Autumn Watch Cruise – stags, otters, birds and the West Highlands Cruise, + SKYEFARI

Dates: 2nd to 8th October 2023

This time of year can be stunning with great light for photography. This cruise will be combined with our sister company SKYEFARI which will accompany Hjalmar Bjørge providing wildlife land tours as part of the holiday in its 4×4 minibus. Destinations for this cruise will be flexible during this rewarding and colourful time of year.

Destination:

Guests will be welcomed aboard MV Hjalmar Bjørge in Oban at 1500 on Monday 2nd October.

Our first overnight anchorage will be at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Next day will see us join SKYEFARI as we explore the interior of this island wildlife hotspot where we hope to encounter rutting red deer, otters and the odd eagle or two. The itinerary for the remaining cruise is not fixed, our intended passage will take us either North or South, depending on weather and sea conditions. Wherever we head we will meet up with SKYEFARI for more wildlife excursions and we could reach places such as Tayvallich (close to the official beaver re-introduction) or up to Skye and the mainland lochs of Hourn and Nevis.

Our final evening will be spent in the vicinity of the Sound of Mull before returning to Oban and disembarking after a hearty breakfast on Sunday 8th October.

Highlights:

Viewing rutting deer, both eagle species and other raptors such as hen harriers and maybe even beavers – still a good chance of cetaceans and dolphins plus coastal birds such as Eider Duck, Mergansers, Divers and the arrival of the geese skeins. A chance to visit habitats such as the sessile oak woods and open mountain scenery by 4×4 and on foot – Autumn weather to be enjoyed and celebrated. This whole experience is slow-paced, and sitting patiently for that photo opportunity and meeting like minded travellers. If lucky, at this time of year there is a rare possibility of seeing the Aurora Borealis.