The UK’s Best On-The-Water Wildlife Travel Experiences

Matt Ovenden, Borrow A Boat’s on-the-water expert shares a guide to Britain's most spectacular wildlife holiday experiences

From the truly wild to the more domesticated, there are so many ways we can experience wildlife while on holiday here in the UK, and when it comes to creatures in or on our waters, the possibilities are endless.

Whether it's watching otters in their natural habitat, kayaking with seals or spotting whales in Scotland, there are infinite ways we can help ourselves feel that little bit closer to nature, one unique wildlife travel experience at a time.

Here, Borrow A Boat’s on-the-water expert, Matt Ovenden, shares his guide to the most spectacular and thrilling wildlife that can be spotted in and around some of Britain’s waterways and seascapes.

Matt says: “Boasting one of the longest coastlines in Europe, with nobody living more the 80km from the shoreline, no matter where you are in the UK there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy the abundant aquatic life. Whether on a boat, in a canoe, completely immersed in the water or just strolling along a riverbank, there is so much wildlife to be enjoyed here in the UK.”

Read on for Matt’s tips on animal encounters that will bring joy, create lasting holiday memories, and make us marvel at the wonder of our natural world. 

 

Go on a whale watching holiday in Scotland

You may think you need to travel to far flung countries to tick whale watching off your travel and adventure  bucket list, but it’s actually something you can enjoy right here in the UK.

One of the best locations to catch a glimpse of these giants of the ocean, is in Scotland. The stretch of water called the Minches, between the mainland and the islands of Tiree, Coll and Mull, is known to be a minke whale spotting hotspot, with dolphins and porpoises often seen in the area too.

As you set sail through Scottish waters, you may also get to see the jaw-dropping humpback whale passing through the northwest coast of Scotland, around the Hebrides. It’s not the most common of sights, but it’s thought that humpbacks are starting to make a comeback in Scottish waters as they pass through on their way down to the African tropics from October to March.

 

Kayak with seals in Pembrokeshire

Home to one of the largest breeding Atlantic seal colonies in the world, the Pembrokeshire coast is the perfect place to take to the water, hop on a boat and catch a glimpse of seals and their pups up close.

Expect the seals to be totally laidback in your presence. In fact, they are known for their curiosity and often swim alongside kayakers for miles. Tour operators are so confident you’ll encounter the inquisitive creatures that they even offer a ‘seal guarantee’ during certain months of the year.

 

Spy golden eagles whilst travelling The Isle of Mull

Aboard a chartered boat on the waters surrounding the Isle of Mull, spectators will find themselves at the perfect vantage point to watch white-tailed and golden eagles glide across their highland habitat. Watch them soar over the island of Mull’s lochs and rocky inlets as you meander your way through the waterways on a chartered boat trip.  

While the golden eagle might be why you pay this region a visit, the white-tailed eagle is often the real star of the show. Weighing up to 15lb and with an impressive eight-foot wingspan, it’s the UK’s largest bird of prey and the fourth largest eagle in the world.

 

Get on the water with otters on the Norfolk Broads

Otters prefer the backwaters of the Norfolk Broads, meaning the best way to spot them is often by kayak or canoe. Paddle out in the early evening as these cute (and often comical) creatures start to wake up.

With the help of a local guide and if you're extremely quiet, you should be able to spot these silken creatures diving in and out of the water. But be prepared to be patient; able to hold their breath for around eight minutes at a time, otters can take their time coming to the surface.

 

Spot dolphins in Cardigan Bay

Home to the UK’s largest pod of bottlenose dolphins, this 60-mile stretch of beautiful Welsh coastline offers Brits their best chance of spotting these stunning creatures in the wild.

Known as ‘dolphin central’, New Quay is a hive of dolphin activity – especially during the summer months, where you’ll likely see the pod playing along the shoreline.

Increase your chances even more by taking one of the daily charters from the harbour out on to the water. If you’re really lucky, the odd humpback whale or orca might just swim by…     

 

Fancy heading further afield for an On-The-Water Wildlife Travel Experiences?

For those who’d rather escape to far flung corners of the world, these are Matt’s top 3 on-the-water wildlife encounters in more exotic travel destinations…

1. For obvious reasons, polar bears are one animal you’d rather see from the safety of afar. Atop a boat sailing through the Svalbard Archipelago is one way you can safely see these truly magnificent creatures. You may think you’ve seen it all on wildlife documentaries, but nothing will quite prepare you for the spine-tingling thrill of seeing one in the wild.
2. Cruise through the land of towering mountains and giant waterlilies in the remote Pantanal National Park – otherwise known as Brazil’s best kept secret. As you search the most hidden corners of this little-known national park, expect to spy giant otters, varied birdlife and even some jaguars along the way.
3. If an underwater adventure is more your thing, head to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia to dive with some ocean giants – the whale shark. These majestic, 18 tonne beauties can be found around the reef from March until the end of July.

For more information on Borrow A Boat, or if you’re interested in heading out on to the water yourself visit: www.borrowaboat.com