In July this year (2013) I have exclusively chartered an ex- French fishing boat to take a group of interpid whale & dolphin watchers to the Isle of Man on a 5 day voyage. We will be conducting an 'informal' survey on board on the animals we see which may include Common, Bottlenose and Risso's Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, Minke Whale, and the 'holy grail' of marine animals we hope to see - 'Basking Sharks'. The waters around the Island are famed for 'Baskers'.
We number only 12 passengers with a crew of 3 which includes a cook. We are up to 11 participants now and we have space for just 'one male' person this is because of the configuration of the cabins and that individual will have to share with 3 other guys.
We sail from Holyhead marina at around midday on Monday the 1st of July and cruise up to the Isle of Man where we spend the next few days voyaging around the island during the day and berthing at a different port each night. Life on board is basic but comfortable. Breakfast and light lunch and beverages are included in the cost of the trip but evening meals are not included but the aim is to try the local 'watering holes' each evening at a different port. On Thursday evening we sail overnight back to the Welsh mainland and search the waters around Bardsey Island for marine life before disembarking at Holyhead marina late afternoon on Friday 5th.
The cost of this trip is £350 which includes accommodation in a shared cabin and meals as above except evening meals.
If you want some survey practice then this is your opportunity as the majority of our guests are experienced surveyors with one organisation or another but you don't have to take part if you don't want to.
Interested? Then get back to me a.s.a.p.
Contact Elfyn Pugh on 01654 703160 or e-mail wildaboutwhales@hotmail.co.uk
Please note that after 13th January I will not be contactable for 3 weeks.
I am grateful to Cliff Benson of 'Sea Trust' for giving me permission to place this advert on this blog.
