The cruise area is an amazing hub for wildlife with the opportunity for close encounters with many rare species on land and at sea, while journey times to intriguingly different anchorages and locations are short. The area is extremely scenic, taking in the “Small Isles” of Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck, and the magnificent sea lochs of Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull and remote Loch Sunart and Kentra Bay on Ardnamurchan. Along the rocky coastlines both golden and sea eagles are often seen circling overhead while an otter might be spotted amongst the seaweed on the shoreline. At sea, there is a chance of orca, and humpback whale, while minke whale, dolphins and porpoise are spotted from the ship on almost every cruise. In late summer and autumn, the shoals of mackerel attract cetaceans and sea birds in large numbers, making it a great time to be at sea, spotting dolphins, porpoises and minke whales. At the same time, Manx shearwaters can be seen in huge rafts on the surface of the sea, while bird populations such as gannets and eagles are at their highest, with the young most visible before they depart to find their own territory. Seals, otters and red deer are around all season but with the addition of the sounds of the annual red deer rut in progress in the autumn months. On shore, there are excellent island and loch-side guided walking opportunities, with expert local knowledge on hand from the crew and to top it all, delicious food from your gourmet chef on your return.
| Date | Nights | Spaces | Price p/p | Vessel | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 May 2026 | 6 | 2 | £2,810.00 | Elizabeth-G | Book Now |
| 20 August 2026 | 6 | 4 | £3,465.00 | Lucy Mary | Book Now |
| 12 September 2026 | 6 | 4 | £3,085.00 | Emma Jane | Book Now |
| 19 September 2026 | 6 | 0 | --- | Elizabeth-G | Fully Booked |
| 21 September 2026 | 6 | 0 | --- | Lucy Mary | Fully Booked |
| 26 September 2026 | 6 | 8 | £2,810.00 | Elizabeth-G | Book Now |
Master cabin available Lucy Mary, Deluxe Twin cabin avilable on Emma-Jane Only.
| Date | Nights | Spaces | Price p/p | Vessel | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May 2027 | 6 | 8 | £2,810.00 | Elizabeth-G | Book Now |
| 24 August 2027 | 6 | 8 | £3,465.00 | Lucy Mary | Book Now |
| 8 September 2027 | 6 | 8 | £3,085.00 | Lucy Mary | Book Now |
| 18 September 2027 | 6 | 8 | £2,810.00 | Elizabeth-G | Book Now |
| 20 September 2027 | 6 | 8 | £3,465.00 | Lucy Mary | Book Now |
| 25 September 2027 | 6 | 8 | £2,810.00 | Elizabeth-G | Book Now |
Master cabin available Lucy Mary, Deluxe Twin cabin avilable on Emma-Jane Only.
20 September 2025
Another superb trip... Great food from Sally and really good crewing and wildlife observating from Rob Craig and Jill.The highlight had to be the feeding fest of 6 minke whales and countless dolphins and gannets as the herded a shoal of fish..such magnificent cooperation. Sadly this may be my last trip. But maybe in ,2027 as an 80th celebration!
ann thurlow
20 September 2025
A typically delightful trip with Hebrides Cruises. From the warm welcome to the huggy farewell, the crew did everything possible to enable us to enjoy ourselves. Very lucky with weather, we visited 3 of the 4 Small Isles and 3 superb sea lochs as well as anchoring off the glorious beach at Kentra. The visits ashore were appropriate and well-managed—careful landings and a sensible walking pace. Lots of time to really look around and take in the beauty and wildlife we were privileged to share. While at sea there were superb sightings of common dolphin and minke whales. Golden and white-tailed eagles AND otters were a real bonus. And the food? Quite staggeringly good from such a tiny galley as usual. Beautifully presented and suitably varied with all tastes accommodated. Altogether an experience to remember with relish and long to repeat. Thank you to all involved. Jan Shearn
Janet Shearn
11 September 2025
The most amazing holiday, we were so well looked after by Captain James, Indy, Abbie, Piers & Callum throughout our 6 night cruise. Everything was first class. We were so lucky to see Otters, Common Dolphins, Minke Whales, a Humped Back Whale and John Coe & Aquarius the 2 ‘local’ ORCAS !!! We have lifelong memories of this fantastic cruise. Thank You All so much.
Denis Oates
11 September 2025
We were lucky enough to be on Lucy Mary for this cruise and as well as being on a beautiful boat and having a great crew (James, Abbi, Indy, Piers and Callum) to look after us we were fortunate enough to see a whole array of wonderful wildlife. Beyond the crew we also appreciated the on-shore team for its pre-cruise administration and everything they did to accommodate us in terms of rescheduling a previously booked cruise and feel that this is the level of service you could only hope to receive from a family run business that places a high value on customer satisfaction. This cruise was more than just a cruise it was lifetime experience and we cannot recommend Hebrides Cruises highly enough. Thank one and all and especially Piers for the fresh Mackerel. Dale and Joyce.
Dale and Joyce Oliver.
11 September 2025
Fabulous experience from start to finish. Excellent service from all crew members. We had an adventure of a lifetime, experiencing 2 Orcas, Humpback, Minkes and an array of dolphins all in the same day. The scenery is spectacular. Lucy Mary is a fantastic boat to cruise on. Our stop offs were inspiring to see, plenty of information given to us by Indy. The walks were beneficial to see other wildlife both fauna and different birds. An epic adventure not to be forgotten.
Jayne Cooper
6 September 2025
The weather was, at times, awful; we would have liked to see more wildlife but we still had a really good time. The crew - Jake, Lauren, Jasmine and Emma couldn’t looked after us better. The wildlife highlight was common dolphin playing on the ship’s bow wave. Emma Jane is a wonderful ship to have a small cruise experience and the master cabin was the best cabin we have had on any other cruise ship (small or large) I wouldn’t hesitate to highly recommend Hebrides Cruises.
Peter Davis
18 August 2025
From start to finish, our trip was an experience that will remain a lifetime memory. From the welcome aboard by the fantastic crew, through the wildlife encounters around the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, to the absolutely fabulous cuisine and beautiful dinner table decorations which changed each day - we had a spectacular time. Skipper Chris ensured our individual needs were catered for aboard the Lucy Mary and during our short trips ashore. Nature guide Indy displayed an amazingly wide knowledge of the wildlife which we encountered and worked with Chris to ensure our experience was wholly memorable. While aboard, Olly, Abby and Calum ensured our trip was totally comfortable and relaxing - quite how Chef Calum managed to create such a tasty and varied menu in the small galley, we just have no idea. Our favourite dish was the rolled stuffed sole on a bed of risotto! The daily routine worked like clockwork, with beds made up and turned down as if by magic - there was even a bedtime chocolate treat left on our pillow each night! Of course our whole experience was made all the more special by the array of wildlife which we saw - there was even a White-tailed Sea Eagle which bade us farewell on our last morning as we left the calm of our overnight mooring on Loch Spelve! To our crew and Hebrides Cruises, thank you. We can't recommend you more highly.
Iain & Sue McNeil
25 September 2024
We were so spoilt on the Lucy Mary. We were supremely looked after by a very knowledgeable and experienced skipper with an immaculate boat and such a good crew. We saw so much wildlife, ranging from lots of white tailed eagles, golden eagles, dolphins, seals, blue fin tuna, Minke whales and so much more. The service on board was of the highest standard with a chef who should have been working in a Michelin star restaurant, but perhaps she was! They say that quality is all in the details - and on board the Lucy Mary every tiny detail was considered and was correct. I would love to go back next year, but they are apparently fully booked. Roll on 2026!
Tom Moore
25 September 2024
Our second trip with Hebrides Cruises. After last year's cruise to St Kilda we wrote that Hebrides Cruises had exceeded our expectations. So, of course, this time our expectations were higher. Despite this, we were delighted that our expectations were exceeded again! A great crew who looked after us perfectly, who found us an abundance of "beasties" to admire, who produced great meals, and who arranged an itinerary that largely avoided the bad weather we could often see across the water. We couldn't have asked for more.
Hans and Angela
21 September 2024
Everything was excellent including the weather. Our particular request to climb An Sgurr was given priority! Really could not have asked for more from all of the crew whose exemplary efforts and contributions went beyond first class.
Peter Astle
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
Very high standards set and maintained throughout our cruise - We had a fantastic week and have lost no time in relating this to all and sundry. We were delighted with everything concerned with our cruise and regard it as one of our best ever holidays.
Peter Morrison: 13 May 2017Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons