Whale Safari

The island's biggest outfit, Whale Safari, which operates the Whale Centre, runs popular cruises between late May and mid-September. The tour begins with a guided tour of the Centre and slide show, followed by a three to six-hour boat trip. If you fail to sight at least one sperm whale, your next trip is free. There's also a chance of spotting minke, pilot and humpback whales and, towards the end of the season, killer whales (orcas).

Trips depart at least once daily (at 11:00) with up to six sailings in high summer. Your fee includes a light lunch, if you can face it - staff pass around the seasickness pills, just like airline boiled sweets before take-off. A tip: weather and high seas only rarely prevent a sailing but try to build in an extra day on the island, just in case you're unlucky.