There is a special time of year, and a particular area of the west coast, that is an amazing hub for wildlife. In September and October the shoals of mackerel attract cetaceans and sea birds in large numbers, making it a great time to be at sea, spotting dolphins, porpoises and minke whales. At the same time Manx shearwaters can be seen in huge rafts on the surface of the sea, while bird populations such as gannets and eagles are at their highest, with the young most visible before they depart to find their own territory. Basking sharks are still around, seals and otters are plentiful and on the coast the red deer are seen and heard as the annual rut is in progress. The cruise area is extremely scenic, including the “Small Isles” of Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck, and the magnificent sea lochs of Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull and remote Loch Sunart and Kentra Bay on Ardnamurchan. On shore, there are excellent guided walking opportunities on this cruise, with expert local knowledge on hand from all four crew and to top it all, delicious food from the galley.
28 September 2019
Well, what can I say, everything about this small cruise was first class. The crew, Chris, Craig, Alexa and Mags all looked after us from start to finish. The cabins were lovely with comfy beds, there was room to store everything and the en-suites were excellent. The food was absolutely delicious, thank you Mags. Every day was interesting and we saw plenty of wildlife, lots of white sided dolphins following the boat one day which was great. The weather was also brilliant and we were with a lovely bunch of folk. We’ll be back.
Shamim and Stanley Robertson
The whole cruise from start to finish was amazing. The crew were attentive, fun, professional, fun, good sports, fun. I could go on. We were very lucky to get two days of sunshine for St Kilda and the Shiants and our timing was impeccable. Thanks James. He remained professional and was great company at dinner. The nightly briefings showed how much thought went into planning where we were to be the next day. Lindsay was great, there was not a minute of the day when she didn't have her eye out for whales, dolphins and birds. We were richly rewarded by having two minky whales swim under our boat. What a sight. We were all a little emotional. Emma our bosun. She was an absolute delight. Hard working and lots of fun. Nothing was too much trouble for her. What a treasure. Lastly but certainly not least. Yvonne, our chef. My husband is still talking about your salmon pie! The food that was produced in your small, rocking kitchen was stunning. I wouldn't have changed a thing. I think everyone on our cruise felt the same. Cheers! Lyndy and Clyde Ronan
Lyndy Ronan: 9 July 2018St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides