A Day on the Open Water!

Yesterday I was lucky enough to get a spot on one of SaltDog Marine’s 4-hour pelagic tours.

Little did I know just how close the wildlife would eventually come!

The weather was just what I had hoped for, spots of cloud but plenty of light out on the open water.

Come to think of it, it was one of the calmest days I think I have had on the open water, even with the choppier afternoon. The trip took us around the mouth of the Tay, zigzagging around trying to spot Dolphins, to which we only saw a couple of fins before losing sight of them.

There was plenty more to see, from Guillemots, Gannets and Eiders to an Arctic Skua, to name a few.

*Artic Skua checking us out after it had chased a Turn for some food.*

Not often do you get Gannets relaxing in the water right next to the boat!

After a quick break at St Andrews for lunch, we came across another boat coming into the harbour claiming the Dolphins were just out and to the left of us. So off we went to investigate.

Very shortly after, our luck came in!

The Dolphins were splashing around, looking like they were on the hunt for their lunch. We slowly joined them in their direction of travel, stopping when they came close to the boat.

Very quickly, the Dolphins became interested in us! Coming within arm’s reach of the boat and far too close for us long-lensed photographers! At least the experience made up for the lack of photos at that distance!

A trio chasing the boat on the starboard

We even started to recognise which was which from their different markings and characteristics.

This one was nicknamed “Floppy” due to it’s lopsided dorsal fin.

After all the excitement of Dolphins splashing, swimming under our boat, looking at us and spraying us, they went back off on the hunt and we parted ways.

A quick scout up the north end for other pods did not bear fruit this time, and just like that, it was time to slowly head back to Broughty Ferry.

On route back, we went over to Tentsmuir Sands to see the seal population and “Eider Island” just off the sands.

The Seals were shy at first but, as always, got very inquisitive after a few minutes, and their faces always bring a smile to your face!

A couple got very close once we sat on the water for a short period

The Eiders, on the other hand, are fantastic ducks to watch. Not only are they the heaviest ducks around this part of the world, but they are also the fastest, reaching speeds of 70mph! There’s something special about seeing hundreds shooting past the boat at breakneck speed!

Eider on the take off!

If you get a chance to take a trip with SaltDog Marine, I would highly recommend it. Just remember, you will see plenty even if the dolphins come out to play!

Cannot wait for the next one, prepared with a few new ideas from the trip on how to better capture the dolphins!