We still have good availability on our Caledonian Canal Explorer 6-night cruises on September 30th (Oban to Inverness) and October 7th (Inverness to Oban) aboard Elizabeth G at £1055 per person. The variety of different environments to be experienced on this cruise is outstanding, from the magnificent sea lochs on the west coast, the backdrop of the Glen Nevis Mountain range, through the heart of Scotland via canals and freshwater lochs, fringed with forests and of course the amazing engineering of the Canal locks. The Caledonian Canal Explorer is one-way - every day, wake up to a brand new part of Scotland as you travel from coast to coast.View the itinerary here > If you arrive to your cruise by car, we can transfer you back, otherwise there are excellent public transport links. Travel writer Robin McKelvie came on board this cruise last year - read what he thought of his cruise here>
Six good reasons to come aboard our Caledonian Canal Explorer 6-night cruise
1. Excellent value! Our early autumn cruises are 10% less in price; and yet the weather and hospitality from the crew are just as good as any other month - a bargain!
2. Stunning scenery; the early autumn light and colours add an additional magic to the landscape.
3. Outdoor adventure: the Caledonian Canal cruise is ideal for walking & cycling onshore and kayaking from the boat as well as enjoying an idyllic relaxing cruise on the water.
4. Amazing Wildlife: Late summer is a great time to spot a wide range of wildlife from the stags in the hills, otters and dolphins in the sea lochs and golden and sea eagles overhead. Your dedicated wildlife guide will make sure that what everwildlife is there, you will see it!
5. Fabulous food: The meals onboard Hebrides Cruises are legendary! All food is prepared from fresh, local ingredients and tastes delicious.
6. Sunrises and sunsets: at the end of the summer, these are timed perfectly for idyllic backdrops for breakfast and dinner!
Last year was our first, long awaited trip on Emma Jane. It was an amazing experience, over and above anything we could have hoped for. So on our return we booked this years cruise AND 2025. As skipper James said ‘ you need to do these things while still vertical’! Emma Jane is a beautiful, comfortable vessel to travel on from the well thought out cabins, comfy sofas and books in the salon and multiple outside viewing areas to look out for all the wildlife and scenery. Skipper Charlie found wonderful anchorages, dramatic scenery and safe clean places for the hardy swimmers. Arriving at the Shiants around the north of the islands was a real highlight. This approach allowed us to see the huge and dramatic basalt pillars, that dwarf those at Fingals Cave. Later, with perfect conditions, Charlie and Will ( Guide) took us on the rib to see the formations, caves and birds at really close quarters. Amazing! Will sort out the wildlife at sea and on land with great success. Highlights include both common and bottlenose nose dolphins who came to ride the bow wave. A lovely view of Minke whale. 3 white tailed eagles together on the eastern shore of Raasay and 8 in the sky as we sailed away from The Shiants. Will led us safely on shore trips that were adapted to the ability and wishes of the guests. This includes a dramatic hike up to Hallaig, the abandoned settlement on Raasay. Stunning views in all directions and a golden eagle viewed from above. Charlie (chef, not the shipper!) cheerfully cooked us up 3 lovely meals a day as well of cake for tea, using a great deal of local produce. I loved the fish dishes. She was ably assisted by equally smiley Jasmine, who looked after us, served us meals, made drinks and kept everything spotlessly clean and tidy. It felt as if the whole crew worked together as a well oiled team. I’ve seen it written before on reviews before, but if you are considering a trip with Hebrides Cruises - book it. Will and Sarah
Will and Sarah: 13 May 2024Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles