Mull Wildlife tour 2018 (seven days)
This wildlife tour will take place on the stunning island of Mull, along Scotlands west coast. Encounters with puffins, otters, and white-tailed sea eagles are an absolut highlight for any wildlife photographer. We will be focusing on these stunning species, but will take advantage of the long summer days to photograph the many other native animals on the island of Mull as well. An adventure, you don't want to miss!
Day 1: Sunday, July 1 2018
Travel to the island of Mull must be arranged individually. The drive from the ferry to our accommodation can be arranged upon consultation. We will arrive at our private house towards the afternoon. Upon our arrival, you will have the rest of the day to explore our house and the surroundings. We stay within walking distance of Calgary Bay, one of the most beautiful shores of Scotland that happens to also be otter territory. After eating dinner collectively, we will discuss our plans for the coming days. The next day will start early in the morning, to take advantage of the beautiful lighting and in order to find all the” early birds” (and other wildlife) around Mull!
Day 2: Monday, July 2 2018
On the second day, we will be splitting the group. One party will be concentrating on landscape photography together with David. The other half of the group will come with me, us focusing on wildlife photography. Our goal will be to find otters, while-tailed sea eagles and other regional animals and learn about their respective behaviour. After many hours observing the European otters, I have found the best places to watch and photograph them. As otters are known for being rather shy animals, we will be travelling in a small group, thus causing less noise and raising our chances of getting close to the animals. After an eventful day, we will have dinner together, look at our photography results and Dave will share some tips on how to optimally edit your pictures.
Day 3: Tuesday, July 3 2018
On Tuesday, we will go on a boat trip out to the island of Lunga. Here we will find many different species of native birds that specially fly here to breed. Amongst these species is the lovely puffin, a colourful, unique bird that is very photogenic and lets you photograph it from a close range. The opportunity to witness hundreds of these birds gathering this one time a year should not be missed. Puffins usually live solitary out on the open sea, only gathering on this island once a year from June to August. On day three our goal is to make spectacular pictures, not only of these birds, but also of the beautiful scenery. With such a spectacle, making fantastic photographs is almost guaranteed.
The impressive landscapes of Lunga and Staffa are covered in geometrically shaped pillars formed by Basalt, a type of volcanic rock. The diffuse light caused by cloudy or even rainy days can make the scenery mystical and secretive, while artistic silhouette pictures can be made using the direct sunlight. We will most likely have a mix between different types of weather thanks to our charming Scottish climate. The different lighting can be used to capture and create unique photographs.
Day 4: Wednesday, July 4 2018
The groups from Monday will switch around today. The landscape photography group from Monday will be coming with me for some wildlife photography. The wildlife group from day two will be working on some landscape photography with David today. After dinner you can join me on a voluntary walk in search of barn and short-eared owls.
Day 5: Thursday, July 5 2018
On Thursday we will be visiting the island of Lunga again. Those that didn’t achieve the desired photographs have another chance to apply their newly learned skills. Today “action photography” will be our main aspiration. Puffins will be at the height of their breeding season and will fly in and out of the caves in order to get food for their young ones. The pictures of the fish bearing puffins in flight, as well as the disputes between the birds will show nature at its finest. This also happens to be the time when the most puffins are inland.
After we get back to our accommodation and have dinner, there will be another voluntary walk to observe the nocturnal wildlife.
Day 6: Friday, July 6 2018
This morning will be spent revisiting wherever you please. Whether to visit the otters one more time, search for red deer, to focus on landscape photography, look through your photographs, or just enjoy a walk along the beaches, it is your free choice. In the later afternoon when the sun is low along the horizon, we will be in for a special treat. This afternoon we will be on a boat tour just for our photography group, in search of white-tailed eagles. We will have while-tailed eagle specialists with us and the best possible light conditions. Our goal is to witness these birds as they dive into the water and retrieve fresh fish. Their imposing 2.5-meter wingspan makes them one of the largest predatory bird species in Europe. After almost being wiped out by humans, their numbers have been steadily increasing since. Mull currently has about twenty breeding pairs. After a hopefully successful trip, we will end our last full day in an original Scottish pub.
Day 7: Saturday, July 7 2018
Today’s the last day of our tour. Those who wish, may join me on an early morning walk in search of wildlife before we check out. We must get out of the accommodation by 10 o’clock. Everyone is free to do as they wish afterwards. I will drive those without a car to the ferry terminals.
Dates & Availability
I'm very sorry but there are no dates available for this tour right now. Please contact me if you are interested to arrange a date.The dates above don't suit you or you'd like a special tour? Please feel free to send an enquiry using the form further down on this site. I'll be happy to help and see what I can do.
Group Size
4 People
Although the tours capacity has it's limits, I'll be happy to see if I can arrange something if you are a group bigger than the maximum capacity or if you have any other requests.
Accommodation
Cost
£1400.00 Per tour and person
Included is:
- The transportation around the island of Mull.
- All of the guided tours, including the tours per boat.
- The relaxing overnight stays in an accommodation rented exclusively for our group. We will be staying close to Calgary bay, with our own kitchen, living room, double room in single occupancy and double- or twin room available. Towels and bed linen are included. (https://www.isleofmullselfcatering.co.uk/)
- Scottish breakfast (back bacon, egg, baked beans, mushrooms and toast) at our accommodation or continental breakfast which includes freshly baked bread. A snack for lunch (a sandwich or soup). We will have dinner back at our accommodation (Thai, freshly cooked by our landlord) or soda, coffee and tea in a nearby pub. Please inform me about any allergies or special requests.
Not included in the price:
- The transportation to and from the island of Mull,
- the transportation from the ferry to our accommodation (depending on the arrangement),
- alcoholic drinks,
- liability insurance