Details
Day One
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 hotels in the north of the island – one in the colourful main island village of Tobermory and 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 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
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. 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.
Day Six
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.
Day Seven
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.
Hotel option B – Tobermory
The island’s capital, much-photographed Tobermory is a delightful place, with brightly painted houses curving around the harbour where yachts and boats bob about and Calve Island draws the eye out to the water. The small, family-owned hotel on the waterfront is converted from adjacent fisherman’s cottages, so rooms are cosy rather than spacious, while the public areas have been designed to provide an intimate atmosphere.
Pricing
Option A Dervaig – £725 per person in April and £750 for May to September.
Option B Tobermory – £835 per person in April and £860 for May to September.
These prices are based on two people sharing a standard double/twin room (with seaview in Tobermory), for six nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Price includes return ferry crossing for a car and passengers and the following activities:
- A full day Wildlife Safari with expert local wildlife guide.
- A six hour Whale Watch, accompanied by marine biologist.
- A six hour boat trip exploring the Treshnish islands & Staffa, with two to three hours ashore.
We can adapt this holiday to suit those travelling by public transport – please enquire. 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.
Please note: the full day whale-watch is not advised for children under 12. We can arrange an alternative marine wildlife boat trip if preferred. Ask us for more details.
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.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
