WHALE TRACK SCHEME
Each year, thousands of sighting reports, submitted through excursion mode, land-based surveys and casual sightings are contributed through our community sightings network, Whale Track. Over the years, this long-term dataset builds an important picture about cetacean societies, providing insights into their lives and their movements, that are vital to inform suitable conservation measures.
To recognise the contributions of our Whale Track users, we have launched the Whale Track Scheme, which is an opt in scheme, to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and support of citizen scientists contribution to marine science and conservation.
The Whale Track Scheme is currently only open to boat operators, however we will be opening it up wider in the future.
Whale Track Scheme Members
Below are a list of all the companies who have joined the Whale Track Scheme, demonstrating their commitment to conservation and a sustainable wildlife tourism industry in Scotland. Please click a logo to visit their website and find out more about each of these dedicated boat tour companies.
Hebrides Cruises is a family-run small-ship cruising company offering exclusive wildlife voyages on the west coast of Scotland, including the Inner and Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, and beyond. With a deep respect for the marine environment, we provide expert-guided experiences focused on responsible wildlife watching, including encounters with whales, dolphins, basking sharks, and seabirds.
Islay Sea Adventures are an award-winning boat tour company based on the beautiful Isle of Islay. We offer a wide range of tours including Wildlife, Fishing, Seafood, Corryvreckan and more. Our tours not only focus on these activities, but also the rich history and culture of the island too. Alongside our public tours, we can also create bespoke private charters.
Shearwater Cruises sail from Ullapool Harbour on the northwest coast of the Highlands of Scotland. Boat trips from Ullapool Harbour to the Summer Isles via Loch Broom taking in the stunning scenery and mountains of Coigach and Scoraig peninsulas with views all the way to the Hebrides on a clear day. Our current crew has over 4 decades of experience each at sea offering tours, fishing, working offshore and in marine conservation.
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”. We like to think that our name encapsules our ethos of immersive, slow adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods, cultures and creating meaningful experiences and memories that linger.
Tiree Sea Tours is a small family business based on the isle of Tiree, we run 2 boats from both Tiree & Coll through out the summer season . With experienced skippers and dedicated wildlife guides we have had excellent sightings over the last 8 seasons.
Turus Mara are a family run business established in 1973, and have been visiting Staffa, Iona and the Treshnish Isles for over half a century. We provide ‘Puffin Therapy’ to many every year, and search for whales, dolphins and anything else along the way from our vessels Jack B and Hoy Lass.