ISLE OF MULL - APEX ADVENTURES - ANDY GREEN

If you’ve ever been to Mull, you’ll know the magic of standing on the ferry deck from Oban, watching the beautiful island slowly draw closer, perhaps glimpsing a dolphin or two. I’d experienced it once before, but this time was different, I was heading there for my first-ever wildlife-focused trip with Apex Adventures.

As someone who’s deeply passionate about British wildlife, Mull was the dream destination. I was on the lookout for otters, white-tailed eagles, and the incredible variety of species the island has to offer. My goal? Make the most of every moment, and come away with some killer photographs.

To help make that happen, I put my trust in two good friends, Adam and Mike, to guide me through it all. And just to add an extra layer of challenge, I decided to film the entire experience for a YouTube video titled Isle of Mull Special: Are Paid Wildlife Photography Tours Worth It?

Nothing like a little pressure on your guides to keep things interesting!

After a long journey from Kent via London and York, I was picked up by someone I’d never actually met in person (but who would surely become a lifelong friend). As we drove off the ferry toward our cottage, I knew immediately, we had found a stunning place to rest and recharge after what would be long days chasing wildlife.

Adam was hosting the trip, with Mike joining a few days in, and from the moment we arrived, the vibe was fantastic. Adam greeted us with open arms and a big grin, joined by our final guest for the trip. Within five minutes, I knew this group, Adam, Pete, Sean, and myself, was going to have not just a fantastic experience, but a seriously fun one too.

First things first: food!

Honestly, the meals turned out to be one of the many unexpected highlights of the trip. Weeks before we arrived, Adam messaged to ask about dietary requirements, he planned to stock the kitchen and serve as our in-house chef. He made it clear that if anyone wanted to contribute or had a specialty dish, they were more than welcome, but otherwise, he’d take care of everything. Now, I’m no cook, so I stayed out of the kitchen, knowing I’d contribute in other ways. But the others whipped up some incredible meals, and the communal, friendly atmosphere made the experience feel almost like a little family holiday. Evening meals, the smell of bacon in the mornings, packed lunches ready for the day ahead, it was all part of the charm.

Strange as it sounds, that homely vibe was a big part of what made the trip so special and memorable.

But let’s talk wildlife.

Most people come to Mull for the otters and white-tailed eagles, and I was no exception. Both are breath-taking animals, but they demand very different approaches to find and photograph. We’ll start with the eagles: the largest bird of prey in the UK. I’d seen photos, read stories, but nothing prepares you for seeing one up close. Before the trip, I’d learned we were booked for two outings with Mull Charters. I’ll admit, I was a little sceptical. I worried the experience might feel too predictable or “staged,” since sightings were almost guaranteed. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Seeing these enormous birds soaring just above the water was unforgettable. And the knowledge shared by the charter crew added so much depth. I learned about their struggles, their comeback story, and I got some incredible flight shots, thanks to guidance from Adam, who gave me valuable tips on bird-in-flight photography (a skill I was pretty new to). Having two trips turned out to be a masterstroke. The first was pure excitement. I embarrassingly shouted, “There’s an eagle, it’s coming in!” a bit too loudly when I spotted the first one speeding toward the stern of the boat just ten minutes after we left the jetty. I fired off shot after shot, filling my memory card. But the second trip? That’s when I could slow down, get creative, and really enjoy the moment. Booking both sessions was a brilliant decision by Apex Adventures, and it helped me capture some of my all-time favourite images.

Now, the otters.

Wow. These animals are emotional to watch, elusive, playful, and completely mesmerizing. And I can say with total confidence, I would never have had such a magical encounter without Adam and Mike (who had now joined us). Their understanding of the island, the animal’s behaviours, and their fieldcraft was next-level, and it is knowledge I’ve carried with me ever since.

Even with all their experience, otters aren’t guaranteed. You need a lot of luck to not only spot them but also have a respectful chance to photograph them without disturbing their natural behaviour. Adam had hired a car for us all, chauffeuring us around like wildlife royalty. Every bend in the road felt like it could hold the next surprise. One morning, after a pre-dawn bacon sandwich and a sleepy drive, we stopped at our destination and started with a coffee break. The water was calm, like glass. We looked down and there she was. A stunning female otter, gliding through the shallows, sunlight dancing on the surface. I didn’t even need my camera. That moment will stay with me forever. Over the next couple of days, we had several more chances to apply what we’d learned. We all came away with brilliant photos, but what struck me most was the care we took not to intrude on the otters’ world. Sadly, we did see some questionable behaviour from others, all in pursuit of “the shot.” But Adam and Mike were clear, we wouldn’t be copying that. With luck, patience, and the right approach, we wouldn’t need to and they were right.

Beyond the headline species we encountered an incredible variety of birds and mammals while exploring every corner of the island. The trip was unforgettable and my YouTube video came to a very simple conclusion: