One of the best times to see wildlife on the west coast of Scotland is in the autumn. Our October short-break cruise visits some of Scotland’s most idyllic areas, perfect for spotting wildlife. Loch Etive, a stunningly beautiful, remote sea loch is surrounded by wild countryside and a spectacular mountain landscape. The loch and its surrounding natural environment is an excellent habitat for wildlife, especially common seals, red deer and golden and white tailed eagles. Other potential stopovers include Loch a Choire on the Morvern Coast, and Loch Spelve on Mull, both hotspots for otters.

With a specialist Wildlife Guide on board and an expert crew with indepth knowledge of local wildlife habitats, guests will have a front row seat for the “Big Five” Wildlife of the Inner Hebrides. The list is red deer (stags); common seals (misnamed as they are quite rare); otters; eagles (both golden and white-tailed) and harbour porpoise. But this is just the beginning!  Common dolphins and perhaps even bottlenose dolphins could be spotted while at sea, and rare birdlife such as northern divers, white billed diver, and storm petrels are all around.  During walks ashore there is a good chance of short eared owls, hen harriers, barn owls, osprey and peregrine falcons to name but a few. This is not only a superb wildlife cruise, there is stunning scenery, fabulous food and great camaraderie.Read a report of this cruise in October 2017>

 

Cruise Map

Cruise Dates 2025

DateNightsSpacesPrice p/p VesselBook Online
1 October 202542£2,270.00Lucy MaryBook Now
4 October 202548£1,875.00Elizabeth-GBook Now
6 October 202546£2,015.00Emma JaneBook Now

Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).

Cruise Dates 2026

DateNightsSpacesPrice p/p VesselBook Online
2 October 202646£2,270.00Lucy MaryBook Now
3 October 202648£1,875.00Elizabeth-GBook Now
3 October 2026410 £2,015.00Emma JaneBook Now

Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).

Crew & Guest Images

Reviews

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

This was a very professional cruise. Everything about it was seamless. From the booking process and boarding to dining and excursions it was faultless. The crew were knowledgeable. The chef capable of excellent cooking and considering the confined space of the galley this was remarkable. Daily briefings kept us informed and our wildlife guide was superb. We saw all the big five. For anyone wanting to experience a wildlife cruise this is a must.

Martrin Dixon

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

1 October 2022

Everyone a team player making the whole experience feel totally supported. Professional, calm and fun to be with creating a relaxed atmosphere. We were totally spoiled by all.  Excellent, varied menu, always tasted fabulous and well presented. Thankyou, hand diver fresh scallops a real treat.  Excellent, cabin always tidy. All areas kept welcoming.

Stephen Brake

1 October 2022

This cruise is the shortest one they do but we still managed to get in a lot of walking in some beautiful locations. It was the rutting season so it was magical to stand out on deck listening to the bellowing stags in the hills surrounding the Loch. We also had some good sightings of them. We were privileged to have two very close sightings of wild otters on land eating their catch! The crew were as helpful and attentive as ever. I think the fact that out of the four cabins on the Elizabeth G, three were people who were returning to the ship, including myself, which proves what a wonderful experience it is. It was also nice to have a couple on board who hadn't sailed with Hebrides before as they were so enthusiastic. A friendly group, lovely locations and brilliant crew - what more could you ask for!

Melanie Rogers

2 October 2021

We had a fantastic trip; all round excellent! Great comfort, lovely food, engaging and educational walks on shore, swimming off the aft deck followed by a soak in the hot tub and really top class service. Nothing was too much for the crew. Very good value for money too. I cannot recommend this cruise company highly enough.

Alisoun Milne

Need extra info?

If you have any enquiries about our cruises or would like an informal chat about your plans, please email using our Contact Us page. If you prefer phone Emma any-time on +44 (0) 75851 51611 or +44 (0)1631 711 986