Truly the trip of a lifetime, a visit to the haunting and dramatic Archipelago of islands and stacs that make up St Kilda is never to be forgotten . After a sea journey through the Inner and Outer Hebrides there is always excitement and anticipation as St Kilda comes into view, often with the top of the highest sea cliffs in Britain shrouded in mist. Dolphins, Minke whales and basking sharks often accompany the vessel enroute to St Kilda and even into Village Bay itself. Our sturdy, specialised vessels and highly experienced Skippers allow a unique opportunity to cruise close to the stacs, for incredible views of thousands of sea birds nesting on the cliffs and wheeling overhead; St Kilda is home to over 200 bird species. Anchoring in sheltered Village Bay, guests go ashore on the main island of Hirta to explore the poignant history of the abandoned village and try to spot the rare St Kilda wren and St Kilda mouse. A climb up Connachair, the highest point on Hirta, provides breathtaking views over the open sea and surrounding stacs.   

The choice of Outer Hebrides island stopovers on this cruise is equally awe-inspiring and may include Mingulay, Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, the Uists, the Shiants, Harris and others, depending on wind, tide and the wishes of the guests on board.  The waters of the Outer Hebrides are the best for sightings of cetaceans and our vessels are ideal for navigating close to remote island cliffs where many rare species of birds nest. With the unique wild flower machair in bloom, and stunning shell-sand beaches to walk along, shore trips are magical. There is a good chance of seeing corncrake and many other rare birds on the coastline, as well as otters and the spectacle of hundreds of seals hauled out on the beaches.

St Kilda is very remote and we have an excellent record of reaching the Archipelago. The 10-day cruise allows the Skipper to choose the best weather window to achieve an anchorage in Village Bay. The safety of guests is always paramount and any part of the sea journey is at the Skippers discretion and the final decision rests with him.

This cruise books up early but can also be booked as a private cruise charter, providing suitable dates are available

Cruise Map

Cruise Dates 2024

DateNightsSpacesPrice p/p VesselBook Online
1 June 2024100---Elizabeth-GFully Booked
3 June 2024100---Lucy MaryFully Booked
8 June 2024100---Emma JaneFully Booked
27 June 2024100---Lucy MaryFully Booked
1 July 2024100---Elizabeth-GFully Booked
1 July 2024100---Emma JaneFully Booked
13 July 2024100---Elizabeth-GFully Booked
22 July 2024100---Emma JaneFully Booked
6 August 2024100---Lucy MaryFully Booked

Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).

Cruise Dates 2025

DateNightsSpacesPrice p/p VesselBook Online
31 May 2025100---Elizabeth-GFully Booked
2 June 2025100---Lucy MaryFully Booked
26 June 2025100---Lucy MaryFully Booked
30 June 2025104£3,580.00Elizabeth-GBook Now
4 July 2025102£3,995.00Emma JaneBook Now
24 July 2025104£3,995.00Emma JaneBook Now
26 July 2025106£4,695.00Lucy MaryBook Now

Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).

Crew & Guest Images

Reviews

20 July 2023

The cruise to St. Kilda was brilliant, and we were thrilled to see whales and dolphins on the way. The trip round the stacks was especially memorable and very much appreciated as the birds circled above us. The boat was very comfortable even luxurious, providing for all our needs ,with top deck viewing and even a library! We have to mention the exceptional crew; Sam’s excellent t meals; Ruairi’s expert knowledge of wildlife and Abbie, who was so cheerful and thoughtful being there for all the guests. Thanks Rob for a wonderful cruise.

Patricia Armitage

20 July 2023

Thank you to Rob, Sam, Ruari, Abbie and all at Hebrides Cruises, not forgetting the beautiful Lucy Mary for another amazing trip. Graeme was thrilled to achieve his ambition of visiting the original (and best ) St Kilda. We also enjoyed revisiting The Small Isles. A bonus was the weather whist not warm it was mostly dry and whilst we were at St Kilda 
we were able to view the magnificent stacs under clear blue skies. Sam's offering from the galley were truly magnificent with an amazing 
range of textures and flavours from all over the world. We enjoyed many a chat with Ruari - did you know he could have been a concert pianist? Abbie clearly loves her job and we 
hope she continues to look after your guests as well as she did us. Huge thanks to Rob for his skill, diligence and great stories of life on the sea and in the islands.

Graeme & Sue Hurst

17 July 2023

Dear Emma - It was lovely to meet you briefly both before and after our recent cruise - Fiona and I had such a wonderful time, the fellow passengers were great company but what really made the trip was the fantastic crew, James (for the first 2 days), Bren, Zoe, Hannah and Charlie. They were so professional but also very personable and we could not have asked for better care (or indeed better food when it came to Charlie!).  The cruise gave some spectacular highlights but for me the encounter with the humpback whale on the return leg was amazing but even better was the sunset off the Cairns of Coll - the evening meal had just finished when Bren came to announce that the sunset promise to be spectacular. I spent a good hour on the top deck photographing the beauty of the sunset but was aware of something special as Zoe, Hannah and Bren remained on top and there was total silence as we reflected on the profoundness of the scene.

Ian Woods

17 July 2023

Far beyond our expectations. The crew were amazing and nothing was too much trouble. The amount of wildlife we saw was unbelievable. Altering course to search for and find the Fin Whale and later on the 2 Hump Back Whales went above and beyond what we could have hoped for. Full marks to the very capable skipper, Bren. Zoe, Charlie and Hannah also deserve our heartfelt thanks for making this trip the experience of a lifetime that will stay with us forever.

Sheelagh Green

4 July 2023

The Skipper used his knowledge of weather and sea state to time our trip to St Kilda and to include areas where we were likely to see (and did see) lots of wildlife.  The chef did very well to cater for the dietary requirements of all passengers.  Meal times were a very pleasant experience.  

Jayne Rendall

4 July 2023

This was my second Elizabeth G holiday . I enjoyed everything about the holiday.We visited some wonderful places and saw fantastic wildlife. The crew Alistair, Craig, Zoe, and Minty were excellent and were a pleasure to be with. Thank you Emma and I hope to return one day.

Joan Francis

4 July 2023

Appreciated the dropping off the luggage before embarking, and that the luggage was in the cabin upon our arrival.  The Skipper was so informative and knowledgeable – he inspired confidence in knowing that the trip was going to be memorable for all the right reasons. Thoroughly enjoyed his briefings in the evening.

Hazel Walker-Smith

4 July 2023

Booking was easy and effective.  Information was helpful with final preparations before the trip.  The crew went out their way to make sure we were well fed, watered, entertained and informed.  With careful planning the Skipper during the early part of the cruise we made it to St Kilda.  So the trip was especailly successful for my wife and I.  We anchored in some lovely sheltered bays and onshore trips were well organised and well led.  You would find it hard to find a better way to explore the Hebrides!

Nick Tardivel

3 July 2023

Our most enjoyable ten days ever on Scotland's West Coast. We saw countless Gannets, Fulmars, Puffins and large numbers of Dolphins. Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Razorbills joined in as did Skuas, Shags and Cormorants. And on our return past Ardnamurchan several Minke whales came to visit. Chris, the skipper, skilfully adjusted our itinerary to make the best of some changeable weather so we managed to reach both the Shiant islands and St Kilda as well as interesting anchorages on the way. Lynsey's keen eye kept us alert to every sighting, Greg spoiled us with imaginative dishes and Bea looked after us with a never-ending supply of Prosecco and cake. Utterly delightful.

Christine and Derek Poate

3 July 2023

The scenery was spectacular and the anchorages and onshore trips very good.  Lynsey was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic,  we made it to St Kilda which was the highlight for me.  The crew were just wonderful and nothing was to much trouble.  Do not hesitate as you will not be disappointed! 

Jennifer Hall

Need extra info?

If you have any enquiries about our cruises or would like an informal chat about your plans, please email using our Contact Us page. If you prefer phone Emma any-time on +44 (0) 75851 51611 or +44 (0)1631 711 986