Mull Week of Wildlife
Spot seals, whales and more on your Scottish wildlife boat trip
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The ultimate Scottish wildlife holiday packed with land & sea-based activities.
Of all the Scottish islands, the Isle of Mull boasts one of the most diverse eco-systems in Britain. During your week-long 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. This Scottish wildlife holiday includes three guided experiences: a day at sea in the company of expert wildlife guides, a land-based wildlife safari that reaches some of the more hidden corners of the island and finally another boat excursion to the Isles of Treshnish and Staffa. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore at leisure – whether that’s frequenting the bars and restaurants of bustling Tobermory or seeking out the spiritual ambience of tiny Iona, off the far tip of the larger Isle of Mull.
If you don’t have the time for a week-long Scottish wildlife holiday, then take a look instead at our four-night Mull Wildlife Experience .
A memorable ferry ride takes you from Oban, on the West Coast of Scotland, to the island of Mull and the start of your Scottish wildlife holiday. We offer a choice of small family-run accommodation in the north of the island – a beautiful guest house in the colourful main island village of Tobermory or an atmospheric and tastefully refurbished 17th century inn in the Victorian village of Dervaig.
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 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.
Perhaps the highlight for many is today’s wildlife and whale-watching tour, in the company of expert wildlife guides searching for minke whales. Spotting a whale in the wild is still one of the greatest thrills in nature as they glide 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.
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.
Today’s boat trip will take you from a small harbour in the west of Mull, to the Treshnish Isles, regarded as one of Scotland’s most 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. At other times you will have the opportunity to land on the island of Staffa and visit the geological wonder of Fingal’s Cave, inspiration behind Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture.
A final 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. The colourful harbourfront at Tobermory boasts a range of small local shops, with goods ranging from chocolates to jewellery, sculptures to biscuits – the perfect opportunity to stock up on souvenirs or gifts for those back home.
Depart for home, with plenty of wonderful memories, and a yearning to return again soon.
Hotel Option A – Dervaig
Situated in the pretty Victorian village of Dervaig, this 17th century inn provides 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.
Option B – Tobermory
Your beautifully-appointed guest house is a tranquil haven away from the village bustle. The friendly owners aim to make your stay a rather luxurious and comfortable home from home. You have a choice of dinner options in Tobermory – from the freshest fish and chips from the van by the harbour to more extensive dining in local restaurants. We’ll provide the up-to-date lowdown and recommendations before you travel.
This holiday is based on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. 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.
Option A Dervaig – £795 per person in April and £845 for May to September.
Option B Tobermory – £1035 per person in April and £1085 for May to September.
These prices are based on two people sharing a standard double/twin room, for six nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Price includes return ferry crossing for a car and passengers and the following activities:
We can adapt this holiday to suit those travelling by public transport – please contact us for a quotation. We can also arrange car hire locally if you wish to have the freedom to explore more of the Isle of Mull during your stay.
Note for wildlife trips: Puffins are only readily seen until the end of July.
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. No refund will be made if you are not lucky enough to see any of the animals described, despite the very best efforts of the guides.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Included will be some information on the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to help you learn more about their work in conserving whales, dolphins and porpoises in Western Scotland, along with how you can help their efforts with their “Whale Track” app and by visiting their discovery centre.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 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.
A bewildered shaggy highland cow standing in the garden, peering through the glorious Scottish rain that was battering the cottage window: that was on...
The personal service was great and the choices of trips were perfect.Sheila, Hull, England
We've been away three times with McKinlay Kidd now and each time the holiday has been excellent.Iris & Jim, Sunderland, England
We were lucky to see lots of wildlife.Elizabeth & Geoffery, Bedfordshire, UK
This holiday can be arranged from mid-April until mid-September for the best chance of spotting marine wildlife. Puffins are only readily seen until the end of July.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us. We will respond to your availability check within one working day if at all possible. Please bear with us on this - we work with a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses, and other independent businesses, ensuring that you have the chance to explore off the beaten track and really get under the skin of the destination.
Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
