Sharks & Suncream

Monday’s whalewatch explorer started with high hopes as Sula Beag sailed out of the harbour on flat calm seas and in glorious sunshine.

We had our first sighting of a Minke whale just 45 minutes into the trip – a record for the SLS team this season. We had great views of surfaces, and spent a good hour with 2 whales found in that area before heading off out to sea to see what else was around.

After landing on Muck for lunch and (yet more!) carrot cake (if you ever want to bribe the SLS crew, you know where to go), we left Port Mor amongst lots of porpoise, giving us a graceful show.

Amid the “mirror like” sea, in the distance, we spotted a pod of 20 common dolphins steaming towards us. They treated us to a spectacular sight of them herding and feeding on a shoal of fish, before playing around the boat. They continued to follow us, bow riding and jumping alongside Sula Beag, seemingly enjoying the cheering from the passengers on board.

With smiles all round, we headed back into the Sound of Mull, liberally applying the sun cream. In the distance, a 3rd whale was spotted, along with a large basking shark (the first shark for me this season – I was grinning from ear to ear)!
We approached the shark, and when all eyes were on it, a second showed itself behind the boat.

All on board had amazing views of the sharks, seeing their impressive gill rakers which they use to feed on plankton.

3 whales, 20 dolphins, 25+ porpoise and 2 sharks – a memorable day for all on board.
Now, where’s that after-sun moisturiser.....

Abs – SLS guide.