Gairloch Marine Life Centre And Cruises

Overview

Visitors are often rewarded with a glimpse of whales, dolphins or porpoise and may even catch sight of an eagle in flight. Our wildlife information centre has photographic displays of local wildlife, identification guides, video and sightings data. Owned and operated by a Marine Biologist there is an emphasis on education both within the centre and out on the water. MV Starquest is a Colvic Watson 31" passenger vessel, built in 1989 and being fully refitted in 1998. She is now fully equipped with the most up to date safety and navigation equipment. Her spacious deck allows all passengers" cushioned seating with room to view in comfort. Daily between Easter and the end of September join us for a one or two-hour wildlife survey cruise. During peak times we offer up to six cruises a day, with reduced timetable at less busy times, please contact us for current sailing times. We offer a variety of cruises to suit your needs and with all our cruises your adventure begins in Charleston Harbour, where you will be welcomed aboard MV Starquest by your skipper Ian. After a short, but essential, safety briefing you will cruise gently out of the harbour and if you"re lucky you may catch a glimpse of Sammy, our resident grey seal, along the way! Cruising at a gentle six knots out into the Loch you'll discover the breathtaking coastline of Gairloch, looking back to shore you will marvel at the stunning mountain scenery ONE HOUR CRUISE - Aimed at all ages. With a little bit of history about the area, this trip gives you the chance to get close to common and grey seals in their natural habitat and learn a little about them too. You may encounter porpoises, minke whales and occasionally dolphins. TWO HOUR CRUISE - A slightly longer cruise, giving us more time to visit the many bird colonies where we find a huge variety of seabirds nesting side by side.