recommend having access to a car for this holiday, it is also perfectly feasible for those who prefer to travel by public transport. Oban can be reached by train from Glasgow and ferries are connected by regular bus services to Tobermory, from where the whale-watching trip departs.
If using public transport you must stay in Tobermory. Ask us for more details.

Please note that this holiday is not available between October and March.

Note for wildlife trips:
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.