If you didn’t have time on your first day in Tobermory for a boat tour, it should be the priority for day two. The four-hour Staffa Tours trip departs from Ledaig Pontoon and with the safe and speedy craft you’ll soon be out on Mull’s wild west, soaking up the stunning scenery and seascape. But don’t forget to look up! In addition to magnificent white-tailed and golden eagles, you should see shags, fulmars, great black-backed gulls, herring gulls and even puffins! Despite their inept-looking flight, puffins are powerful creatures of the sea and as comfortable underwater as a seal. You’re bound to see those too, in addition to rare minke whales and massive basking sharks. This boat trip will take you to wildlife paradise.
From the water, your guides will point out ancient hilltop fortresses and medieval chapels that date back to Viking times and beyond. The rich history of the area is party down to what’s going on underwater; these shores are bathed in the soothing Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current that comes all the way from the Caribbean. The Gulf Stream’s purpose is to transport warm water away from the equator towards the North Pole, and by happy coincidence Scotland’s west coast is right in its path. This explains the mild winters compared to other places of the same latitude; it rarely snows at sea level here. The flora and fauna are also unique, with jungles of tropical plants lining the foreshore. But, while gazing ashore at these natural beauties, remember to stay tuned into what’s happening around the boat too, because dolphins enjoy riding the bow wave created by MV Angus’s powerful engines.
With all these
