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!
We had a wonderful week, what a terrific way to see more of our beautiful country. We are so pleased we decided to cruise with Hebrides Cruises. With Rob’s expert knowledge, we were delighted to be able to visit all of the small isles with the added bonus of the Cairns of Coll, Coll and Tobermory. Great to have Bella to guide our walks which were well pitched at our abilities. Les’s mobility is a bit restricted but with Rob and Bella’s help, and he felt very safe in transferring to and from the tender, which was very much appreciated. This allowed him to go ashore with confidence. Everything we could have hoped for – comfortable cabin, extremely well appointed public areasand plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the scenery. The hospitality of all the crew was exceptional, making for a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere from the minute we stepped on board. Nicole’s food was excellent, a great and delicious variety of meals which made every meal time a pleasure. And terrific cakes! Abbie as steward seemed to be everywhere at once – serving food, looking after the bar, servicing the rooms and working on deck with Bella. With Rob and Bella, all in all a great team.
Karen Ness: 31 August 2024The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens