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"Cetaceans" is the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoise. Minke Whale are the most frequently seen whale throughout the Hebrides. Although usually seen in the distance they will sometimes swim very close beside the boat, rolling on their side, to take in a better view. Common Dolphin are often seen in large groups (up to 1000 animals) and frequently bow ride vessels.

minke whale	common dolphin

Bottle-nosed Dolphins are being seen more regularly and we usually encounter the same group each time we travel through the Sound of Barra.

common dolphin	bottle-nosed dolphin

The Harbour Porpoise is a very small and shy mammal. Groups are often large and they can be seen fleetingly all around. 

Risso’s Dolphins are sometimes seen around the Western Isles in small groups. Shy dolphins, close encounters are particularly rewarding. Striped Dolphin, White-beaked Dolphin and White-sided Dolphin are more commonly seen further offshore, on our longer trips to the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda.

Risso's dolphin	white-beaked dolphins (Iceland 2006)

Orca (killer whale) are seen infrequently but on a regular basis. One encounter saw three orca bow riding Chalice for four hours. An unforgettable experience! 

orca (Iceland 2006)	orca and kittiwake
female orca with young calf	pod of orca

A positive sighting of a Sei Whale was made from Chalice some years ago. We had great encounters with Humpback Whales off Iceland in 2005 and 2006 and unconfirmed sightings have been made in the Hebrides. US Navy sonar records indicate that Blue Whale, Fin Whale and Sei Whale have, at least in the past, been reasonably frequent visitors to the waters around St Kilda. Scroll down to see more photos of whales and dolphins, all taken from our boats. 

humpback whale (Iceland 2005)	minke whale
orca tail (Iceland 2006)	minke whale off stern of Chalice
common dolphin	bottle-nosed dolphin
bow-riding dolphins	bow-riding dolphins
inquisitive bow-riding dolphin	striped dolphin (washed ashore)

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introduction to

Hebridean wildlife

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other marine

animals

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gallery: underwater

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gallery: birds

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gallery: puffins

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list of 96 birds

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wildlife of St Kilda

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other flora and

fauna

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"Seeing whales for

the first time...was

one of the best

experiences of my

life."

MR, Yorkshire

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Northern Light Charters, Achnacraig, Achindarroch, Duror of Appin, Argyll PA38 4BS | Tel: +44 (0)1631 740595

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