4 July 2025
Visiting St Kilda is a privilege that has been my ambition for many years. Rain, rolling seas and thick mist could not dent my excitement. Three miles off the archipelago the cloud lifted to 300 feet and Hirta emerged from the murk. Kilda must be dramatic on a clear day, but the eerie shape of Dùn, rising like a half submerged dragon head, protecting Village Bay from Atlantic storms, heralded an emotive and unforgettable visit to the most westerly part of the British Isles. We spent a few hours ashore, taking in the unique and emotional remnants of twenty centuries of inhabitation, then the following morning we circumnavigated Hirta and Boreray. Countless seabirds swarmed in the skies, into and out of the mist; avian crowded stacs rose out of sapphire seas, teaming with seals, while puffins flapped, guillemots and razorbills chattered, gannets and fulmars soared while skuas watched them, and Soay and Boreray sheep danced across the cliff faces like mountain goats. Then we headed east and, as quickly as she had emerged, Kilda was reclaimed by the mist. The rest of the trip was great, and the weather even improved! Skipper Jake got us everywhere we wanted to go with easy going professionalism, wildlife guide Lauren’s love and knowledge of the seabirds and cetaceans was infectious, chef Charlie’s cooking was superlative, international and sooo tasty, and steward Tani was just lovely, proactive and personable. Also, as a solo traveller, it can be daunting spending 10 days with a dozen strangers…but the other passengers were as wonderful as the crew. 5***** Thank you Hebrides Cruises.
Ellen Orrock
Such a wonderful experience. The Emma Jane was well equipped and looked very well maintained, giving us every confidence. The crew very very friendly, knowledgeable and worked hard to make out cruise the best it could be. Food cooked by Biff was fantastic and the information and support from our guide Will was superb. Our Captain James, with his huge experience and knowledge ensured we all got the best from our cruise which we much appreciated and Ashley worked extremely hard to make sure we were very well looked after. We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and seeing all the wildlife, especially the dolphins, making it an experience that we will never forget. The cruise was extremely well organised and managed and we would not hesitate in recommending this company to anyone.
Evelyn Webb: 4 June 2022Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles