This area is a complex tapestry of marshland, estuary, sea cliffs, white shell beaches, magical Hebridean Islands, and of course the Atlantic Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. Huge sea lochs eat their way far into the western coastline, with rugged coastal headlands stretching for miles.

This makes for a fascinating location for the wildlife enthusiast, with numerous common seal and Atlantic seal colonies just offshore or miles out to sea on seemingly deserted islands. There are many species of cetacean including minke whales, common dolphins, rissos dolphins, white beaked dolphins and perhaps the most playful and regularly seen of them all, the huge bottlenose dolphin.

There are also basking sharks and rare sightings of sunfish, leatherback turtle and larger whales such as sperm and humpback. It is even possible to venture further afield for a possible sighting of fin or sei whales. Although less frequent, there are regular sightings of killer whales and pods are seen annually around the islands of Coll and Tiree. The West of Scotland is also the stronghold of the otter - perhaps Britain’s most enigmatic water creature – and on a wildlife watching tour you can pretty well guarantee to see one. The otter lives up to its billing. They are very cuddly looking when they have been onshore for a few minutes and their fur has dried out. In the water they appear sleek and the famous book about otters, Ring of Bright Water, is brought to mind when the otter leaves a ringed ripple on the water’s surface as it dives to search the seabed for food.

The sea has a life all of its own and is as interesting as the wild creatures that inhabit it, with numerous species of seaweeds, fish, crustacean and millions of seabirds that summer and winter here. Beachcombing can also be great fun for children and adults alike with lots of shells and driftwood to search for. Or spend a few hours discovering the sealife left behind in rockpools by the departing tide.

The busy port of Oban as well as Mull and the surrounding islands have a variety of operators offering wildlife cruises along the coastline and out to the many islands off the west coast. From 2 hour cruises to weekend cruising or even week-long safaris for the real enthusiast, there’s something to suit everyone. Should you wish to get even closer to nature and venture below the waves then there are also diving schools based here!

Or why not sail to the mysterious Gulf of Corryvreckan, the third largest whirlpool in the world, located between the Islands of Scarba and Jura, or to the Garvellach Islands where there are regular sightings of dolphins, porpoise and the occasional minke whale.

Conservation is an important part of the marine environment with rescue and research centres set up to protect the fragile wildlife. Centres such as the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, based in Tobermory, keep a close eye on the resident and visiting populations of marine mammals. The Scottish Sealife and Marine Sanctuary is an excellent place to learn about marine life and is a safe haven for injured and abandoned seals which will eventually be released back into the wild.