The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens 6-nights

20 September 2025

Another superb trip... Great food from Sally and really good crewing and wildlife observating from Rob Craig and Jill.The highlight had to be the feeding fest of 6 minke whales and countless dolphins and gannets as the herded a shoal of fish..such magnificent cooperation. Sadly this may be my last trip. But maybe in ,2027 as an 80th celebration!

ann thurlow

11 September 2025

The most amazing holiday, we were so well looked after by Captain James, Indy, Abbie, Piers & Callum throughout our 6 night cruise. Everything was first class. We were so lucky to see Otters, Common Dolphins, Minke Whales, a Humped Back Whale and John Coe & Aquarius the 2 ‘local’ ORCAS !!! We have lifelong memories of this fantastic cruise. Thank You All so much.

Denis Oates

11 September 2025

We were lucky enough to be on Lucy Mary for this cruise and as well as being on a beautiful boat and having a great crew (James, Abbi, Indy, Piers and Callum) to look after us we were fortunate enough to see a whole array of wonderful wildlife. Beyond the crew we also appreciated the on-shore team for its pre-cruise administration and everything they did to accommodate us in terms of rescheduling a previously booked cruise and feel that this is the level of service you could only hope to receive from a family run business that places a high value on customer satisfaction. This cruise was more than just a cruise it was lifetime experience and we cannot recommend Hebrides Cruises highly enough. Thank one and all and especially Piers for the fresh Mackerel. Dale and Joyce.

Dale and Joyce Oliver.

11 September 2025

Fabulous experience from start to finish. Excellent service from all crew members. We had an adventure of a lifetime, experiencing 2 Orcas, Humpback, Minkes and an array of dolphins all in the same day. The scenery is spectacular. Lucy Mary is a fantastic boat to cruise on. Our stop offs were inspiring to see, plenty of information given to us by Indy. The walks were beneficial to see other wildlife both fauna and different birds. An epic adventure not to be forgotten.

Jayne Cooper

6 September 2025

The weather was, at times, awful; we would have liked to see more wildlife but we still had a really good time. The crew - Jake, Lauren, Jasmine and Emma couldn’t looked after us better. The wildlife highlight was common dolphin playing on the ship’s bow wave. Emma Jane is a wonderful ship to have a small cruise experience and the master cabin was the best cabin we have had on any other cruise ship (small or large) I wouldn’t hesitate to highly recommend Hebrides Cruises.

Peter Davis

18 August 2025

From start to finish, our trip was an experience that will remain a lifetime memory. From the welcome aboard by the fantastic crew, through the wildlife encounters around the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, to the absolutely fabulous cuisine and beautiful dinner table decorations which changed each day - we had a spectacular time. Skipper Chris ensured our individual needs were catered for aboard the Lucy Mary and during our short trips ashore. Nature guide Indy displayed an amazingly wide knowledge of the wildlife which we encountered and worked with Chris to ensure our experience was wholly memorable. While aboard, Olly, Abby and Calum ensured our trip was totally comfortable and relaxing - quite how Chef Calum managed to create such a tasty and varied menu in the small galley, we just have no idea. Our favourite dish was the rolled stuffed sole on a bed of risotto! The daily routine worked like clockwork, with beds made up and turned down as if by magic - there was even a bedtime chocolate treat left on our pillow each night! Of course our whole experience was made all the more special by the array of wildlife which we saw - there was even a White-tailed Sea Eagle which bade us farewell on our last morning as we left the calm of our overnight mooring on Loch Spelve! To our crew and Hebrides Cruises, thank you. We can't recommend you more highly.

Iain & Sue McNeil

25 September 2024

Our second trip with Hebrides Cruises. After last year's cruise to St Kilda we wrote that Hebrides Cruises had exceeded our expectations. So, of course, this time our expectations were higher. Despite this, we were delighted that our expectations were exceeded again! A great crew who looked after us perfectly, who found us an abundance of "beasties" to admire, who produced great meals, and who arranged an itinerary that largely avoided the bad weather we could often see across the water. We couldn't have asked for more.

Hans and Angela

25 September 2024

We were so spoilt on the Lucy Mary. We were supremely looked after by a very knowledgeable and experienced skipper with an immaculate boat and such a good crew. We saw so much wildlife, ranging from lots of white tailed eagles, golden eagles, dolphins, seals, blue fin tuna, Minke whales and so much more. The service on board was of the highest standard with a chef who should have been working in a Michelin star restaurant, but perhaps she was! They say that quality is all in the details - and on board the Lucy Mary every tiny detail was considered and was correct. I would love to go back next year, but they are apparently fully booked. Roll on 2026!

Tom Moore

21 September 2024

Emma, my daughter and l spent the above on the Elizabeth G. from September 21st, and it was the most magical and marvellous time . We enjoyed every minute and this was due to in large part part to the magnificent crew. With thanks to you and the organisation  for arranging all this.  Best Wishes from us both Daphne Lovelace.

Daphne Lovelace

21 September 2024

This was such a magical adventure. I can't praise the crew highly enough, with the attention to detail, caring approach, thoughtfulness and professionalism all making our trip so easy, relaxing, happy and fun. I travelled with my elderly mother who benefited from a helpful hand navigating some of the wobblier walking moments and was thrilled at the generous approach towards topping up her wine glass. The kindness and thought put into celebrating her birthday was hugely appreciated. Like me, she came away having enjoyed fabulous scenery, majestic views (we were so fortunate with the weather), amazing animal encounters, excellent food, cleanliness throughout and generous hospitality, but it was the sheer friendliness and kindness of the crew that made the holiday so perfect. I brought with me various food intolerances and not once did I feel that I was getting second-best, indeed quite the opposite with my own freshly-baked cake each day and a very understanding approach from the fabulous Izzy and Craig. Hannah provided expert wildlife guidance and was so welcoming, knowledgeable, kind and engaging. We could make informed decisions about the walks and she was always available and wonderfully enthusiastic, providing a helpful recap each evening that also helped bring our fellow guests together. Chris was a very welcoming skipper and we benefited from his expertise (changing routes to avoid choppy water / bad weather) and particularly appreciated his summary each evening of where we'd been and cruising plans for the next day. Craig was the most perfect steward/bosun in making us feel so very welcome and at home, with laughter plenty and every guest detail noted and remembered. Izzy cooked the most incredible meals and we were sated and amazed each day, with delicious and inventive food and great thoughtfulness regarding dietary needs. Huge congratulations and thanks to all the team for making our holiday so very special. In summary, our cruise was incredibly special and very magical. We can't praise the team enough and found all elements to work so well together, from the amazing food to the friendliness and professionalism, with such a stunning backdrop and a very well understood and researched itinerary. Pausing the boat to enjoy dolphins, view white-tailed eagles and hunt for the elusive Minke whale really did put guests first, most importantly in balance with nature too. A holiday we will never forget and certainly one that we would repeat.

Rebecca Lovelace