St Kilda and the Shiants - British Isles Cruise

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 will set sail to our first destination. Afternoon tea (clotted cream and scones) will be served en-route. Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Western Isles. 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 sea eagles). Canna, the Small Isles: We can set sail for the scenic anchorage at Canna and its neighbouring Sanday. There are seabirds galore on the island's high sea cliffs - puffins, shags, razorbills, black guillemots, Manx shearwaters - and breeding there, in the high crags, are sea eagles. There are two lovely beaches, three churches, a tiny ruined castle and a population of less than 20! A short climb up Compass Hill gives wonderful views of Skye and our destination, the islands of the Outer Hebrides. Rum, the Small Isles: We will pass close to the Small Isles of Muck and Eigg to arrive at Rum the largest of the Small Isles, with an ancient volcano, where we can spend a night at Loch Scresort. 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. Castlebay, Barra: We can anchor at the village of Castlebay on the island of Barra of the Outer Hebrides. Castlebay was where much of the film Whisky Galore was made about the WW II stranding of the S.S. Politician in Eriskay Sound with her cargo of 260,00 whisky bottles! Castlebay was once an important herring curing station and near our anchorage, surrounded by water, is Kisimul Castle, the ancient seat of the MacNeils of Barra. Hirta, St Kilda: If the weather is kindly we up-anchor early and head out through the Sound of Pabbay for Hirta, St Kilda. Two nights at anchor on Hirta and a day ashore. Lochboisdale, South Uist: If the Atlantic is being too unfriendly for St Kilda, from Barra we will head north, up the island chain, pass the Sound of Barra and the islands of Hellisay and Gighay, to our next quiet anchorage in Lochboisdale on South Uist. We can explore the incredible endless beaches and flower-rich Machair of the islands of South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist. Lochmaddy: Situated on North Uist, Lochmaddy is the island’s main village. The village was probably settled by the Norse and at one time was a base for seventeenth century pirates! Shiant Isles: The so called ‘enchanted’ or ‘holy isles’ in Gaelic, they live up to their name. Situated between Lewis and Harris and northern Skye they are a haven for birdlife. They were once owned by Compton Mackenzie who wrote the famous novel Whisky Galore. Loch Dunvegan: With famous Dunvegan Castle built on a high rock overlooking the Loch which was the site of an old Norse fort. The castle has been home to the chief of the Clan MacLeod for hundreds of years. 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.

Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch. Depending upon the weather and nature’s conditions, wildlife viewing varies. If you wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such as sea eagle tours or whisky tasting, then please do let your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request.

Vessel Type: Small Ship

Length: 72 feet / 21.9 meters

Passenger Capacity: 8

Built / refurbished: 1974 / 2020

Gemini Explorer delivers a markedly different small-ship experience: a 1974 Clyde-class cruising lifeboat rebuilt for charter work while retaining the character of her original role. The hull, engines and core structure remain true to the vessel that once served at Clovelly and took part in the 1979 Fastnet storm, but successive refits have added a bright saloon, a modern galley, high bulwarks, a viewing deck and en-suite cabins. The result is a functional, seaworthy platform with clear traces of its RNLI history, upgraded just enough to support comfortable coastal exploration without diluting the vessel’s working-boat identity.

Accommodation is compact but warm, with seven berths arranged between forward en-suite cabins and an aft twin sharing facilities with the crew. Life revolves around the deck saloon for dining and conversation, while the upper viewing deck offers the best vantage point for wildlife and landscape watching. Guests can bring their own gear, make use of the onboard two-person kayak, and settle into an informal routine shaped by a skipper who knows the Hebrides intimately and a chef who keeps meals local and fresh.

Vessel Type: Small Ship

Length: 24.9 metres

Passenger Capacity: 11

Seahorse II is an 82 ft steel-hulled vessel, originally built for the Norwegian fjords and high northern latitudes, combining rugged construction with modern comfort. Powered by a 350 hp Volvo diesel, she reaches speeds up to 11 knots and carries ample fuel and water for extended cruising. Her size allows access to remote islands and lochs of the Inner and Outer Hebrides that larger vessels cannot reach. Outdoor spaces include a high foredeck for wildlife spotting, a spacious aft deck for alfresco dining, and room for personal watercraft, kayaks, or paddleboards, supported by a crane for easy launching.

Accommodation is for up to 11 guests across a mix of double, twin, and single cabins, all with washbasins, and includes a deck saloon for dining and socialising with views of the surrounding wildlife. The three-person crew consists of a skipper knowledgeable about the local waters, a chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals, and a bosun/crew member providing assistance as needed. Seahorse II delivers an intimate, flexible, and immersive experience for exploring the Hebrides in comfort and style.

Vessel Type: ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship

Length: 75 feet / 22.9 meters

Passenger Capacity: 8

Built/refurbished: 1969/1994

Speideren is a 75 ft ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship, originally built in 1969 for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue. Designed to handle the harsh and unpredictable North and Arctic Seas, she features a sturdy hull, deep keel, strong superstructure, and twin engines. Since her decommissioning, she has been converted into a fast, comfortable, and luxurious cruising vessel with a well-lit deck saloon, en-suite cabins, and a viewing deck, making her ideal for exploring the remote inlets and lochs of Scotland’s Wild Isles, including as far as St Kilda. Her decks provide ample space for wildlife observation, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with an onboard tender to safely reach shore.

Accommodation aboard Speideren is for eight guests in four forward cabins—three double and one twin—all en-suite and fitted with traditional varnished hardwood and soft antique lighting. Two of the double cabins are particularly spacious, while the third double has an adjacent en-suite for solo use. The convivial saloon serves as the hub for dining and socialising. The experienced crew includes a skipper with extensive local knowledge, a chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals, and a bosun/crew member assisting wherever needed, ensuring a seamless and immersive small-ship cruising experience.