New for 2020: Get off the beaten track on an Isle of Skye cruise
The Isle of Skye is a busy tourism hot spot, but there is one way to avoid the crowds and see the fabulous scenery, visit iconic destinations and spot rare wildlife in peaceful seclusion.
Visit the Isle of Skye from the sea on our new small-ship cruise, taking your luxury accommodation with you on your journey with gourmet cuisine guaranteed. Drop anchor in hidden bays, away from the effects of over tourism, while enjoying excellent Scottish hospitality. With a Wildlife Guide onboard, spot eagles, otters, dolphins and whales from both the ship and onshore
Owner and Skipper of Hebrides Cruises, Rob Barlow, has developed an exclusive new 8-night cruise “Cruise around Skye: secret coastlines” based on his intimate 30 year knowledge of the island and surrounding seas. The Isle of Skye has an amazing choice of outstanding locations to drop anchor. This new cruise itinerary circumnavigates the entire island, focusing on the unique wonders of the area, arriving from the sea. There is no way that such a great variety of amazing remote locations could be visited by land on an 8-night trip.
Departing from Oban, the Isle of Skye is approached from the south, with a choice of scenic anchorages and shore trips, including Loch Scavaig, Loch Coruisk, the township of Elgol and the Spar Cave on Loch Slappin. The Spar Cave, a cathedral-like limestone wonder, is an excellent example of an awe-inspiring visit from the sea. Further along the coast is Isleornsay, arguably the most attractive village on Skye, but off the beaten track, overlooking the pretty island of Ornsay.
After cruising under the Skye Bridge, the vessel arrives at the “Inner Sound”, a magnificent stretch of sheltered water between Skye and the Scottish mainland offering a choice of beautiful coastlines and small islands to explore. The geological wonder of the Isle of Raasay has hills, native forests and secluded beaches, providing excellent habitat for wildlife, including otters, seals, red deer, golden eagles and sea eagles. Shore visits to uninhabited islands such as the Crowlin Islands and the Isle of Rona provide an evocative glimpse into the history of deserted townships, where the people were tragically cleared from their homes to make way for sheep.
Arriving at the remote north coastline of Skye, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins, the vessel enters Loch Snizort, between the Waternish and Trotternish Peninsulas, to visit the very remote Ascrib Islands, home to important seal and puffin colonies. Continuing to head west, as a complete contrast, there is the option to anchor in Loch Dunvegan and go ashore to visit Dunvegan Castle and gardens. Rounding the coast to the tip of the west coast of Skye, the cruise arrives at Moonen Bay to drop anchor for a shore trip to Neist Point, to explore the famous lighthouse and dramatic sea cliffs. A further shore excursion option on this Skye cruise is sheltered Loch Harport. and a trip to Talisker Distillery. With a final farewell to Skye, the cruise returns to Oban via the Small Isles and the Sound of Mull
Availability for "Cruise the Isle of Skye: secret coastlines" 2020
August 8th aboard Emma Jane ( 3 double ensuite cabins and one master ensuite cabin )– Book Now!
The best way of telling you what a marvellous time I had on this cruise is that I have arrived home and promptly booked another for next year, 8 nights instead of 6, on the “Lucy Mary” again! From ease of booking with Emma to arriving back in Oban on the final day, everything was given careful attention in order to ensure the trip was a special one. The boat, “Lucy Mary”, is extremely comfortable, well-equipped and of a design enabling me to spend hours with binoculars looking out over the sea or mountains in the hope of spotting wildlife, whether outside in the sun or snugly inside in the rain or wind! An important feature is the presence of a wildlife spotter, Indy, whose knowledge and enthusiasm enabled me to notice and identify many animals, birds and plants that I would not have seen by myself. This was also greatly contributed to by skipper Rob’s ability to take us to the ideal places to see the wildlife, as well as beautiful and spectacular scenery and buildings. In addition he chose routes suited to the weather conditions, and ensured that all of our wishes were considered. The food prepared by chef Perry was really excellent, with exceptionally good and varied vegetarian dishes for me. We had beautifully presented fresh fruit included at every breakfast, and fresh cakes or cookies to greet us on our afternoon returns to the boat after onshore visits. These excursions were varied and interesting, with a high degree of flexibility to satisfy all of us. Last but not least, Abbie kept all the accommodation on board clean and neat, adding many nice touches such as prettily-folded napkins, plus all the hard work involved in serving the food, cleaning the cabins and many other tasks. All the crew were friendly, cheerful and skilful. There are many more complimentary things I could say but really I’d just like to thank all of you for a uniquely memorable holiday
Stephanie: 18 September 2023The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens