Oh to be at sea, at the bow of a boat with
dolphins displaying all around. These idyllic and heady days seem to be there
for just a few. It may be just a dream for many but should you be visiting
Scotland you may be lucky enough to witness one of these marvellous sights of
the natural world. Dolphins can on occasions be seen from the shore. They
attract large crowds of visitors who jostle for advantage points. The lucky
ones have binoculars to hand however there is an alternative.
Oban on Scotland’s west coast is a hub for
all things marine. Whilst those who are lucky enough to live in this area view
ferries as part of the normal transportation network, marinas with their ever
increasing array of masts part of the natural vista tourism forms an
increasingly important part of the local economy. Attracting tourists for views and heather has
long gone. Today’s tourist seeks something to do or something specific to
experience which will enrich their lives.
Oban has all the water sports action available
and it is some of the best. Sailing, cruising, sea kayaking, river kayaking,
open water swimming and powerboating form the backbone of the activities but
for those wishing enrichment then seek out dolphins Oban. These magnificent
wild creatures do not turn up every day, they are free spirits that roam the
seas but local boat tour operators do come across bottlenose dolphins in Oban
fairly frequently. The boat operators have a local ‘jungle drum network’ so if
one boat finds dolphins in the Oban area then you can rest assured the others
will quickly know about it.
Dolphins in Oban Bay itself, perhaps is not
as common as dolphins outside Oban Bay. Oban is sheltered by the island of
Kerrera. This narrow channel forms Oban’s super highway with boats of varying
size from the smallest dinghy to the largest ferry passing close to the
shoreline. Possibly dolphins avoid Oban Bay itself due to the noise. You need
to head south to have the best chance of seeing dolphins. Our suggestion is to
join up with the area’s largest wildlife tour operator Seafari Adventures who
operate a fleet of five boats from Easdale. If they have all boats out on the
water at the same time that is five times the area being searched. Don’t worry
your tour will be intimate. Each of their boats only carries a maximum of 12
passengers and there is both a wildlife guide and a skipper aboard. Both
provide excellent commentary and are constantly watching out for those elusive
dolphins.
