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
To the on board crew, my grateful thanks. No one can take away my memories of what I say, they made it happen! The scenery was superb and the clarity of it exceptional.
Helen Greenwood: 16 September 2017Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons