Cruises in Gairloch Bay aboard a glass bottom boat • EnezGreen

Rich marine biodiversity and breathtaking Gairloch landscapes

Passionate about the secrets of nature, Richard Holmes transmits his naturalistic knowledge with enthusiasm. Over the sea, he has acquired the art of making passengers discover the wealth of the underwater world that hides in the depths of the loch, accessible only a few meters away.

Unique to Gairloch, ‘Sealife’ is the only glass-bottomed cruise ship to combine seabed discovery while enjoying the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Gairloch Bay. Situated in the beautiful mountains of North West Scotland, Gairloch is nestled at the water’s edge, between golden sands, magnificent forests and towering mountains.

Discovery of the seabed warm and dry

The perfectly crystalline water thanks to the presence of Maërls benches, combined with the ingenious device of underwater vision placed in the center of the cockpit, allows a remarkable observation of the seabed.

The circuit is well honed. Richard Holmes navigates with ease between the different ecosystems: algae fields, piles of rocks, sediment bottoms, mudflats and observes their occupants: crabs, marine worms, sea urchins, oysters, starfish, sponges, cod or other scallops… A feast for the eyes!

Accessible to all, the activity allows you to discover, warm and dry, the seabed of Loch Gairloch.

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Protected Marine Area, key-features

Taking a trip at sea to observe the remarkable marine biodiversity ★

The site: Gairloch and its surroundings are remarkably beautiful and unique. This trip at sea offered by SeaLife Tour will give you the opportunity to dive deeper into the nature of this preserved region. The pure waters of the loch make it possible to discover the marine biodiversity from a glass-bottom boat. The discovery tour is undertaken in a sheltered area situated at the far end of the loch.

Genuine environmental commitment ★★

Presentation: Richard Holmes has a rich professional experience. After having taught the practice of outdoor activities and sports, he has obtained qualifications from the Royal Yachting Association such as those of Yacht Master, Power Boat Trainer, Dinghy Coach. He is also a certified diver. He has worked throughout much of his life with teams of scientists, accompanying them in field missions.

Environmental policy: no antifouling paint is applied on the hull in order to avoid contaminating the sea with the metals contained in the paint. The boat is thus beached every month and its hull cleaned, which requires some organisation! The engine of the van attached to the centre runs on recovered oils while the diesel engine of the boat is will soon be running on biofuels. All the documents, including admission tickets, are produced using recycled paper. In winter, Richard organises an environmental training programme for the region’s schoolchildren.

Excellent service and qualitative information ★

The boats: SeaLife owns two boats which have both been recovered and upgraded. The glass-bottom boat was initially a passenger rescue vessels like the ones that still exist on certain merchants and passenger ships. It is one of the three glass-bottom boats available in the UK. This secure and seaworthy boat can accommodate up to 11 passengers in comfortable conditions. The centre of the cockpit area has been fitted out for everyone to have an individual glass screen through which they can admire the seabed. There are comfortable seating and a rigid roof covers the cockpit area provides shelter from the rain to passengers. The second boat is a semi-rigid craft that has been bought from the army and repaired. The use of a green engine in the near future is being considered.

The premises: a chalet situated in the port where reservations can be made provides all the information required. You will also find there various documents providing information on nature activities on offer at Gairloch and on the local fauna and flora.