Wildlife between Loch Coruisk and Elgol
Sea Life
Although spotting some of the rarer sea life on your boat trip from Elgol to Loch Coruisk can't be guaranteed (except for the trustworthy Seals! They are always around posing for photos!), there are many interesting sightings every season.
Basking Sharks are large plankton feeders - the second biggest fish after the Whale Shark. It is a wonderful moment when you see one as they tend to come near to the boat as we sit taking photos - they are friendly and inquisitive rather than frightened. Their good nature is a bonus for passengers, but a problem for the sharks as this is a large part of the reason there are now so few left: they are such easy prey for hunters.
Dolphins and Porpoises also frequent the waters between Elgol and Loch Coruisk and are very photogenic and a huge favourite with children.
Minky Whales occasionally appear in the waters as well - another sighting that cannot be guaranteed, but makes a lovely bonus for passengers when they are around.
And then, there's the seals! Because Seumas has been taking passengers from Elgol since 1967 he knows where all the seals are and also how near the boat can go without frightening them. We take the safety and well-being of the seals - and other wildlife - very seriously.
The seals are always there ready to have their picture taken, and often to give the passengers a wave! It is a treat to come with us during June and July when their pups are still small.
Birds
On your boat trip to Loch Coruisk you will be in an ideal situation to see a huge variety of bird-life. Last season we had several confirmed sightings of Sea Eagles above the landing steps which lead to Loch Coruisk. We almost always see Cormorants, Common Shags and Oyster Catchers as well as various types of Gulls. Guillemots, Razorbills, Manx Shearwaters, Puffins, Golden Eagles, Buzzards, Great Northern and Black Throated Divers and Eider Ducks are just a taster of some of the other types of bird life we see between Elgol and Loch Coruisk.
We have various bird watching books on board and binoculars just in case something rare pops up. And you may be lucky enough to be there on a day when our friend, Bob McMillan, is on board. Bob is the author of the book, "Skye Birds" and will be able to help you in any questions you may have about even the rarest birds on Skye.
For more information on bird watching on the Isle of Skye, check out Bob's website www.skye-birds.com.