The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Explorer Cruise: Lewis and Harris

Some of the places we may visit are: Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Western Isles. If you wish, we can make time to visit the local whisky distillery or discover Mull's majestic eagles. Canna, the Small Isles: We can set sail for the scenic anchorage at Canna and its neighbouring Sanday. There are seabirds galore on the island's high sea cliffs - puffins, shags, razorbills, black guillemots, Manx shearwaters - and breeding there, in the high crags, are sea eagles. There are two lovely beaches, three churches, a tiny ruined castle and a population of less than 20! A short climb up Compass Hill gives wonderful views of the Isle of Skye and our destination, the islands of the Outer Hebrides. Lochmaddy: Situated on North Uist, Lochmaddy is the island’s main village. The village was probably settled by the Norse and at one time was a base for seventeenth century pirates! Harris: We will anchor in East Loch Tarbert, an island-studded, wide sea loch. There is a possible anchorage off the scenic isle of Scalpay which joins Harris by a unique bridge. We can organise a visit to the spectacular white sandy beach of Luskentyre, voted one of the top five world’s best beaches. We can then continue on to the fifteenth-century Church of Rodel and finish with a dramatic drive along the famous south-east coast road, known as the Golden Road due to the high cost of its construction! Lewis: We will travel further North and anchor near Stornoway which is the famous capital of the archipelago of Lewis and Harris. From here we can visit the 5,000 year old, world-famous, Callanish Standing Stones. We can also visit an Iron age house dating back to c. 600 AD which was only recently discovered after a storm. There are also the traditional Arnol Blackhouse and the well preserved Carloway Broch to visit. Loch Torridon: This loch takes us deep into the breath-taking mountain scenery of North West Scotland. Plockton: A most picturesque Scottish Highland village with a natural harbour and wonderful views of Loch Carron. This picture postcard village was famously part of the Hamish Macbeth TV series. Loch Nevis via east coast of Skye: Another spectacular sea loch that runs inland from the Sound of Sleat. Surrounded by mountains, it is one of the remotest sea lochs in Scotland. On the way we can plan to visit Torabhaig whisky Distillery or Armadale castle and gardens on the east coast of Skye. Loch Drumbuie: Just south of Oronsay is secluded Loch Drumbuie, situated between the island and the mainland. A squeeze between high sided cliffs and we are in a perfectly sheltered anchorage.

Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch. Depending upon the weather and nature’s conditions, wildlife viewing varies. If you wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such as visiting standing stones or whisky tasting, then please do let your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request.

Vessel Type: Small Ship

Length: 72 feet / 21.9 meters

Passenger Capacity: 8

Built / refurbished: 1974 / 2020

Gemini Explorer delivers a markedly different small-ship experience: a 1974 Clyde-class cruising lifeboat rebuilt for charter work while retaining the character of her original role. The hull, engines and core structure remain true to the vessel that once served at Clovelly and took part in the 1979 Fastnet storm, but successive refits have added a bright saloon, a modern galley, high bulwarks, a viewing deck and en-suite cabins. The result is a functional, seaworthy platform with clear traces of its RNLI history, upgraded just enough to support comfortable coastal exploration without diluting the vessel’s working-boat identity.

Accommodation is compact but warm, with seven berths arranged between forward en-suite cabins and an aft twin sharing facilities with the crew. Life revolves around the deck saloon for dining and conversation, while the upper viewing deck offers the best vantage point for wildlife and landscape watching. Guests can bring their own gear, make use of the onboard two-person kayak, and settle into an informal routine shaped by a skipper who knows the Hebrides intimately and a chef who keeps meals local and fresh.

Vessel Type: Small Ship

Length: 24.9 metres

Passenger Capacity: 11

Seahorse II is an 82 ft steel-hulled vessel, originally built for the Norwegian fjords and high northern latitudes, combining rugged construction with modern comfort. Powered by a 350 hp Volvo diesel, she reaches speeds up to 11 knots and carries ample fuel and water for extended cruising. Her size allows access to remote islands and lochs of the Inner and Outer Hebrides that larger vessels cannot reach. Outdoor spaces include a high foredeck for wildlife spotting, a spacious aft deck for alfresco dining, and room for personal watercraft, kayaks, or paddleboards, supported by a crane for easy launching.

Accommodation is for up to 11 guests across a mix of double, twin, and single cabins, all with washbasins, and includes a deck saloon for dining and socialising with views of the surrounding wildlife. The three-person crew consists of a skipper knowledgeable about the local waters, a chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals, and a bosun/crew member providing assistance as needed. Seahorse II delivers an intimate, flexible, and immersive experience for exploring the Hebrides in comfort and style.

Vessel Type: ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship

Length: 75 feet / 22.9 meters

Passenger Capacity: 8

Built/refurbished: 1969/1994

Speideren is a 75 ft ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship, originally built in 1969 for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue. Designed to handle the harsh and unpredictable North and Arctic Seas, she features a sturdy hull, deep keel, strong superstructure, and twin engines. Since her decommissioning, she has been converted into a fast, comfortable, and luxurious cruising vessel with a well-lit deck saloon, en-suite cabins, and a viewing deck, making her ideal for exploring the remote inlets and lochs of Scotland’s Wild Isles, including as far as St Kilda. Her decks provide ample space for wildlife observation, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with an onboard tender to safely reach shore.

Accommodation aboard Speideren is for eight guests in four forward cabins—three double and one twin—all en-suite and fitted with traditional varnished hardwood and soft antique lighting. Two of the double cabins are particularly spacious, while the third double has an adjacent en-suite for solo use. The convivial saloon serves as the hub for dining and socialising. The experienced crew includes a skipper with extensive local knowledge, a chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals, and a bosun/crew member assisting wherever needed, ensuring a seamless and immersive small-ship cruising experience.