Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles 10-nights

19 May 2025

We were on the Shaints and Summer Isles cruise. Our first ever. The Elizabeth G was perfect, totally immaculate, spotlessly clean and beautifully presented. The cabins were cosy and comfortable with excellent storage facilities. The outdoor decks were fabulous for enjoying the beauty of the Hebrides. We felt so much at home for the wonderful 10 days.of our holiday. The food was incredible; varied and healthy, as it was so freshly prepared, with plentiful fruit and vegetables. We looked forward to the delight of the dining experience in the lovely, cosy, sociable salon. Absolutely up there with any of the best restaurants we have been to, imaginative and beautifully presented. The whole crew were absolutely amazing. Competent, supportive, welcoming and interesting. We felt totally safe and secure under their guidance. We loved the adventure of travelling between the islands and lochs and it was great to get a walk with the wildlife guide every day. There is nothing we didn't love about the holiday, and we hope to return. THANK YOU all.

Gill and Mike Huhges

12 May 2025

Marvellous in every way - again! From beginning to end the experience was enjoyable. Emma’s warm and efficient booking; the boarding and welcome by the crew; then the day-by-day delights of the cruise itself… no effort was spared by everyone involved to make this a(nother) superb holiday. The four crew members were full of youthful enthusiasm and merriment. Jake was a friendly, highly competent skipper who sailed us to beautiful places and made every effort to help us have maximum enjoyment: for example, fishing for fresh mackerel for dinner; pointing out opportunities for me to swim; and using the tender to carry us about, both as a group and individually. Will was a very pleasant and knowledgeable wildlife guide, quietly enthusiastic about natural wonders large and small, and drawing attention to and identifying creatures which might otherwise not have been noticed. Trinity was an effective and attentive stewardess, handling everyone’s wishes with tact and charm, and keeping the boat spotless. Minty provided a myriad of delicious dishes for us all, my own vegetarian food never falling below the highest quality. It was lovely to see the four working together to make our trip fun. About the vessel Emma Jane herself, I have nothing but admiration, and am hoping to cruise on her again soon.

Stephanie

20 May 2024

An absolutely unbelievable 10 day Cruise on the Elizabeth G - a great boat. The crew were fantastic and so helpful. The food onboard was 5 star. Stunning scenery with a real close up view of wildlife and fauna and flora. Birdlife on The Shiants was out of this world and Hebrides Cruises get you real up close and personal. As for sea life - Basking Shark, Dolphins, Minke Whales, Porpoise, Seal and much much more were seen on the trip. We would thoroughly recommend anyone who enjoys wildlife and the great outdoors to sign up for the adventure.

John & Margaret Adams

20 May 2024

This was our third cruise with Hebrides Cruises, and like the previous two it was an excellent trip, and really good fun. The booking process was straight-forward, and the cruise itself lived up to expectations - the skipper and crew worked exceptionally hard to ensure we reached the target destinations by way of a calm passage, and the on-board wildlife guide was brilliant at spotting and identifying the many whales, dolphins, and birds seen on the way. The catering on-board was top-quality. I'd recommend a trip with Hebrides Cruises to anyone interested in the history and wildlife of the Hebrides. The award of 'Scottish Small Family Business of the Year 2023' was well merited.

Steve Lonsdale

20 May 2024

Responses to my questions very prompt – even on Sundays! And very clear. The description of the cruise, the facilities on board, and what we could expect to encounter subject to weather and tides was spot-on.  Embarking on the boat was very easy. The scale of the harbour at Oban makes it easily found and accessible. The crew were instantly friendly, welcoming, and clear about keeping us all safe on board. Our luggage was stowed in our cabins with no fuss or effort on our part.  I was amazed how the skipper devised solutions which enabled us to meet our major expectations despite having to wait for seas to calm following a night of strong winds. Scenery was fantastic. Even the fog was atmospheric. Going ashore was always a joy, conducted with expertise by the crew, and being led by Hannah with her unlimited enthusiasm and expert knowledge was not to be missed. Anchorages every night were calm and peaceful. I slept extremely well!  The saloon was a convivial place at all times, especially after supper! The foredeck was great for spotting wildlife or admiring the scenery.  Do it!

R Mills

20 May 2024

Alasdair was excellent and informed us of his plans and why. We had a bit of a blow on the second and third days. Shelter was planned and then he made a long day to the Shiants which were wonderful.  I felt Perry had put a lot of thought into his meals. too much food but not a lot of waste. All 4 crew were excellent. Hannah's enthusiasm and knowledge, Craig's diligence and constant work were great.  This cruise was great because the Crewe and passengers all got on well in a gentle manner. The Crewe commented on this. Everyone was interested in the wildlife and I come from Skye so I loved looking at the islands from a different perspective. This cruise was great because the Crewe and passengers all got on well in a gentle manner. The Crewe commented on this. Everyone was interested in the wildlife and I come from Skye so I loved looking at the islands from a different perspective.

C Stewart

13 May 2024

Last year was our first, long awaited trip on Emma Jane. It was an amazing experience, over and above anything we could have hoped for. So on our return we booked this years cruise AND 2025. As skipper James said ‘ you need to do these things while still vertical’! Emma Jane is a beautiful, comfortable vessel to travel on from the well thought out cabins, comfy sofas and books in the salon and multiple outside viewing areas to look out for all the wildlife and scenery. Skipper Charlie found wonderful anchorages, dramatic scenery and safe clean places for the hardy swimmers. Arriving at the Shiants around the north of the islands was a real highlight. This approach allowed us to see the huge and dramatic basalt pillars, that dwarf those at Fingals Cave. Later, with perfect conditions, Charlie and Will ( Guide) took us on the rib to see the formations, caves and birds at really close quarters. Amazing! Will sort out the wildlife at sea and on land with great success. Highlights include both common and bottlenose nose dolphins who came to ride the bow wave. A lovely view of Minke whale. 3 white tailed eagles together on the eastern shore of Raasay and 8 in the sky as we sailed away from The Shiants. Will led us safely on shore trips that were adapted to the ability and wishes of the guests. This includes a dramatic hike up to Hallaig, the abandoned settlement on Raasay. Stunning views in all directions and a golden eagle viewed from above. Charlie (chef, not the shipper!) cheerfully cooked us up 3 lovely meals a day as well of cake for tea, using a great deal of local produce. I loved the fish dishes. She was ably assisted by equally smiley Jasmine, who looked after us, served us meals, made drinks and kept everything spotlessly clean and tidy. It felt as if the whole crew worked together as a well oiled team. I’ve seen it written before on reviews before, but if you are considering a trip with Hebrides Cruises - book it. Will and Sarah

Will and Sarah

22 May 2023

Beautiful anchorages and scenery. Fabulous trips and the crew were a wealth of local knowledge.  Excellent service and first rate care. Fresh, tasty and thoughtful menus throughout the trip.  Dont hestitate!

Stephen Lewis

22 May 2023

All superb. Chris even took us to my favourite anchorage on Rona and loitered where I had once seen an eagle’s nest. My special wish was to see the Summer Isles after first looking down on them in 1974! They were as magical as I had thought they must be. Each day was organized to make the very best of what the islands can offer. Private facilities are very good, and I love “Sea Kelp” toiletries.  I really appreciated the new seating forward which was really comfortable. The crew all seemed to be very happy in their roles which made me feel comfortable with them. Hannah’s enthusiasm was infectious.  Don’t hang about, just BOOK if you can find a space.

Jan Shearn

15 May 2023

Had a wonderful time once again. Chris as skipper was great. He found lovely quiet anchorages each night, and was such a good egg in talking to Brian about ships every day! Lynsey was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, and took the time to explain about all sorts of flora and fauna, as well as wildlife. Vanessa, although her first trip, was so enthusiastic and worked really hard on keeping everyone happy. As always the food was excellent, and tried things I’ve never eaten before. All the crew need to be especially commended for their patience and politeness, we hope to back with you again soon. Have just got to save up the pennies! Thank you once again - loved it…. Barbara x

Barbara Corlett