Hebrides Cruises: Leader in Scottish Wildlife Cruising

A love of the Hebrides and its wildlife is at the heart of our family-run small-ship cruise company. We think of our crews and guests as part of the Hebrides Cruises family too.  Our crews return to us every year, developing a shared knowledge on seamanship, hospitality, anchorages and wildlife, which greatly enhances our guests' enjoyment. Each season, over half of our guests have cruised with us before and some several times. Our three classic ships provide a safe, welcoming and comfortable home, while discovering the most idyllic and secluded Hebridean coastlines.

John Coe and Aquarius sighting: back together in the Sound of Rum 

Guests and crew aboard our vessel Lucy Mary, experienced an exceptional sighting of John Coe and Aquarius together; the pair are the last surviving members of the only UK resident pod of orca, known as the West Coast Community. Alerted by a local fisherman, Wildlife Guide Indy Greene spotted the pair, while the ship was cruising the Sound of Rum, northwest of the Isle of Eigg. Throughout the summer, the orcas had only been spotted alone, so it was wonderful for everyone on board to see them together, a poignant and emotional moment. Read the full story on our news page
 

Winners of two Business Excellent Awards for 2025

We are absolutely delighted to have won 2 awards in one week: the “Prosper Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Innovation” and the “Food Tourism Business Award" at the "Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards”  Read more on our news page

Our Magical 3-night Mini Cruise has that extra touch of luxury

Join us on our first cruise of our 2026 season, departing April 4th!  Enjoy that extra touch of luxury for the Hebridean island-hopping holiday of a lifetime.  Prepare to be revitalised, with close encounters with dolphins and eagles as the beautiful scenery glides past. Lucy Mary's classic interiors and outdoor decks are perfect for soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and hospitality on board, while the Chef cooks up delicious menus from fresh, locally sourced produce. Book Now 

Discover the outstanding beauty of the Hebrides from the sea

Cruising the coastlines of the Hebrides is an unforgettable experience. The sheer beauty of the scenery will take your breath away and it really does feel as if you have escaped to another world. Hebrides Cruises stopovers always include some visits to the most idyllic beaches and bays, where there are no other people, only wildlife. The cruise itinerary will vary depending on weather conditions, opportunities to spot wildlife, and the wishes of guests.  Each evening the Skipper and Wildlife Guide join our guests for dinner to discuss the possibilities for cruise itineraries and shore trips the following day. 
 

Hebrides Wildlife Cruises with breathtaking rare species encounters

Hebrides Cruises is very proud of their sharp-eyed and highly qualified Wildlife Guides who continually scan the seas, land, and skies to ensure our guests experience amazing wildlife sightings. A surfacing minke whale, bow-riding short-beaked dolphins, an otter playing in the seaweed, eagles wheeling overhead, porpoises, and seals are seen on almost every cruise, as are around 80 bird species. Rarities such as orca (killer whales), basking sharks and other types of whales appear less often but if they are there, our Crews will spot them! 
 

Wildlife Experts and accompanied onshore excursions

Our Hebridean wildlife cruises are unique in the Scottish small-ship cruising sector because of the marine and wildlife expertise of our crews. Our wildlife experts are onboard all Hebrides Cruises, they know the best habitats where the wildlife hangs out, the signs to look out for when wildlife is around, and will identify and provide information on all species seen or heard. Whether onboard or onshore, if the wildlife is there, they will find it for you. Have a look at our Hebrides wildlife gallery which features over 100 rare and iconic species we see while cruising. We will continue to add the many other less obvious but just as fascinating species spotted. View the nature and wildlife gallery here> 

The fabulous food served onboard our cruises recognised by major award

Our guests are always amazed at the quality of the meals and snacks served on board our cruises!  All food is prepared from fresh, local ingredients, creating delicious dishes that get rave reviews from our guests.  We were delighted to be recognised for the standard of our food served on board by winning the “Food Tourism Business Award" at the 2025 "Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards” Read the story on our news page

Read our guest reviews

We have our own Hebrides Cruises review system on our website where guests can leave a review in their own words, unedited by us. Since July 2015 Hebrides Cruises has received 580 reviews which can all be read on our website. We are delighted that they are 100% positive which is a credit to our crews and shore staff who always go the extra mile for our guests.