Inner Hebrides Big 5 Autumn Wildlife Cruise 4-nights

6 October 2025

I absolutely loved this! The boat was fantastic with everything we needed on board in comfort and luxury. The crew provided the best service the whole time and looked after us from start to finish. The daily trips ashore varied meaning there was something for everyone. Easily the best travel experience I have had in Scotland.

James Campbell

5 October 2025

The cruise was delayed a day because of Storm Amy, but that did not detract from our enjoyment in anyway when we set sail on the Elizabeth G. Alistair was our skipper, Craig the steward, Sally the chef, and Indy and Lauren our guides. A great team, working well together to look after us, and make our voyage very special. It rained every day, but that did not prevent us from going ashore for our wildlife spotting. The White tailed eagle was a highlight, as was the unscheduled appearance of a red squirrel, along with everything else we saw. Support from all of the above crew, as well as the on-shore crew, made this a fantastic holiday. Thank you. Graeme and Tessa

Graeme

1 October 2025

A really well-organised, well-executed cruise from a very professional company which clearly sets itself very high standards, and then exceeds them anyway. We had an outstanding crew on a great vessel (Lucy Mary). Our cruise was significantly affected by Storm Amy but was all the more enjoyable for it. We did ‘lose’,perhaps, one shore walk and others had to be adapted to the conditions. However we never felt we missed out and all enjoyed the experience, despite sheltering in suitable sea lochs, of some pretty rough conditions.. (The max gust we had was over 90mph). Much more atmospheric and fun than millpond calm. The crew were amazing, particularly given very challenging circumstances and having to test their skills in exceptional conditions. The teamwork between James (Captain), Indy and Piers (on the deck) mooring to a buoy, with restricted space for manoeuvring and force 11 winds was somewhat more than simply impressive! In the main cabin, Callum and Abz were also quite amazing. They would have been perfectly justified in serving a cold buffet for some of the worst storm-affected meals but we always had exceptional hot dishes, superbly presented throughout. Shore walks were well-judged for the conditions, always really enjoyable and informative. We saw plenty of wildlife, both on walks and from the deck of the Lucy Mary, including many more white-tailed (sea) eagles than we’d expected. We had booked the Master Cabin and it was superb, well appointed and extremely comfortable. Certainly worth the extra cost without a shadow of doubt. Thank you! We’ll be back!

Nigel and Selina Ward

1 October 2025

We planned our recent trip to the UK around the four night voyage on the Lucy Mary, and it was without a doubt a highlight of the entire 19 days we spent touring. We are so glad that we chose your company to have such a signature outing during our visit to Scotland and in the four days since we got off the boat, we have recommended your company many times to anyone who asked. Even with Storm Amy wreaking a little havoc with the original plans for the trip, it was still such a dream come true to be out at sea knowing we were in such great hands. The vistas, the walks in nature, the historic venues and the Lucy Mary herself were once-in-a-lifetime. The crew took care of our every need, and we felt safe, even during some of the scarier moments of the storm. It bears repeating that the food was some of the best we have ever had - anywhere! Once again, we are grateful for our Hebrides Cruises experience and should be incredibly happy to do it again if we find ourselves back in the UK in the future.

Lisa Toth

5 October 2024

This was our second time on the Elizabeth G and once again we had a wonderful time. On this cruise it struck us even more just how much the crew go the extra mile and work round the clock to make it a perfect experience for the guests. On this trip we were delighted to renew our acquaintance with Alistair and Craig, and we met Hannah who shared her vast knowledge and experience. Ellie was our cook and we believe it was her first time, and she treated us royally. Despite all the stereotypes about the weather, Scotland always delivers, and we had an overnight at the head of Loch Etive which will live long in our memories.

John & Christine Blair

4 October 2024

We very much enjoyed our few days away. Hadn’t been to Loch Etive before and  thought it was lovely. Everywhere else good too and then good company and good crew! All a winning combination. Look forward to next time. Look after yourselves and don’t work too hard during the winter months!! Nance xx

Nance Tosh

4 October 2024

I loved every minute of it.

The crew were wonderful, so kind and patient , the food was amazing.  If too much Sam was happy to give me half portions or just a starter and dessert. I would certainly recommend you to anyone.  Indy was a fantastic wild life spotter and made sure I saw everything.  As I told James I would put the cruise in the top 3 holidays of a lifetime along with Manchu Pichu and trekking in the Himalayas!

Jill Eddison

30 September 2023

We have recently returned from the 4 night wildlife Inner Hebrides cruise on the Elizabeth G. We so enjoyed the cruise. Our fellow passengers were a delight, so very kind when my husband had difficulty walking half way through a walk ashore. The crew could not have been more helpful, Alistair our Captain and Lindsey our wildlife expert knowing where to go to see as much wildlife as possible and the most beautiful and calm places to anchor for the night. We saw the big 5! Craig, our Bosun was very attentive and generous with the wine! The weather was mostly kind, except whenever we got into the tender it would rain but as soon as we landed it stopped! We have never seen so many gorgeous rainbows. The food was exceptional and so much of it! Charlie, you’re a genius to be able to produce that quality of food in the tiny galley! We were sad when the trip ended, so sad in fact, that we have booked another cruise for next April!

Ruth Wiseman

25 September 2023

We were delighted to be able to join the Lucy Mary with friends for a 5 day cruise. The highlights we’d like to share are: • great accommodation and food; • polite, obliging and enthusiastic staff; • an absolute certainty that the safety and comfort of guests is paramount; • guests with mobility issues and dietary requirements are accommodated with care and without fuss; • the extremely knowledgeable wildlife guides make every effort to ensure all guests experience the wonders that the Hebrides can bring; • finally, whilst the weather cannot be controlled, the Skipper will try to adjust the itinerary to make the best of it. We were lucky to be able to capture some sights on film to share, but many of our scenic views and wildlife moments are best stored as delicious memories to be savoured in quiet moments of post-holiday reflection and treasured forever. It is without hesitation that we recommend Hebrides Cruises for an experience of a lifetime which we hope to repeat.

Karen and Trevor Walker

1 October 2022

Oh...extra special? Having my meals made for me, being ferried from place to place, having daily company of interesting guests (some of which we have swapped contact details), witnessing gorgeous flora and fauna - I had all the “extra” I needed. I did mention to James that it would be nice to have his mum on my next sail! (I have read her book).  The booking of the Big Five was done when we came back from the Small Isles trip last July. The actual booking, admin and info part is easy and seamless - the problem is the
availability! The calendar is always “fully booked”. Go whilst your legs can still carry you! 

L Stephen