This 6-night Island Malt Whisky Tour for is for Private Charter only. This cruise can be reserved on any date in the season where we have no bookings so please get in touch to find out more »
The islands of Mull, Islay and Jura make up what is arguably the best malt whisky region in Scotland, if not the world.
Take a cruise through these Scottish west coast islands visiting fine malt whisky distilleries with the option to drop anchor at the harbours of Lagavulin, Talisker, Jura and Tobermory, to name but a few.
Along the way we have time to explore the famous islands that make up the island malt whisky region of Scotland and sample the fine foods they produce, including hand-dived Lagavulin scallops, oysters from Colonsay, Glengorn highland beef from Mull, and freshly caught prawns landed by local fishermen. These islands also have a fascinating history and heritage. The opportunity to visit fascinating archaeological remains is on offer throughout the cruise.
The Malt Whisky Island cruise offers the finest opportunity to experience the island malt whiskies as well as the local Argyll and Hebrides produce and soak in the ancient heritage of these islands of the Hebrides.
Cruise Itinerary
The Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary for the Malt Whisky Island Cruise; the actual cruise itinerary would be designed to take in guests preferences and local weather and tide conditions.
Day 1 Oban to the Garvellachs
After a warm welcome onboard our vessel, the Elizabeth G, around mid-afternoon, there is an option to visit Oban Distillery. Setting out from Oban, the first stop is the remote Garvellachs, north of the Island of Jura. This group of four rugged islands is home to a Celtic monastery believed to have been founded by St Brendan in 542AD, and rumoured to be the burial site of St Columba’s mother. Anchor off the islands of Lung and Caba for the first dinner onboard in an idyllic location.
Day 2 Corryvreckan and Jura
After breakfast at anchor, cruise past the Gulf of Corryvreckan and the world’s third largest whirlpool. Go ashore on the Isle of Jura, to visit the site of the house where George Orwell is rumoured to have written his masterpiece “1984”. Cruise the wild and remote coastline of Jura with its large population of red deer and wild goats. Sail down the east side of the Isle of Jura to Craighouse, with possible sightings of white tailed eagles. Enjoy a meal of locally sourced venison with the backdrop of Jura Distillery.
Day 3: Jura and the South Coast of Islay
Visit Jura distillery before cruising to the southern tip of Islay and opportunity to experience the biggest concentration of island malt distilleries, the world famous Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig Distilleries. Dropping anchor, go ashore to explore this most historic whisky island, visiting the distilleries preferred by guests. A walk to the 8th Century Chapel of Kildalton to admire one of the oldest and best preserved Celtic crosses in Scotland is recommended. Return to Elizabeth G to a feast of scallops, hand-dived by the Skipper.
Day 4 Sound of Islay and Colonsay
Steam up the Sound of Jura to Port Askaig to visit the distilleries of Caol Ila and Bunnahbhain with the stunning Paps of Jura in the background. In the afternoon, head north to the Island of Colonsay. After a walk ashore visiting Kiloran Bay,one of the best beaches in the Hebrides, arrive back aboard Elizabeth G to a meal of the famous Colonsay Oysters. Grown and matured in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, these Oysters are claimed to be the best in Britain.
Day 5 Iona Abbey and Staffa
Head for the Isle of Iona situated at the western tip of the Isle of Mull, claimed to be the birth place of Christianity in Scotland. In 563 AD St Columba came ashore with 12 companions and founded one of the most influential monasteries in Western Europe, becoming the burial place of kings from Scotland, Norway and France it is rumoured to be the location where the Book of Kells was written. After our time ashore on Iona we head for the Fingal ’s Cave on the uninhabited Island of Staffa. The wave-eroded basalt columns form one of the most spectacular sites in the Hebrides. Head for the Treshnish Isles spending the night at anchor close to the island of Lunga surrounded by Puffins, razor bills and guillemots.
Day 6 Ardnamurchan and Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Sail round the north shore of Mull and into the Sound of Mull. Tucked away in the southern side of Ardnamurchan, Glendborrodale Castle is home to the newest distillery in Scotland Adelphi Distillery, Ardnamurchan. Explore this distillery and learn why the owners chose this fine locations to reintroduce the Adelphi single malt after an absence of 100 years. Cruise to the iconic capital of the Isle of Mull, Tobermory. With its multi coloured buildings along the waterfront and it’s famed sunken Spanish galleon loaded with treasure in its bay this is the perfect spot to visit our final distillery of our Island malt whisky tour Tobermory. Our time is spent enjoying locally sourced produce including the famous Isle of Mull farmhouse Cheddar and Glengorm Beef.
Day 7 Oban.
Head down the sound of Mull back to the Isle of Kerrera. Nestled in the bay surrounding Oban, Kerrera is a fantastic low lying Island to explore. Enjoy a final wee dram while reflecting on what has to be the best ever island malt whisky cruise.
Cruise Map
Need extra info?
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Our trip to the Outer Hebrides was exceptional in every way; the talented staff; the comfortable accommodations; the little details (a refreshing glass of Prosecco on the return of each day's trip); the always-full cookie jar; the welcoming and beautifully decorated table spread with good food; the post-dinner discussions and chart-reading with Captain James and our naturalist, Will; the frolicking Bottlenose dolphins "bow riding" upside down next to the "Emma Jane"; the seals lazily lounging on the rocky ledges; the Minke whales; the diving gannets, nesting puffins, and Great Skua (nicknamed "Bonzies" by the Scots.....Will photographed one Bonxie trying to grab a mackerel away from a shearwater); the while fulmars flitting in and out the rocky crevices; and our wonderful trip companions. It was a trip to treasure and relive many times in future years! Every new adventure offered the chance to read and to learn about the many marine birds, the "beasties" (ocean mammals), and the fascinating stories and history of the Outer Hebrides. All experiences were unique; hiking in the Isle of Eigg to the "Massacre Cave"; viewing habitats of nesting puffins, guillemots, shags, fulmars on the cliffs of the "Shiants" and St. Kilda's; seeing the aquaculture salmon rafts stretched in a row off the coast of Skye; steaming across the water to the archipelago of St. Kilda's and experiencing the view of Hirta, St. Kilda's main island, mysteriously rising out of the fog as we approached the island All were memorable experiences. And we were lucky! The weather was perfect for our trip....some light drizzle off and on, some wind but no strong "houlies" (very strong winds)! This is a trip of a lifetime. We recommend it with enthusiasm and with joyful memories! Sally and Alan Gayer June 2019 Private Cruise to the Outer Hebrides and St. Kilda's
Sally and Alan Gayer: 8 June 2019Private Charter 10 Nights