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Mini Cruise Around Scotland: Isle of Skye and the Small Isles
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Mini Cruise Around Scotland: Isle of Skye and the Small Isles
9 Days Starting and ending in Dunstaffnage Marina, Oban, Scotland
Visiting: Scotland
Tour operator:
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 11
Age range:
All ages
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A mini cruise around the sea lochs of the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles (Muck, Eigg, Rumm and Canna) has to be one of the best ways to visit the Hebridean islands. Extraordinary Scottish wildlife is everywhere from minke and occasional killer and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters to many species of rare sea birds, especially sea eagles.
Throughout the mini cruise you will anchor in secluded and tranquil sea lochs and sail against a spectacular backdrop of dramatic, pristine island coastlines, high sea cliffs, wild mountains and forests. For extra fun, bring your kitesurf or windsurfer, swim from the boat and don't forget your hiking boots for stunning island walks.
You start your cruise from Oban, and visit or sail past the stunning Small Isles and the west coast of Skye, which in Loch Scavaig has the most spectacular wilderness anchorage in the whole of Scotland. We travel along the west coast of Skye and at the next anchorage you can even visit Skye's famous Talisker malt whisky distillery.
Guests can choose to book St Hilda (maximum 6 passengers), Seahorse II (maximum 11 passengers) or Gemini Explorer (maximum 8 passengers). St Hilda is a traditional, wooden ex-Tall Ship. Seahorse II is an ex-Norwegian Ferry. Gemini Explorer is an ex-Cruising Lifeboat. All three ships have been converted to cruise the western islands of Scotland in comfort and style. The roomy deck saloons aboard our small ships are where everyone dines and socialises and the outdoor decks are perfect for spotting wildlife, relaxing and eating al fresco and, throughout the cruise, you will have the services of your own skipper and cook. The small ships’ tenders can also take you ashore for some wonderful, serious coastal and cliff walks or you could just wander along the shore beachcombing and examining the pretty seaside rock pools.
For more itineraries or departure dates please submit an enquiry form or contact us on 0800 086 2181.
Itinerary
Some of the places we may visit are:
Oban: Your departure point will be Oban (Dunstaffnage Marina), the gateway to the Hebridean isles. After a short introduction to life on board our small ship we depart for our first destination.
Isle of Oronsay: Just south of Oronsay Island is secluded Loch Drumbie, situated between the island and the mainland. A squeeze between high sided cliffs and we are in a perfectly sheltered anchorage.
Muck, The Small Isles: The small island of Muck (Muck is Gaelic for 'Pig') is only a couple of miles long and a mile wide. Ashore there are wonderful coastal walks and many seabirds. On Horse Island, which is accessible at low water, there is a colony of puffins.
Eigg, The Small Isles: The "Sgurr of Eigg", an ancient, eroded volcanic plug that creates a dramatic cliff on the east side of the island and a high ridge which runs west. There are beautiful white-sand bays and a quartz beach that creates the famous "singing sands".
Rum, Loch Scresort, The Small Isles: Rum Island is a National Nature Reserve and famous for its herds of red deer and sheer sea cliffs which are home to nesting sea eagles. A visit to the Kinloch castle near the anchorage is definitely worthwhile.
Canna, The Small Isles: Canna is possibly the most beautiful of all the Small islands. Its 200 metre high cliffs of Compass Hill rise dramatically out of the sea and we have a good chance of seeing both sea and golden eagles. The anchorage on Canna is one of the best of the Small Isles and a stroll ashore to see the wild flower meadows of Sanday's Machair is a pure delight.
Loch Scavaig, Isle of Skye: The most dramatic anchorage in Scotland, if not Europe. The loch is situated below the mighty Black Cuillins mountains, famous for their difficult rock climbs, and a large colony of seals on Sgeir Doigich. Make sure to make time to enjoy this breathtaking wilderness.
Loch Harport, Isle of Skye: Home to the famous Talisker malt whisky distillery.
Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Hebrides. If you wish, we can make time to visit the local distillery or visit eagles (Mull is the best place in the UK to see eagles).
Loch Spelve: A narrow entrance leads us in to the tranquil waters of Loch Spelve with its surrounding ancient oak forest. The anchorage gives us a different perspective than our previous views of the wonderful mountains of Mull. There are resident otters along the loch's shoreline.
But please note that this itinerary is an example itinerary and is weather dependant.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner
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Accommodation
Comfortable cabin accommodation
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