Whale Watching Port of Ness

Whale Watching with Janet Marshall

Tuesday 1st October

10am – 2pm Tiumpan Head

Wednesday 2nd October

10am – 2pm Port of Ness

Tiumpan Head, east of Stornoway,
and Berie just northeast of Port of Ness are two of the best places in Europe to see the widest range of whales and dolphins from land. The water gets very deep very quickly at both locations so the big beasts are sometimes so close in that they can be seen as well as heard.

Well known local wildlife observer Janet Marshall will be at Tiumpan Head on Tuesday 1st October, and at Port
of Ness on Wednesday 2nd October 10:00 – 14:00 and will help point
out any wildlife, describe the botany and associated folklore. Janet has
seen 18 different varieties of whale and dolphin from these shores, and helped co-ordinate the response to the mass stranding of Pilot Whales on

Lewis last year. On a clear day we have spectacular views of the mainland, and also from Tiumpan we can see to Skye.

This event is weather dependent, if it is wild and wet the creatures may well be there, it is just that we can’t see them through the annoying, pointy, fin- shaped waves. If there is poor visibility only creatures that come really close in can be seen. An alternative date may be given, watch out for details.

Please park carefully, at Tiumpan either near the lighthouse, avoiding blocking access, or a little further back

along the road in a parking area. At Port of Ness there is parking above the harbour then head north east. Wear suitable footwear, there is a gravel path at Tiumpan but at Port of Ness you walk over grassland that can be wet. Use sunscreen as the sun reflecting on the sea can give you a double dose of UV. The wind can be chilly so be prepared with some warm garments – however it can also get pretty warm so make sure that you stay hydrated.

Janet has several pairs of binoculars that you may borrow, but bring your own if you have them.