Discover, Plan & Go!

You will be exposed to the truly spectacular scenery of the west coast of Scotland, from the sheer cliffs of Scarba to the sandy beaches of Tiree, as you sail the waters of the Hebrides surveying for cetaceans and other sea life. Working from on board the Silurian, a 21-meter ketch, with researchers Juliet Shrimpton and Clare Embling, you will record cetacean abundance along transects and record acoustic behaviors of encountered cetaceans using the latest technology. You'll photograph dolphins and whales for individual identification, and collect environmental information. You can also work as a member of the crew, gaining valuable sailing experience. The Silurian will pass sealochs, towering mountains, and medieval cliff-top castles and visit a variety of island ports, each with its own unique character and steeped in Highland traditions and culture.

Volunteers will share accommodations on board the Silurian, which has four snug cabins with eight berths and shower and toilet facilities. The showers are hot but with limited water, so you may want to take advantage of longer showers for a fee at onshore facilities, when available. All of the cooking will be done on board, and shared between crew and volunteers on a rotating basis, using your communal ingenuity and a variety of ingredients available at local grocery stores on shore.

As an Eons member, you'll get a free, 1 year membership to Earthwatch — a $35 value — when you sign up on any expedition. And members pay $100 less on their expedition contribution — so you save $135! Just put code EONS2007 in the comment field on the signup form, or, if you call, tell the Expedition Coordinator that you found us on Eons.

Earthwatch expedition-related costs may be tax-deductible in the US as volunteer expenses. Please check with your tax adviser.