28 August 2023
We set off from Oban in the Elizabeth G under the expert skippering (is that a word ?) of Alistair, Bosun Craig was ever attentive providing drinks and excellenttable service, Zoe our guide pointing out various wildlife species and Charle our Chef providing delicious meals and snacks all throughout the cruise. I would nominate Charlie for Master Chef. Alistair plotted our course northwards, we saw Dolphins on our first day, poor Zoe couldn't get me to say pods, "herds of them" was my cry, it was amazing that these highly intelligent creatures would actively go out of their way to interact with us, it happened every day and our faces ached with the smiles these fantastic animals generated. We saw Minke whales almost every day as well The Elizabth G may be 60 years old but she is in excellent condition, strong, reliable, steady in a strong wind and swell because of her stabilisers, she has character and a beauty all of her own. She is big enough to give you confidence that she can tackle what mother nature throws at her but small enough to anchor in some truly amazing places. Every day you go ashore and explore another new location. (Weather permitting) Every member of the crew is dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your cruise, excellent food, excellent care, super knowledge of the flora and fauna. You go to bed every evening with your knowledge expanded, your spirits lifted. If you want to see Dolphins, Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Eagles, Shags, Gannets, Manx Shearwater, Gulls of every type, the list of encounters is limited only by the time/length of your cruise, sign up for a cruise as soon as you can. Alistair, the skipper has the utmost respect for the wildlife you encounter, every encounter is on the animals terms, their safety takes priority, he lets the wildlife come to the boat rather than pursuing it. His storytelling is wonderful, every evening he and Zoe join you and he shows you where you have been, where you are going and what weather to expect, there is even a knowledge test at the end of the cruise. Zoe goes through every wildlife encounter, she shares her knowledge enthusiastically. We have seen so much that has enthralled is we have walked in beautiful locations, we have been cared for by the crew, we have had a brilliant holiday. Thanks to Emma and everyone at Hebrides Cruises. David and Tracy
David and Tracy Woods-Thomas
From start to finish, our trip was an experience that will remain a lifetime memory. From the welcome aboard by the fantastic crew, through the wildlife encounters around the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, to the absolutely fabulous cuisine and beautiful dinner table decorations which changed each day - we had a spectacular time. Skipper Chris ensured our individual needs were catered for aboard the Lucy Mary and during our short trips ashore. Nature guide Indy displayed an amazingly wide knowledge of the wildlife which we encountered and worked with Chris to ensure our experience was wholly memorable. While aboard, Olly, Abby and Calum ensured our trip was totally comfortable and relaxing - quite how Chef Calum managed to create such a tasty and varied menu in the small galley, we just have no idea. Our favourite dish was the rolled stuffed sole on a bed of risotto! The daily routine worked like clockwork, with beds made up and turned down as if by magic - there was even a bedtime chocolate treat left on our pillow each night! Of course our whole experience was made all the more special by the array of wildlife which we saw - there was even a White-tailed Sea Eagle which bade us farewell on our last morning as we left the calm of our overnight mooring on Loch Spelve! To our crew and Hebrides Cruises, thank you. We can't recommend you more highly.
Iain & Sue McNeil: 18 August 2025The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens