Wildlife by boat and by foot

Cruise through the rich, deep waters of the Bay of Biscay keeping watch for an abundance of marine life from Basking Sharks to Blue Whales and Striped Dolphins, then explore the foothills of Northern Spain on foot in search of birds, butterflies and wild flowers. Alternatively, explore the dramatic land and seascape of Shetland - home to Grey Seal, Arctic Hare, Otter, and the world's second largest Great Skua colony before witnessing the amazing spectacle of thousands of breeding Puffins, Guillemots, Shags and Fulmars at Sumburgh Head with Out of the Blue’s new wildlife tours for 2009.

Bay of Biscay – 4-day mini-cruise departing Portsmouth 6th and 27th August 2009

Few locations in the world offer such an extraordinary diversity of marine life as the warm temperate waters of the Bay of Biscay. Search for whales, dolphins, seabirds and sharks from an exclusive viewing platform on the Pride of Bilbao and receive expert knowledge from professional naturalists during informative talks and slide shows. The number and density of cetaceans is incredible and new species are continually being discovered for the region.

On arrival in northern Spain, enjoy a guided morning walk into the surrounding foothills in search of birds, butterflies and wild flowers before lunch back onboard, followed by an afternoon of whale watching. Later, travel through the Southwest Approaches in to the English Channel, keeping watch for Basking Shark, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise before disembarking late afternoon.

The mini-cruise costs £245 p/p (based on two sharing an inside cabin) including 3-nights accommodation aboard the Pride of Bilbao, guided walk in Spain and the services of two professional naturalist guides.

The Shetland Islands – 8-days, departing Sumburgh 18th July 2009

Shetland offers beautiful rugged land and seascapes, coupled with an incredible diversity of wildlife and marine life. Explore the islands by land and sea, searching out encounters with magnificent marine life, including Harbour Porpoise, Otter, Common and Grey Seal, and with luck Orca, White-Sided Dolphin, Minke Whale, Pilot Whale, Sperm Whale and Risso's Dolphin. After a welcome meal enjoy a unique night time boat trip to Mousa Broch and experience thousands of Storm Petrels returning to the island under the cover of darkness.

The next few days are spent amongst the mystical islands of the Shetlands with plenty of opportunities for land-based wildlife watching during excursions to the National Nature Reserves at Sumburgh Head, Noss, and Hermaness - a birdwatcher's paradise. Here, guided walks get up close with three large seabird colonies where tens of thousands of breeding Gannets Puffins, Guillemots and Fulmars can be observed. Finally, a full day is spent exploring Unst, the most northerly-populated island of the British Isles.

The tour costs £950 p/p including all transfers, 4-nights accommodation at Sumburgh Hotel and 3-nights at Baltasound Hotel with all meals.

For more information and bookings, log on to Oceansworldwide.co.uk.