Out of the Blue

Specialist Reports Special Interest Holidays Wildlife Operators Out of the Blue 

	Out of the Blue
Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1LY			MAP
tel: (01249) 449 533

A not for profit company run by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society offering whale and dolphin watching trips plus other wildlife outings, the profits going to fund the charity's projects in the local economy and specific conservation projects. Trips are led by locally-based conservation experts, often a WDCS project leader, and usually with a WDCS tour leader as well, though in some cases these are one and the same. Groups are as small as possible, often around ten people. The organisation's main website aims to offer the most comprehensive whale watching database covering land, boat and air-based whale-watching operators and tour companies.

Recommendations

The UK tours such as the four-day short breaks to Scotland and the Moray Firth where they have had children as young as five. (The children may already have adopted one of the dolphins at £3 per month.) Accommodation is in a converted 18th century brewery. For the trip to Cardigan Bay in Wales accommodation is in three cottages, with chance to view bottle-nosed dolphins and day trips out to sea at one of the UK's marine heritage sites. For further ideas suggest contacting the office to discuss as some trips are really designed with adults in mind. However, options include two nights, four days in New England based at the Radisson Hotel on the waterfront at Plymouth, or a two-week trip to Alaska suitable for 12+ and including kayaking. Can also arrange specialist itineraries for groups.

Sample Price

Both the Moray Firth and the Cardigan Bay trip are £420 per adult, £325 for under 14s, TheAlaskan trip is from £2,100 per person.. Transport there in all cases is extra and flights can be booked through Wexas International.