Wildlife tour // Ullapool – Oban | Atlasail Atlasail Homepage

Wildlife tour // Ullapool – Oban

Scotland

Ullapool > Stornoway > Shiants islands > Isle of Canna > Tiree > Oban

This wonderful trip focuses on life in and on the water.

We visit some of the best places in Scotland for spotting Whales, Dolphins, basking sharks and the various species of birds. On this trip there is a "Wildlife Expert" on board who can tell you all about what we see along the way.

Embarkation / Disembarkation

  • Embarkation: August 11 from 18.00 in Ullapool
  • Disembarkation: 18th August to 10.00am in Oban

Cost

Because our double cabins vary in size, we have divided them into two categories.

  • Standard cabin ...............................€ 1395,- per person
  • Comfort..........................................€ 1525,-per person
  • Single cabin........................... € 2095,- ( limited availability)

Included:

  • Based on double cabin with shower and toilet.
  • Bed linen and towels.
  • Crew consisting of: Captain-Sailor-Cook
  • Use of Zodiac for landings.
  • Half board including coffee-tea-milk and juice with meals.

Not included:

  • Arrival and departure to the ship
  • Personal expenses
  • Any additional entrance fees and drinks
  • Drinks on board

We sail with an international travel company on board. Our guests on this sailing trip include those from the Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Germany, Sweden and Scotland.


Gesproken talen aan boord: Dutch, German, English

 

Possible Itinerary:

As a sailing ship, we are largely dependent on the weather. The program below is a guideline and can be adjusted under the influence of weather, currents and especially the wind. This may mean that we skip ports or call at ports other than those described below. Flexibility is the rule!

Day 1: Arrival Ullapool

Ullapool is a relatively young town founded in the late 18th century during the peak of the herring catch. The rugged landscape surrounding Ullapool is known for its nature, wildlife and many bird species found here. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and other guests over a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 2: Stornoway via Tiumpan Head

Today we depart on time for Tiumpan Head, the northern tip of the Eye Peninsula on Lewis. Tiumpan Head is one of the best spots in the UK for spotting cetaceans and is known as one of the main hotspots for Risso Dolphins. At the end of the day we set sail for Stornoway where we spend the night.

Day 3: Shiants

Today we leave Stornoway early and set sail for the Shiants, an isolated archipelago south of Stornoway. The Shiants consist of 3 islands; Garbh Eilean (rugged island), Eilean an Taighe (Island with House) and Eilean Mhuire (Island of the Virgin Mary). The name of the Shiants themselves can be traced to Holy or Enchanted Islands. The area around the Shiants are a hotspot for whales and several dolphin species. The Shiants themselves are one of the most important breeding grounds for seabirds in Europe, including 65,000 puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and the rare northern shearwater. The island is geologically very interesting. There are 110-meter-high basalt cliffs and several Rock Arches and caves on the islands. A book has been written about the history and life on the Shiants: Searoom.

In calm weather, we can spend the night at anchor among the islands.

Day 4: Canna via Neist Point

We depart from our anchorage on the Shiants toward Canna, one of the four Small Isles south of Skye. Along the way we pass Neist Point, the westernmost point on Skye. We are now on the "Sea of the Hebrides," one of the first marine protected areas for the benefit of cetaceans since 2020. The tidal currents around Neist Point make this an interesting area for Basking Sharks and various cetaceans.

Day 5:Tiree

In the morning sail towards Tiree, an island with beautiful sandy beaches and remarkably flat compared to the surrounding islands. On the way we pass Hawes Bank. A plateau where the seabed rises from a depth of 150 meters to 25 meters. Here nutrient-rich water rises from the depths to the surface making this area diverse and productive in terms of animal life. Tiree is on average the sunniest place in the UK!

Day 6: Tobermory

We set sail for Tobermory, picturesque Tobermory is the largest town on the Isle of Mull. It is a charming little place with brightly colored houses and an array of small businesses including a chocolate shop, bakery, candle maker, silversmith, art gallery and a potter, among others. Tobermory is also known for its art centers, a small theater company and some good pubs and eateries. And, of course, you can visit the famous Tobermory whiskey distillery on our trip. Around the natural bay there are some wonderful walks to be had.

On the north side of the entrance to the "sound of Mull" is the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, the waters around the lighthouse are the known as a good place to see Minke whales.

Day 7 & 8: Oban

In the morning we bid farewell to Tobermory and sail south through the Sound of Mull towards Oban. Along the way we can enjoy the scenery and the many porpoises that call the fish-rich waters here home. In the late afternoon we arrive in Oban where we enjoy a delicious last meal on board. In the morning, after a full breakfast, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye to the ship, crew and other guests.


Flying Dutchman

Year of Construction 1903

Sailing vessel The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman is built in 1903. In 2004 Klaas bought this ship and reconstructed it in order to serve as a passengers’ ship that is able to sail the international waters. The ship has a worldwide license according to international safety rules and the ship has been outfitted with the latest navigation and communication systems.

The interior is warm and cosy. The mahogany wood adds to the maritime atmosphere. Refreshments can be found at the bar which is provided with a beer tab. Each cabin has its own bathroom with toilet and shower. Outside you will find plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the passing scenery.