Welcoming our newest Corporate Partner St Hilda Sea Adventures

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is delighted to announce a new Corporate Partnership with St Hilda Sea Adventures.

Vessels St Hilda and Seahorse II at St Kilda

Oban-based St Hilda Sea Adventures provide small ship cruising and wildlife holidays among the breathtakingly beautiful islands, sea lochs and mountains of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. They have three unique vessels: St Hilda, an ex-Tall Ship; Seahorse II, an ex-Norwegian Ferry and Gemini Explorer, an ex-Cruising Lifeboat - all converted to cruise in comfort and style. The company is passionate about wildlife.

Minke whale seen from St Hilda

‘Leave Only A Wake’ Policy

St Hilda Sea Adventures are committed to excellence in offering holidays to people who have a feel for the sea and its wildlife, both below and above the waves, as well as ashore. Holidays operate on a strict ‘leave only a wake’ policy, aiming to respect the sea and the local marine and shore-based environment. To leave everything as it is found is their motto, respecting the delicate eco-system balance of sky, sea and shore. The “leave only a wake” policy is explained by their skipper at the start of every trip and practiced by guests and crew throughout the trip.

All of St Hilda Sea Adventures Scottish cruises throughout the islands and Sounds of the Outer and Inner Hebrides are designed with the region's spectacular wildlife in mind and guests are always delighted at the wealth of wildlife they encounter, photograph and record on the cruises. All of the Scottish small boat cruises are wildlife cruises, and wildlife guides accompany guests on some of the cruises.

HWDT were delighted to be approached by St Hilda Sea Adventures to find out about becoming WiSe accredited, using our Whale Track app and support us through our Corporate Partnership scheme. Their crew are all set to undertake the WiSe training in April 2020 in preparation for the 2020 season at sea.

Each ship has a special ‘green corner’ where WiSe qualified crew will explain the importance of the ‘leave only a wake’ policy and how to approach, observe and record cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and basking sharks (they also sponsor The Shark Trust). St Hilda Sea Adventures work with HWDT and The Shark Trust by reporting and recording sightings - guests are enthusiastic spotters!

Dolphin spotted from Seahorse II

As a Corporate Partner of HWDT, St Hilda Sea Adventures foster environmental awareness and actively promote the values of HWDT; fully engaged with HWDT’s mission and working to safeguard the future of Scottish seas and cetaceans.

For details of HWDT’s Corporate Partnerships, contact Gemma Paterson, Head of Fundraising and Communications, on gemma.paterson@hwdt.org

To find out more about St Hilda Sea Adventures follow: https://www.sthildaseaadventures.co.uk/