7 September 2023
It really was an idyllic holiday, a step out of time, and so special we will never forget it. We had perfect weather (suncream nearly every day!), very good company, fantastic food, a dedicated and charming wildlife expert, a most caring and imaginative stewardess, and a captain with every skill possible.... what more could we want. We both fully appreciated the way James and his crew helped Donald whenever needed, expertly and unobtrusively so that every moment could be enjoyed. I could on for pages enumerating the wonders of our voyage, it is enough to say once more how truly grateful we both are for our wonderful days with your Hebrides Cruises. Warmest thanks!
Donald and Ann Beckitt
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