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Seek out whales, otters and eagles on our most popular wildlife holiday.
*As featured in the Guardian Travel from 13th June 2015*
“You never forget spotting your first whale!” Emma Cook – The Guardian
Enjoy wonderful opportunities to see the full range of wildlife on this Isle of Mull wildlife holiday. Includes a wildlife and whale-watching tour, where you might be lucky to have the chance to see Minke whales, as well as basking sharks, porpoise and a multitude of seabirds. Then a “wildlife safari” where expert local guides will help you track down some of Mull’s many other birds and mammals – including elusive otters and majestic golden and white-tailed eagles.
If you would prefer a longer holiday, then take a look instead at our Mull Week of Wildlife.
The Hebridean Isle of Mull is Scotland’s mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. Its many miles of coastline boast fantastic sandy beaches – particularly at Calgary and Ardalanish – while off-shore is one of Europe’s prime habitats for whales and dolphins, not to mention seals and porpoises. Majestic golden eagles and huge white-tailed eagles soar overhead – provided you know where to look – while otters make their dens around the loch shores and deer nuzzle on the hillsides.
Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides both onshore and offshore, you’ll have the best possible opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. You’ll also have time at leisure to explore the island as you wish – whether that’s further wildlife spotting, putting your newfound skills into practice, or going for a long stroll along near-deserted coastline. You could even choose to take advantage of the local shopping delights in and around the main town of Tobermory.
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 also enjoy a private lounge/TV room with glorious views over the village and glen.
Your accommodation is a traditional Fishermans cottage converted to offer comfortable and welcoming surroundings, nestled in the heart of Tobermory. You’ll have your choice of dinner options in Tobermory – from the freshest fish & 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.
Based on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland, with a choice of accommodation options. This holiday can be self-drive and is also perfectly feasible using public transport, providing you choose to stay in Tobermory. There is a regular train and bus service from Glasgow to Oban, from where you can travel as a foot passenger to Mull. Local bus services connect with selected ferries and take you direct to Tobermory.
Option A – Dervaig: £625 per person for April, £730 per person for May to September.
Option B – Tobermory: £825 per person for April, £875 per person for May to September.
All prices based on two people sharing a twin/double room.
Price includes:
This holiday is perfectly feasible using public transport, providing you choose to stay in Tobermory. There is a regular train and bus service from Glasgow to Oban, from where you can travel as a foot passenger. Local bus services connect with selected ferries and take you direct to Tobermory. The price for this holiday without a car is £830 per person in April, £875 per person May to September, based on two sharing a double room ensuite in Tobermory. This includes return train travel from Glasgow.
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. No refund will be made if you are not lucky enough to see 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.
We work hard to make sure the unexpected doesn’t affect your trip. On rare occasions, changes or cancellations may occur, affecting accommodation, transport or excursions. We are committed to informing you of any such circumstances and will use our knowledge and resources to offer suitable alternatives wherever possible.
You are requesting availability for
This holiday can be arranged from mid-April to mid-September.
Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days.
Please note: All fields marked * are required
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 touch from Robert's recommendations and the quality of the two wildlife tours really made it something very special.Jayne & Family, Essex, England
Lovely break - beautiful island and the people were all very nice.Julia & Linda, Hertfordshire, England
Great to have everything arranged as it meant we could really make the most our time. Mull was spectacular! We didn't want to come home.Stephanie & Adam, Nottingham, England