The name “The Small Isles” really doesn’t do justice to a unique group of four islands, just south of Skye, each with its own amazing character, culture, scenery and geology. The best way to soak in the atmosphere of these islands is on an island-hopping trip from the sea, all the while surrounded by vistas of the other inner and outer Hebridean islands on the horizon. The islands have tiny populations, and the people are very friendly. One of the delights of going ashore is to casually chat with the inhabitants of these islands that you happen to meet and find out first hand what life is like here.
Eventually, the draw of the Cuillin Mountains, ever present on the horizone will be too overpowering and you will leave the delightful Small Isles to reach the iconic Isle of Skye and visit beautiful Loch Coruisk and Loch Skavaig. Find out more about The Small Isles, one of the best kept secrets of the Hebrides and let us take you from Canna to Coruisk on our exclusive “Skye and the Small Isles Explorer” 6-night cruise departing July 4th. Only three cabins left for 2015.
Fabulous cruise with first class crew. Jake our Captain got us safely to each destination, amending the itinerary as weather conditions changed. We nevertheless got everywhere we’d been promised and got to enjoy the wildlife to the max. Charlie, our cook supreme, fed us incredibly well and Jasmin, our steward, ensured we were so well looked after we didn’t want the cruise to finish. They also managed a birthday surprise for me, which was wonderful. Special mention to Lynsey, our guide, who managed to spot two humpback whales from a good few miles away, one of which hadn’t previously been seen in Scottish waters. We were able to spend a good while with them without ever feeling we were disturbing them. We also saw Harbour porpoise, common dolphins, seals, White-tailed eagles, an otter, a minke whale, a cuckoo, sea-birds galore (gannets, puffins, guillemots, razor-bills, fulmars to name a few) and heard the allusive Corn crake. The scenery was also fantastic. Incredibly dramatic as you’d expect and again Lynsey with her geology background was able to give further information. I had a great time with the other cruise guests who all helped make the cruise such an enjoyable holiday experience. My favourite moment was watching a pod of common dolphins speed towards the Emma Jane; swimming, jumping, tail slapping alongside and interacting with us before heading off. It was chucking with rain, but nobody cared, it was absolutely magical.
Jackie Phelpstead: 21 June 2025Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants