Join us for an amazing opportunity to see Europe’s largest bird of prey up close. White Tailed Eagles are amazing birds and the memories will last a lifetime. We also usually see a wide range of gulls and other sea birds, common and grey seals, harbour porpoise and sometimes common dolphin. Sometimes even an otter.

We run the trips from Lochaline and Tobermory. From Lochaline you are likely to see more Eagles and get more dives on the boat, so if it’s that catch photo you want, this is the trip for you. The Tobermory trip has a couple of fabulous locations, but this one offers more variety in the wildlife. We would usually see Guillemots, Shearwaters and often see Common Dolphins and Minke Whales on this trip, so do the Tobermory trip if you want a trip with lots of wildlife variety.

We now only run these trips as photographer friendly trips, so a max of 6 on board on any trip. That also means way more room on the boat for everyone and the space to move around comfortably when exciting things happen.

Itinerary

leave Lochaline from Lochaline Ferry Terminal – what3words: ///obscuring.caves.neckline

We then visit several White Tailed Eagle home ranges on the Sound of Mull before returning to Lochaline. There is usually an opportunity to do a spot of fishing while we are out.

Tobermory trips leave from Tobermory Harbour pontoons with the long photographers trip heading a good way into Loch Sunart.

Oban trip leaves from the North Pier (near the Chocolate shop!). Meeting point is What3Words: ///stealthier.smaller.beep

The boat

Island Panther is an 11m Cabin RIB that is hugely capable in any weather and we love it for its stability. It has seating around the stern deck and plenty of space for 6 photographers (or 8 wildlife watchers). We cruise at about 20kts which means that we can visit a number of pairs of eagles within the trip. We travel inside the cabin, so it’s always toasty warm inside with lots of space to stow gear.

Equipment required

Camera! Ideal focal length is 3-400mm on a full frame camera, but your phone will do.