Islands and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides cruise

Join Splendour for the Islands and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides cruise at 15:00 hrs at the North Pier, Oban, ready to be welcomed aboard with a glass of bubbles. After the skipper has done a safety briefing for all on board, Splendour will set sail for the Sound of Seil and around the Slate Islands, taking in the spectacular scenery, and perhaps even seeing a porpoise or whale on the way. Splendour will anchor up for the night and guests will enjoy a fabulous dinner cooked by our on board chef, and have the chance to relax and get to know the other passengers. A lovely first introduction to the Southern Hebrides.

After breakfast the skipper will pick up the anchor and head for the legendary Corryvreckan Whirlpool, where guests will hopefully get to see this natural phenomenon in action. We’ll then have lunch just north of Jura. Splendour will anchor for the evening at Craighouse on the sheltered east coast of the island in time for guests to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and another hearty meal on board.

The next day sees an opportunity to explore the picturesque village of Craighouse, Jura’s main settlement. Jura is an island where people are outnumbered by the population of red deer and the skies are home to golden eagles and sea eagles, so keep your eyes peeled! After a bit of exploring and a stop for some lunch, it’s time to sail on for the Gigha, looking out for whales, dolphins and seabirds galore along the way. On arrival Splendour will anchor for the night.

After an early breakfast, Splendour will depart Gigha and head for Islay, the southernmost of the inner Hebrides and an island known for its whisky. Guests will head ashore to the town of Port Ellen, built around Leodamais Bay, Islay’s main deep water harbour. It is the largest town on Islay and a lovely sheltered part of the island, so ideal for some exploration and safe harbour for the night.

The second to last day sees Splendour depart Islay and head for Loch Tarbert, with a chance to spot wildlife along the way from the spacious decks. On arrival guests will be able to go ashore to experience the best the village of Tarbert has to offer, with its cosy cafes, art galleries and welcoming atmosphere.

On the final cruising day we’ll head for the Garvellachs or Isles of the Sea, which form a small archipelago, uninhabited since World War II. After that it’s on to Loch Sunart, the longest sea loch in the Highland local government area. Weather and bravery levels dependent, there might be the chance for some sea kayaking, or even a chilly dip! Then a well deserved final dinner on board and the opportunity to catch up on all the week has had to offer.

Return to Oban for 11:00 hrs. As always fond farewells and ‘Haste-Ye-Backs’ on the dock after a Southern Hebrides cruise to remember1