8 June 2019
Our trip to the Outer Hebrides was exceptional in every way; the talented staff; the comfortable accommodations; the little details (a refreshing glass of Prosecco on the return of each day's trip); the always-full cookie jar; the welcoming and beautifully decorated table spread with good food; the post-dinner discussions and chart-reading with Captain James and our naturalist, Will; the frolicking Bottlenose dolphins "bow riding" upside down next to the "Emma Jane"; the seals lazily lounging on the rocky ledges; the Minke whales; the diving gannets, nesting puffins, and Great Skua (nicknamed "Bonzies" by the Scots.....Will photographed one Bonxie trying to grab a mackerel away from a shearwater); the while fulmars flitting in and out the rocky crevices; and our wonderful trip companions. It was a trip to treasure and relive many times in future years! Every new adventure offered the chance to read and to learn about the many marine birds, the "beasties" (ocean mammals), and the fascinating stories and history of the Outer Hebrides. All experiences were unique; hiking in the Isle of Eigg to the "Massacre Cave"; viewing habitats of nesting puffins, guillemots, shags, fulmars on the cliffs of the "Shiants" and St. Kilda's; seeing the aquaculture salmon rafts stretched in a row off the coast of Skye; steaming across the water to the archipelago of St. Kilda's and experiencing the view of Hirta, St. Kilda's main island, mysteriously rising out of the fog as we approached the island All were memorable experiences. And we were lucky! The weather was perfect for our trip....some light drizzle off and on, some wind but no strong "houlies" (very strong winds)! This is a trip of a lifetime. We recommend it with enthusiasm and with joyful memories! Sally and Alan Gayer June 2019 Private Cruise to the Outer Hebrides and St. Kilda's
Sally and Alan Gayer
Me and Jonathan, had the most amazing time, on our cruise, on Emma Jane. Everything was perfect, from the ship, to the staff, to the weather, the food that Pete served, was the best we had ever eaten. Pauline worked so hard, to make everything perfect for us. Lynsey gave us all the wildlife, we could have ever hoped for, and brilliant walks. And James made the experience possible, with his expert knowledge, of where to go for the best of everything, (Including mackerel). On top of all that 9 strangers shared some amazing experiences together, and I think that all of us took more away from the cruise, than we could have ever imagined. And I know we’ll all stay in touch. It was so lovely to meet you too, and james’ mum, and daughter. What else could I say but, thanks so much. We had the best experience of our lives, and look forward to planning our next trip.
Amanda & Jonathan Smith: 11 May 2019Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles