Whale-Watching in Glendale, Isle of Skye
Minke Whale at Neist Point.
Minke Whales
Minke Whales often carry distinguishing marks, such as the one in the photograph above that has a diagonal scar on its left flank below the dorsal fin. Their commonest colouration is jet black but some individuals, believed to be juveniles, appear blueish with pale flanks.
Common Dolphins
Common Dolphins regularly come into Loch Dunvegan and, surprisingly, one of the best places to see them is outside The Three Chimneys restaurant at Colbost.
Porpoise
Harbour Porpoise are most often seen in Moonen Bay, very close inshore, at the point where Loch Mor flows into the sea.
Cetaceans
Neist Point in Glendale is undisputedly the finest place on the Isle of Skye for watching whales, dolphins, porpoise and basking shark, with pods being resident from May through to September. The peak months are June and July, when sightings of Minke Whales become almost a daily event.
The Minke Whales often approach within 5 to 10 metres of the shore, giving spectacular views and the amazing opportunity to hear them 'blow' as they surface.
To get the best views, choose a day when the sea is flat calm and pick your way carefully to the water's edge between the end of the point and the lighthouse. Find a comfortable rock, with a good view either side, sit and wait... patiently!
Minke Whale & Guillemot by the shore at Neist.
The length of an adult Minke Whale is 7-10m (23-33ft) and the dorsal fin is located two thirds of the way along its body, i.e. at the tail end. In the above photograph, the length of the whale's body above the surface is around 3 metres.
A guillemot measures 0.4 metres from beak to tail.