We are delighted to have joined forces once again with ORCA, a UK based whale and dolphin conservation charity dedicated to the long-term protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises and their habitats worldwide. ORCA’s vision is to have oceans alive with whales and dolphins, and their mission is to give everyone who cares about whales and dolphins an active role in safeguarding their future.


This new, six night voyage has been designed to appeal to those who enjoy being at sea and have a passion for the natural world. As part of ORCA’s ongoing education work, Ocean Conservationists will be joining us on board, delivering exciting wildlife experiences and innovative education programmes, teaching guests about the marine environment whilst at the same time collecting critical scientific data about some of the richest habitats in the ocean. Monitoring in the Bay of Biscay is particularly important due to the risk of ship strike for large whales - so while on deck you will find Ocean Conservationists collecting data with the ‘OceanWatchers’ app which passengers can also assist with by downloading the app too.


We will be sailing through one of the world’s top five best whale and dolphin locations as we pass through the English Channel and down into the Bay of Biscay, a rich feeding ground and an important migration route for many species, such as fin whales - the second largest animal on the planet. Following the continental shelf edge (a dramatic change in water depth from 150 to 4000 metres) means that we will be in the perfect mixing bowl of nutrients that promote large algal blooms that act as the basis of all life in the Bay of Biscay. Large schools of fish are found here feeding on these microscopic plants, which not only provides the perfect pit-stop for migrating fin whales, but also the perfect habitat for a variety of other whale and dolphin species, such as the common dolphin, striped dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, sei whales and many more.


Journeying towards Spain, we will be met by two deep-sea canyons in which you can find the wonderful world of beaked whales. These elusive mammals are deep diving specialists and we will keep our eyes peeled for the deepest diving mammal on the planet - the Cuvier’s beaked whale.


We have timed the voyage for early September when whale migrations from north to south are taking place increasing further the possibility to spot whales whilst a diverse range of bird species should also be seen during our journey. We hope you can join us and the ORCA Ocean Conservationists on what promises to be an unforgettable trip in some of the most beautiful and productive waters and discover the wonderful world of whales and dolphins for yourself.

Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time.

At dawn we will be sailing through Lyme Bay and staff will be on deck as we look for common dolphins that can be found in these waters. Later this morning we will sail along the River Dart to our anchorage off the town of Dartmouth. Here you can choose to spend a couple of hours exploring the town or maybe join a Zodiac ride along the river and see the castles and river fortifications whilst keeping an eye out for wildlife. Over lunch we sail out to the English Channel where the shallow waters are home to several species of whale, dolphin and porpoise. Regular sightings in these waters include minke whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises. A few lucky spotters could even see some rarer visitors, including the second largest animal on the planet - the fin whale, long-finned pilot whales, Risso’s dolphin and even the iconic humpback whale. Keep an eye out for playful bow-riding dolphins who leap in the waves made by the ship as we sail through these waters.

Overnight we have sailed into the Bay of Biscay which is one of the most exciting areas in the world for whale and dolphin watching. A dramatic change in water depth from 150 to 4000 metres creates the perfect mixing bowl of nutrients that promote large algal blooms. These microscopic plants are the catalyst for drawing in ocean giants, who feed on the large schools of fish sustained by this explosion of life. We spend the day cruising in these rich feeding grounds, keeping a lookout for fin whales, sei whales, minke whales, long-finned pilot whales, Risso’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins and common dolphins. Around one-third of the world’s whale and dolphin species can be sighted in Biscay - with orca and blue whales being among the occasional visitors, meaning it is always an exciting area to watch for wildlife.

Arrive this morning in the southern Bay of Biscay. Around 2-30 kilometres off the coast of Spain, lies the Santander and Torrelavega Canyons which are both more than twice the depth of the Grand canyon. These colossal trenches are the perfect habitat for some of the most elusive and interesting whale and dolphin species, such as the Cuvier’s beaked whale. This mind-boggling species is the deepest diving mammal on the planet, they can hold their breath for an astonishing 3 hours and 42 minutes, and dive to an incredible 2,992 metres. Other beaked whales sighted here include the Sowerby’s beaked whale, northern bottlenose whale and True’s beaked whale, as well as other marine mammal species like the pilot whale and sperm whale. So keep your eyes peeled for some of the most exciting and unusual species you might spot. In the early evening we will berth in Santander where we have a few hours to stretch our legs before we sail tonight.

Spend the day cruising along and around the northern Iberian Coast which is home to around 22 whale and dolphin species including the harbour porpoise, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and Risso’s dolphin. Several members of the iconic “blackfish” have also been sighted in these waters, including regular sightings of the longfinned pilot whale and occasional sightings of orca and false killer whale. Further offshore species such as the striped dolphin, Cuvier’s beaked whale, Sowerby’s beaked whale, sperm whale, minke and fin whale can be spotted.

Sail this morning into the Galician port of Vigo from where local boats will take us offshore to the beautiful Iles des Cies. Part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, the Romans named them the ‘islands of the gods’ and we will spend time enjoying the natural beauty of the landscapes; see the stunning beaches, walk the paths to search for animal and plant life or maybe swim in the clear waters. Alternatively spend some time in Vigo itself and explore the narrow streets of the old town or visit the Castro Fotress which was built in 1665 to defend the city from the English Navy and offers views over the city. Later, we sail the waters off the coast of Portugal which are home to playful dolphin species, such as the bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin, as well as the shy harbour porpoise.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to the UK.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Amundsen Deck Standard Suite

£3,595 GBP pp
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Byrd Deck Superior Suite

£3,795 GBP pp
Byrd Deck Superior Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Amundsen Deck Standard Sole

£3,795 GBP pp
Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Byrd Deck Superior Sole

£3,995 GBP pp
Byrd Deck Superior Sole
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Mawson Deck Premium Suite

£3,995 GBP pp
Mawson Deck Premium Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Mawson Deck Corner Suite

£4,295 GBP pp
Mawson Deck Corner Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite

£4,795 GBP pp
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite

£4,995 GBP pp
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

£5,295 GBP pp
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 90.6 metres

Passenger Capacity: 118

Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016

The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three elegant sister ships—alongside the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky—renowned for their small size, comfort, and service. Built in the same Italian shipyard, this refined vessel underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2016, enhancing its private yacht-like atmosphere.

Suites
The ship offers 59 spacious, outside-facing suites over five decks, with 14 featuring private balconies. Each suite includes a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, dressing table, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, slippers, and individually controlled climate settings. Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, except in suites 601 and 602. The luxurious Hebridean Suite includes a large balcony, sitting room, and complimentary minibar and laundry.

Public Areas
Public spaces include a panoramic lounge for talks and briefings, The Club bar with live piano music, a library with books and games, and ample outdoor deck space including a wildlife observation area. A lift serves all decks, and there is a small hair salon and an onboard doctor. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength may vary.

Dining
Meals are served in a single sitting in the elegant dining room or al fresco on the Lido Deck. Cuisine is fresh and varied, often featuring local produce. Enjoy daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and wines with lunch and dinner. Breakfast is buffet-style with cooked-to-order options. Barbecues and live cooking stations are also offered. Special diets can be accommodated with notice.

Experience
Designed for those who prefer a quiet, enriching cruise, the Hebridean Sky offers a relaxed, yacht-like ambiance without large ship distractions. There’s no organised entertainment or dress codes—just thoughtful service, enriching lectures, and scenic cruising among like-minded travellers.

Comfort & Safety
The vessel is fitted with stabilisers, modern navigation systems, and safety equipment. Guests can visit the Bridge, view route information on suite TVs, and enjoy peace of mind with a fully equipped clinic on board.

Cabin layout for Hebridean Sky

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited - if the trip shows no flights then none are included)

Exclusions


• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature
Hebridean Sky
Portugal and Spain ExpeditionExpedition
7 Days from
£514 GBP per day

Highlights

• Dartmouth & Lyme Bay: Spot common dolphins and explore the historic town of Dartmouth.

• Bay of Biscay: Cruise one of the world's richest whale and dolphin habitats.

• Iles des Cies: Discover stunning beaches and natural beauty in the 'islands of the gods'.

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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