Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons 6-nights

9 September 2023

Oh dear. I had an incredible time on the Emma Jane last year, such a life altering experience that I was just a little nervous; it couldn’t possibly be as good again, could it? But it was…no, it was better. It might feel like happy accident to get good conditions, find amazing sealife, or really feel at home on a boat with twelve strangers, but of course it’s not; it skill, experience, planning, hard work and kindness. This is family, a family business that has created an ethos and atmosphere that flows through the crew (on shore and at sea) so that you feel totally at ease as you are taken by the hand and shown the wonders of the Hebrides. Vanessa, the steward, was bright, attentive and lovely. Chef Nicola cooked and baked delicious and varied food and is the sweetest and happiest person. Lynsay, wow, capable, knowledgeable and a hawkeye that never failed to spot or identify the multitudinous sealife, plus she’s the beautiful artist on display all over the boat! And Skipper Bren, so relaxed and accomplished that everyone assumed it was his umpteenth season on the Emma Jane…I hope he’s tempted back many more times. Thank you so much for showing me such incredible places, giving me unique experiences and indulging a chatty singleton who kept peeling off to sing in caves or check out the Mishnish’s 80-/ and random locals! I really appreciated the care, attention and honesty of the crew, they clearly love their jobs, had endless patience and are really interesting people to talk with. I can’t wait to come back and have booked another cruise aboard the Emma Jane; can it possibly be as good as this one? I’m not nervous. x

Ellen Orrock

9 September 2023

What a wonderful experience. Ever since we enjoyed a week on Lizzie G as a dive boat in 2014, we wanted to return and renew our acquaintance with her on a wildlife cruise. And what a week - it exceeded all our expectations. From the first welcome with Prosecco and amazing scones, to the last sad farewell, we had a fabulous time. Our fellow guests provided lovely company and the crew - whose love and enthusiasm for what they did shone through - looked after us royally. Hannah was an excellent wildlife guide, pointing out the wide range of wildlife we were lucky enough to see, Callum ‘glass of wine anyone’ a caring and attentive Bosun, Charlie provided us with superb Cordon Bleu meals throughout our stay and Alasdair as Skipper was not only superb at ensuring we had the best opportunities to see the wildlife, his company and story telling in the eve were great fun. The range of wildlife as noted every eve by Hannah was impressive, highlights had to be Sea Eagles just ‘posing’ for us as well as flying and passing food, Red Deer stag bellowing on the skyline, other sea birds too numerous to mention, and as for the dolphins….! A trip like this is always weather dependent, and although the elements were against us towards the end of the trip, the itinerary was adapted so we missed none of the highlights. In short - an outstanding week. Thanks to all who made it so.

Louisa & Martyn Nicholls

9 September 2023

We have just left the Emna Jane and had a wonderful time with you. Everything was joyous.Absolutely loved it.Thank you. Hilary. Ps Your staff are wonderful.xx 

Hilary Taylor

9 September 2023

Greetings Emma, Paul and I have recently returned from our holiday - our trip on Elizabeth G was truly stunning. Please do extend our respect and gratitude to Alasdair, Hannah, Charlie and Callum; everything was thoroughly professional and enjoyable - we couldn’t have wished for more! Together with a pleasant and harmonious group of passengers, we really had a most memorable trip.

Brigid Bruce

7 September 2023

It really was an idyllic holiday, a step out of time, and so special we will never forget it.  We had perfect weather (suncream nearly every day!), very good company, fantastic food, a dedicated and charming wildlife expert, a most caring and imaginative stewardess, and a captain with every skill possible.... what more could we want.  We both fully appreciated the way James and his crew helped Donald whenever needed, expertly and unobtrusively so that every moment could be enjoyed.  I could on for pages enumerating the wonders of our voyage, it is enough to say once more how truly grateful we both are for our wonderful days with your Hebrides Cruises.  Warmest thanks! 

Donald and Ann Beckitt

7 September 2023

We were so glad that we decided to join a wildlife cruise with your company. Not only did we sail in extreme comfort and luxury aboard the 'Lucy Mary' but we did it with a lovely group of fellow travellers who proved great company throughout, sharing stories and experiences in a very convivial manner. All the crew members were friendly, knowledgable and approachable in every aspect of their respective duties. The anchorages, scenery and on-shore trips were excellent with the weather playing its part too. A wide range of wildlife was spotted in the water and in the air but a highlight had to have been the feeding frenzy witnessed one very calm, surreal day when the sea literally erupted around the ship with dozens of dolphins, minke whales and gannets to name but a few...truly outstanding. Numerous photographs and videos were taken and will provide a fantastic record of our adventure at sea. Each evening it was a pleasure to be seated at the beautifully dressed table and anticipate the next gourmet meal accompanied by the obligatory, excellent house wine! This was our first cruising holiday but it will certainly not be our last. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a special trip which exceeded our expectations in every way. The 'icing on the cake' had to be the appearance of the Northern Lights on our last night aboard – a magical finale to a wonderful holiday. We absolutely loved every minute aboard this beautiful ship .

Steven and Norma Holiday

7 August 2023

We have nothing but the highest praise for the whole experience. From the whales, dolphin and porpoise sightings while enroute, to the flora and fauna we saw while ashore in the most spectacular locations, this was a most thrilling trip. I will add that the experience was undoubtedly enhanced by the crew, with James ensuring that we had the optimum cruising conditions and Indy being a font of knowledge way beyond his years while explaining what we saw.  I cannot say enough about the hospitality on board. From James to Abbie, Sam to Indy the crew were so welcoming. From the moment Abbie offered us a welcoming drink on first boarding to the Carrot cake and Prosecco on the beach in Muck, we felt that we were well taken care of throughout. Indeed, the quality and variety of the food meant that we looked forward to every meal. I must say a particular thanks for the surprise chocolate cake arranged to help us celebrate our 42nd Wedding Anniversary. This was a lovely thought and much appreciated!  The was nothing that the crew could have done to make this a better experience. We were sad when the trip came to an end and felt that we had one of the best experiences with a caring crew, and companiable fellow cruisers. All in all, a most memorable and enjoyable week.  I would only have two words to say to anyone thinking of booking with Hebrides Cruises: “Do it”.

Duncan Pescod

29 April 2023

We loved our cruise on the Elizabeth G. Craig, Zoe, James and Charlie looked after us all so well; they couldn't have done more. The food was out of this world, absolutely five star! The excursions onto the islands and remote secluded bays were so expertly lead by Zoe. She was constantly on the look for interesting birds and creatures to show us. We were delighted to watch an otter come out of the sea and up the shore and also to see dolphins, sea eagles, razorbills, puffins, guillemots, shags, a skua and the list could go on and on... Craig attended to our every need on board and the captain (James) kindly invited us to go and see the engine room and the also the bridge. Both were fascinating. I would not hesitate to recommend this amazing holiday.

Cath and Martin Jones

29 April 2023

Very Comfortable.  Perfect.  It was extra special. Do it! Our best wishes to a wonderful team! 

Iain Collinson

29 April 2023

We had a fabulous cruise with a fantastic crew! James, the skipper, always found a sheltered bay for the night; Charlie's meals were just delicious; Craig looked after us so well; Zoe even spotted minke whales and dolphins and took us on lovely walks! We were happy to see much wild life, greatly enjoyed the relaxed ambiance on board and felt like being part of a big family! Last but not least: we also appreciated Emma's help and information before starting our cruise. Many thanks for a wonderful week!

Beatrice and Armando Chissalé