Offshore Out of the blue Whale and dolphin-watching has become big business in recent years, but, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, some tour operators are doing more harm than good, continually chasing after the whales and dolphins and disturbing their feeding patterns and social interaction. As a result, the WDCS has launched its own travel wing, Out of the Blue. Each trip includes whale and dolphin-watching from motor launch, yacht or raft, talks by local naturalists and WDCS researchers, and a visit to a WDCS field station to learn about conservation work. Prices do not include flights or travel. UK Lundy Island Lundy Island stands 10 miles off the coast of north Devon, where the Atlantic meets the Bristol Channel.
Visitors come here particularly for birdwatching and diving.
The eerie call of the manx shearwater can be heard late in the day, and sightings of rare migrant birds are common in spring and autumn. Lundy was the first designated underwater marine reserve in the UK and, as the water here is very clear, diving is excellent, although the temperature is only for the sturdy. All dive groups must get permission from the warden, and warden- led snorkelling sessions can be arranged. Owned by the National Trust, but managed by the charity Landmark Trust, its properties have been preserved and renovated and are now let out to tourists. These self-catering properties accommodate 102 people and there is also camping space for 40.