9 August 2025
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
Dear Emma - Please pass on our thanks to the wonderful crew of Emma Jane - Ritchie, Lynsey, Ashleigh and Pea. Andy and I had a fantastic week cruising around Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Tresnish Isles. The wildlife sightings, views, sunsets and beach walks were outstanding. We learned so much from Lynsey our wildlife guide, and all the crew who were so enthusiastic and knowledgable. Food was terrific. We enjoyed Pea’s breakfast healthy options as well as the best of Scotland’s fish, beef and cheese. We have already booked a place on Emma Jane for next year! Many thanks to you and all the team at Hebrides Cruises!
Fiona Goudie: 23 April 2022Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles