Cruising the Hebrides

Life on the Ocean Waves...

The mysterious Flannan Isles, the beautiful, unspoilt World Heritage Site of St Kilda, the sea cliffs at Mingulay, the world's second largest Grey Seal colony on the Monarch Isles, Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise, Rosso's Dolphin, White beaked Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Killer and Northern Bottlenose Whale..., significant archaeological remains, diving in clear, clean waters warmed by the gulf stream, sea-bird colonies of kittiwakes, fulmar, great skua, gannets, guillemots, puffins and razorbills, the majestic golden eagle Just some of the many attractions of cruising around the Hebrides.

Seeing the Hebrides from the sea gives you a whole new perspective on our beautiful islands, and whether you would like a luxury cruise ship, or a smaller charter vessel, a day cruise, or a live at sea cruise. (If you are taking your own boat to the Hebrides, try our Sailing section for all the information you need).

Island Cruising

Island Cruising offers four to six day cruises anywhere in the Hebrides, from North Rona and Sula Sgeir in the North, to the Flannan Isles and St Kilda in the west, and Uist, Barra and Mingulay in the South. The cruises are skippered by Murdo MacDonald, who has a lifetime's knowledge of the Outer Hebrides' seaboard, and take place on the beautiful wooden MV Cuma. MV Cuma was a fishery research vessel for Liverpool University, but has been expertly converted in to a comfortable cruise boat for up to twelve passengers. Depending on your interests, Murdo will tailor the route to suit you: archaeology, bird and sea life watching, diving To find out more go to www.island-cruising.com or telephone +44 (0)1851 672381.

Kilda Cruises

Kilda Cruises runs trips to St Kilda throughout the season. To find out more go to www.kildacruises.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1859 502241 or email angus@kildacruises.co.uk

Sea Trek

Sea Trek offers fast boat charters around the Hebridean isles. www.seatrek.co.uk or telephone +44 1851 672464 / 0585 283414

Scenic Cruises

Enjoy a mini cruise around the beautiful Isle of Harris on the MV Lady Catherine. Ideal for families or small groups of up to six people, you will explore the lovely shoreline, spot wildlife and birds and gain a precious insight into the Harris of a bygone age. Cruises are individually arranged, varied according to tide and weather conditions, and of course according to the subjects which hold your own particular interest. www.scenic-cruises.co.uk , telephone +44 (0)1859 530310.

Taransay Day Trips

For the real Castaway 2000 experience, John Mackay offers day trips to the famous island of Taransay, leaving 09:30am from Horgabost beach on the Isle of Harris, returning at 5pm www.visit-taransay.com, telephone +44 (0)1859 550260 / 550257.