This fascinating 8-night cruise travels south from Oban to explore the historic islands of the Southern Hebrides, where the Lords of the Isles ruled in the 10th century.  Today the pristine waters are also a sea kingdom for rare marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, basking sharks, porpoises and seals. Stopovers include the Garvellachs, or "Isles of the Sea", with a fascinating heritage and the lush, fertile isles of Colonsay and Gigha with their fabulous beaches,and home to the rare corncrake. Jura is stark and dramatic, with remote anchorages with plentiful wildlife, especially red deer and the place to see golden eagles. A visit to Islay must include a distillery, with Port Askaig home of Bunnahabhain also offering stunning beach walks.  A favourite anchorage overlooks the tide race of Corryvrechan and Ardecaple Bay on Seil is one of the most lovely, remote anchorages in the Southern Hebrides.

Cruise Map

Cruise Dates 2026

DateNightsSpacesPrice p/p VesselBook Online
23 July 202682£3,510.00Elizabeth-GBook Now
25 July 202680---Emma JaneFully Booked
11 August 202682£4,350.00Lucy MaryBook Now
27 August 202682£3,900.00Emma JaneBook Now
10 September 202684£3,510.00Elizabeth-GBook Now

Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).

Crew & Guest Images

Reviews

28 August 2025

Another excellent cruise - despite some bad weather and occasional rough seas! We were well looked after, as always, visited islands we've never been to before and saw loads of wildlife including White Tailed Sea Eagles and Dolphins. The crew were brilliant - Lauren excelled at spotting wildlife and making sure the guests could see them and Jake always managed to find us a calm bay for overnights. We enjoyed the company of the other guests, we didn't stop chatting and laughing all week! All in all a great holiday and we can't wait for the next one - only 9 months and 26 days to go!

Val Strickland

28 August 2025

We had a fabulous time despite the bad weather at the start of the trip. We saw a Minke whale, dolphins, eagles, otters (the very last morning!)and lots more. As far as the crew goes, Jake was lovely and multi talented when it came to various repairs on the Emma Jane and then catching a lobster for one evening meal. Lauren was great at finding us wildlife and was determined to find an otter for Nick !! Jasmin was as lovely this year as last year and she looked after us all very well. But Emma the chef deserves a special mention as she produced some fantastic food for us - I was so impressed that someone so young was so talented and so lovely as well. The other guests were just fabulous too - we all got along really well and we had some great laughs. So once again Hebrides Cruises has provided a great holiday, never mind what the weather throws at us the Emma Jane is like home. Deb Ledgard

Nick & Deb Ledgard

28 August 2025

Even though we had bad weather for the first couple of days we had exceptional care from the whole crew. Our skipper Jake found sheltered anchorages for overnight stops and got us safely ashore for walks every day. Our wildlife guide Lauren was brilliant at spotting all the wildlife we saw, including white tailed eagles, porpoises, dolphins and a minke whale, but best of all she found us an otter! We were very well fed by Emma, who produced some lovely meals which must always be a challenge on a small ship. Last but by no means least Jasmin took very good care of us, with nothing being too much trouble. All in all It was a fantastic trip with a great group of fellow cruisers who were so much fun to be with, only 11 months until the next one!

Kathy Balmanno

24 July 2025

8 days in the Southern Hebrides making memories that will last a lifetime.  Miles and miles of incredible beaches, remote communities with rich histories.  Wildlife, almost within touching distance to marvel at and enjoy.  Fantastic varied cuisine, exceptional food, impeccable service and great company.  What’s NOT to like?  NOT having to decide where to go and how to get there.  NOT being in a traffic jam in sight.  NOT having the views and scenery completely obstructed by the rear end of the caravan or motorhome in front of you.  NOT having the daily challenge of parking your car.  NOT having to shop or find your next place to eat.  NOT having the standard pub fare.  NOT having to resort to a burger or fish and chips.  NOT missing out on the best table with the best view for every meal , breakfast , lunch and evening dinner.  As I said what’s NOT to like.  Book again for next year?  NOT a problem?  What’s NOT to LOVE?

Alan Bower

5 September 2024

I would like you to know how much I enjoyed my recent trip 'Sea Kingdom of the Southern Hebrides'.  They crew were great, they all gave us a wonderful time in a happy ship, we laughed a lot and went to some great places.  Hannahs enthusiasm as Wildlife Guide was infectious and she really knows her stuff.  Thank you again for the wonderful holidays I have enjoyed over the years.  Regards Ann

A Thurlow

5 September 2024

What a fabulous trip once again with Hebrides Cruises. Nothing was too much trouble for us from the excellent crew, Alistair, Hannah, Maggie and Dylan. Sea Kingdom of the Southern Hebrides as a newer addition to the cruise itinerary is a definite winner. We saw so much wildlife from the outset, and visited islands that were new to guests and crew members alike. Highly recommend!

Colin & Carol Wilkie

29 July 2023

The chef was excellent catering for out dietary needs.  The crew were so helpful in explaning everything.  It is a must do! 

Patricia Goldfinch

Need extra info?

If you have any enquiries about our cruises or would like an informal chat about your plans, please email using our Contact Us page. If you prefer phone Emma any-time on +44 (0) 75851 51611 or +44 (0)1631 711 986