6 May 2023
Our first but not last cruise , much delayed due to COVID but we got there in the end! A total “ wow” from start to finish , from the moment we boarded we knew that this was going to be special. As the cruise progressed out from Oban in the sun , with some fizz and cake the scene was set. Having such a knowledgeable crew was great , we felt in very safe hands so for small boat novices this was a great plus. Then , the wildlife, scenery , anticipation , meals and great company just made it perfect. Even the odd wet day didn’t detract, we managed to land on all the Islands, saw the most spectacular birdlife at The Shiants, a Minke “ lunge” feeding on the way, White Tailed Eagles , Dolphins , Seals and even the very rare Jennifer Saunders creature! Nothing was too much for the crew, they looked after us beautifully, with great patience ..we ask lots of questions..a great group of people. Thanks so much for making this such a memorable experience , we have already booked for next year...or as Skipper James said..” Do it whilst you are still vertical”! Will and Sarah Walker-Smith
Will and Sarah Walker-Smith
We set off from Oban in the Elizabeth G under the expert skippering (is that a word ?) of Alistair, Bosun Craig was ever attentive providing drinks and excellenttable service, Zoe our guide pointing out various wildlife species and Charle our Chef providing delicious meals and snacks all throughout the cruise. I would nominate Charlie for Master Chef. Alistair plotted our course northwards, we saw Dolphins on our first day, poor Zoe couldn't get me to say pods, "herds of them" was my cry, it was amazing that these highly intelligent creatures would actively go out of their way to interact with us, it happened every day and our faces ached with the smiles these fantastic animals generated. We saw Minke whales almost every day as well The Elizabth G may be 60 years old but she is in excellent condition, strong, reliable, steady in a strong wind and swell because of her stabilisers, she has character and a beauty all of her own. She is big enough to give you confidence that she can tackle what mother nature throws at her but small enough to anchor in some truly amazing places. Every day you go ashore and explore another new location. (Weather permitting) Every member of the crew is dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your cruise, excellent food, excellent care, super knowledge of the flora and fauna. You go to bed every evening with your knowledge expanded, your spirits lifted. If you want to see Dolphins, Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Eagles, Shags, Gannets, Manx Shearwater, Gulls of every type, the list of encounters is limited only by the time/length of your cruise, sign up for a cruise as soon as you can. Alistair, the skipper has the utmost respect for the wildlife you encounter, every encounter is on the animals terms, their safety takes priority, he lets the wildlife come to the boat rather than pursuing it. His storytelling is wonderful, every evening he and Zoe join you and he shows you where you have been, where you are going and what weather to expect, there is even a knowledge test at the end o
David and Tracy Woods-Thomas: 28 August 2023Whale watching in the Northern Minch