However, for the first time in almost 30 years our vessels are not taking guests to see these amazing nesting bird colonies in the remotest parts of the west coast of Scotland. So our Skipper James Fairbairns decided to produce this short film from our cruises to some of the best “seabird cities” that we visit, including Lunga in the Treshnish Isles, Sanday in the Small Isles, the Shiant Isles, in the middle of the wild north Minch and the evocative and dramatic St Kilda archipelago.
Our vessels and crews are expert at getting close to sheer cliffs from the sea to experience an unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Huge numbers of nesting seabirds occupy every spare inch of rock and grassy slope while thousands more wheel overhead and flock over the sea in search of fish to feed their young. As always there is a specialist wildlife expert on board and onshore to ensure our guests get the most out of these amazing close encounters while ensuring they do not create any disturbance.
These outstanding seabird colonies really are wonders of the natural world. Once we are able to cruise again we invite you to join us and experience the magic!
Just returned from another magical trip with Hebrides Cruises. We left Oban on a sunny, breezy afternoon out past Lismore where the Islands and Lochs beckon. We were blessed with wonderful weather with silvery light changing to brilliant sunshine and flat seas. We visited the beautiful little islands Eigg and Rona on our way up the inside of Skye where we had great hikes and beautiful anchorages. Dolphins. Sea eagles, porpoises and seals seen along the way. Rona was special with our amazing guide, Indy, it was a day of ‘firsts’ ! Indy has spectacular sight and hearing and vast knowledge. He introduced us to a rare pink grasshopper and an extraordinary gathering of solitary bees. On every hike and at sea he provided us with gems of information on flora and fauna, birds and marine life and his enthusiasm was palpable. A magical afternoon and morning on the Shiants, hiking to the bothy and cliffs, drifting around the islands and sea arch in the tender and swimming. Then off to look for Fin whales. We spent an hour watching minke whales feeding , there was a rare sighting of North Atlantic white beaked dolphins and lots more on our way back to Mull via spectacular Loch Scavaig and the isle of Canna., again with great hikes and swimming. Spectacular scenery in a sunny cloudless sky. The delicious food was provided by our super chef Calum, Poppy looked after our every need on board with a smile and infectious laughter, Oliver, our bosun, made sure that the very comfortable Lucy Mary was always clean and shining and helped us in all sorts of ways. As always , our brilliant skipper, James, brought us so calmly to such beautiful places and both he and Indy added so much to our enjoyment with their daily briefings and obvious delight and enthusiasm for the sea, all marine life and the environment. We had a lot of fun! A big thank you to all and of course to Emma who so efficiently runs everything from ashore. Looking forward to my next trip
Geraldine Hickey: 9 August 2025Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants