Not spotting a whale makes for meaningful whale watching

Keeping a keen eye out from the Butt of Lewis, a Hebridean Whale trail site at the northern tip of the Outer Hebrides

it’s official, we’re now in spring and thoughts may be turning to outdoor adventures.  Whale watching in Scotland is growing; numerous tour boats operate around our coast and there are some excellent land-based locations for spotting the denizens of the deep. When you’re out on a headland, gazing out over the big blue in the hopes of seeing a fin break the surface, can spotting nothing be just as rewarding? 

Whales and dolphins are wild animals, and the sea is their home. Any adventure in search of whales and dolphins should come with a healthy dose of respect for these elusive creatures. Any sighting or encounter is a privilege, and one you might have to wait a while for. 

In some ways wildlife documentaries have damaged wildlife watching. People expect to see ‘something spectacular’ — breaching whales, leaping dolphins, and killer whales attacking unsuspecting prey. The reality of wildlife watching is far removed; patience is a virtue and often you don’t spot anything. However, nothing spotted is not nothing gained - when you invest in the experience that’s when the real magic happens. 

SOAKING UP SOME ‘VITAMIN SEA’ 

Good mental health is paramount to people enjoying their lives and connecting with our seas and oceans provides tangible benefits to our mental wellbeing. Water makes up 70% of planet earth, but it also makes up 70% of the human body. The earth cannot survive without water, and neither can we; even our bones are comprised of 31% water. It is our most urgent biological need. This may explain why, when we are near water, sensory signals make us feel calm. Positive neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) are released rushing through our mind including endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and even oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’. This is part of the reason doctors now prescribe outdoor activity as a remedy for people suffering with mental health issues. So why not slow down, reconnect with our natural world and sea gaze…you never know, you may have an extraordinary encounter with a whale or dolphin, or you may just soak up some ‘Vitamin Sea’ while sitting in amongst the sea pinks or listening to oystercatchers chattering on the shore.  

‘NO DATA’ IS VALUABLE DATA 

While out watching wildlife, why not contribute to better understanding the species you see by recording what you’ve spotted (or not!).  Our Whale Track community of citizen scientists – members of the public who collect data - have been vital in deepening the knowledge of whale, dolphin, and porpoise species in Scottish seas.  Using the free Whale Track app downloaded to your smartphone, you too can become a Whale Tracker.  Recent updates to the app include the option to undertake a dedicated watch from land and recording the absence of animals is just as important as documenting the presence.  ‘No data’ is valuable data!

LET THE HEBRIDEAN WHALE TRAIL INSPIRE YOU 

The Hebridean Whale Trail was launched in 2019 to promote ‘slow tourism’: slowing down,  and appreciating the wee things that make the west coast  so special. Each site along the Hebridean Whale Trail is unique — some are amazing locations for spotting sea creatures, some are tied into the cultural history of people’s relationships with these gentle giants.. The Hebridean Whale Trail aims to make our coasts accessible, to inspire a sense of purpose (porpoise!) as you while away the hours looking out to sea. You are by no means guaranteed to see a whale or a dolphin at a Hebridean Whale Trail site; they are wild creatures and can be frustratingly elusive. However, if you take some time, look out sea and breathe in that fresh salty air, you may be rewarded with that one in a million moment when a wondrous creature appears before your very eyes. If not, then maybe you have spotted an interesting bird, or cloud, or matched your breathing to the waves, or let the fresh sea air blast you awake. Whale-watching is a complete experience, even if you don’t spot one!  

So if you head out to our coasts this spring, go with hope and not expectation. Either way good things will come…either mentally or more tangibly.  

Sea gazing from Glengorm, one of the Hebridean Whale Trail sites on the Isle of Mull

Please make sure your whale-watching adventure minimises disturbance, and is safe, respectful, and responsible. 

Top-tips for wildlife watching can be found HERE.

Find out more about how to be responsible and minimise your impact when out and about by checking out best practice HERE.

We would always recommend joining a boat trip where the crew have undergone training as part of the WiSe scheme - find out which companies have completed the training HERE