Swimming with the Seals

Last Wednesday we took a trip down to Fort William so we could go out on the SeaXplorer fast boat down Loch Linnhe and swim with the Seals. Fort William is a good 2 hours from Caravan 109 at Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, but it is well worth the trip for a wildlife excursion on the RIB (rigid inflatable boat).

The boat leaves from the pontoon by the Tourist Information Centre at Ballachulish (next to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel). We headed out under the Ballachulish Bridge and then across Loch Linnhe to a few small islands on the far side. The tide was a bit high for there to be lots of Seals, but there were half a dozen lounging on the rocks.

We put on our wet suits and plunged in to the 'freezing' water!! The seals were very inquisitive and although they didn't come right up to us, it was a great feeling to be capturing their curiosity. There were a couple that came quite close, mimicking our moves. After about 15 minutes we decided to leave them be so as not to disturb them too much. After all it is their natural habitat.

As we swung round to head back across the Loch, a young White Tailed Sea Eagle flew out of the trees. It had a white wing tag on it which indicated that it is two and a half years old and was hatched on the Island of Mull. A fantastic end to a perfect evening.

If you would like to swim with Seals from SeaXplorer this year or indeed next, please e mail here and put Seals in the subject box. Please add any comments or questions.