23 April 2022
This must be one of the most relaxing holidays I have ever been on. A lifelong ambition was fulfilled be visiting Staffa and seeing Fingal's Cave and it was every bit as spectacular as I had hoped. Not only did we walk down the route to it to look into it but, thanks to Chris judging the tide to be right, he was able to get us right inside it. Iona and its abbey were impressive too of course and being able to land on Lunga in the Treshnish Islands and see the seabird colonies - puffins galore - was equally marvellous. The sail round Mull was an eye-opener too, seeing lochs from the sea rather than from the land. They were wonderful locations to spend the nights. And the weather was glorious. The wildlife was in abundance too with lots of seabirds and seals and good sightings of cetaceans. Bottle-nosed dolphins were the first up to bow-wave and we also had 4 or 5 Minke whales fishing and a few porpoises, but the most spectacular were over 100 Common Dolphins which came leaping from all directions to accompany us for over an hour. The hospitality on board was as friendly as ever on a Hebrides Cruises's trip thanks to Chris, Craig, Zoe and Sian with her delicious meals. Add to that very compatible fellow-travellers and no WiFi (so no gloomy news) and this was a holiday to be long treasured in the memory.
Helen Mainwood
Our group of 10 friends took Emma Jane for 6 days in the Small Isles and although we were all pretty excited in anticipation of our trip for months in advance, I have to say it exceeded all our expectations in every way. Amazingly the seas were calm, and although it was cool, our welcome certainly was not. All the crew, from our superb chef, Caroline, to our delightful and knowledgeable naturalist and our great captains (yes, two for the price of one!), Rob and Chris, could not have been more charming, helpful and pleasant to spend time with. And Emma was so efficient in handling all the arrangements. The area is, of course, scenically stunning, the wildlife abundant, and I really cannot imagine how our trip could have been bettered. I am sure we all sincerely hope to return one day. Many thanks and best wishes, Jenny Brewis
Jenny Brewis: 18 May 2019Private Charter 6 Nights