A qualified Wildlife Expert on every cruise
All our Crew members have an in-depth of knowledge of the seas and coasts our vessels visit and can provide extensive information on history, culture, environment and wildlife. Unique to our cruises is that guests are always accompanied onshore by a specialist Wildlife Expert. This not only assists our guests to spot and identify wildlife but ensures they are safe and relaxed and will get the most enjoyment out of their trip ashore.
Our Wildlife Experts are highly qualified and come back to us season after season; they know the best walks, the local history and the local wildlife habitats. They not only identify birdlife, mammals and cetaceans but often the insect and plant life too. Going ashore is tailored to the abilities and wishes of guests and can be anything from a stroll along a beach to a more challenging hike up a hill to get the best views. One-way coastal walks are popular, to be met by the boat tender once guests reach their destination. Any guest who would like to explore or go for a longer trek on their own can usually be accommodated; the Crew would brief them on basic safety guidelines for the guests to adhere to, before they set off.
Going ashore, and indeed spotting wildlife is only one aspect of our cruises. Our guests have a wonderful time on board our vessels, watching the scenery float by while enjoying fabulous food and the companionship of their shipmates and Crew. Guests are free to be as active or as relaxed as they please and the Crew will fit in with their wishes as much as possible.
Unfortunately our trip coincided with the most prolonged strong winds for twenty five years, which made the crossing to St. Kilda impossible. Nevertheless our skipper, James, made the best use of both wind and sea conditions and managed to get us over to the Outer Hebrides when other operators had been unable to do so. Taking advantage of the islands themselves we sailed almost the entire length of the archipelago, from Harris to Mingulay, going ashore on Eriskay, Vatersay, Harris and Mingulay. James also attempted to get us over to the Shiants, but we had barely cleared Scalpay when it became obvious to everyone that the conditions made this too dangerous. Despite these setbacks we had an interesting and enjoyable trip and were very grateful to James for what he enabled us to experience. We have nothing but praise for the way in which we were looked after on board by the rest of the crew; Viv served up a series of excellent meals (I still dream about her pork!), Charlotte was constantly busy seeing to our every need, and Will kept us alert, both on board and ashore, to any wildlife that was around and provided a wealth of information on our walks. All four crew members were a delight to sail with and I am only sorry that we had such a short time to say goodbye to them.
David Leonard Davies: 11 June 2022St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides