These cruises are a great way to see Mull and the Scottish islands and West Coast
Scotland's western isles are a special place, and there is no better way to explore this magical region than by boat. St Hilda Sea Adventures operates small-ship cruising and wildlife holidays, taking in the breathtakingly beautiful islands, sea lochs and mountains of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. It's an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Departing from Oban, gateway to the Hebrides, St Hilda's cruises take in islands like Skye, St Kilda, Mull, Jura, Islay, Staffa and Iona. They have four beautifully adapted vessels – St Hilda, Seahorse II, Gemini Explorer and Spiederen. St Hilda is a traditional, wooden ex-Tall Ship. with 6 berths; the larger Seahorse II an ex-Norwegian Ferry with space for 11; the 8-berth Gemini Explorer is an ex-Cruising Lifeboat while Speideren – their latest – is an ex-Norwegian rescue ship, also with 8 cosy berths. All four ships have been converted to cruise the western islands of Scotland in comfort and style.
It's a unique experience, for sure, popular with families, solo travellers and groups of friends; you can charter an entire boat if you want, or just pay for a berth. Each boat has its own skipper, who knows intimately the natural environment of the Hebrides and the sea lochs of Argyll, and an onboard cook who prepares wonderful meals three times a day, starting with a sumptuous breakfast and finishing up with a cosy dinner on deck or in the roomy saloon. All linens and towels are supplied, and there is plenty of space if you want to bring your own equipment, such as bicycles, canoes, windsurf boards, paddle boards and suchlike. Above all there's nothing like being rocked gently to sleep by the waters of the bay or waking up to the sound of water lapping against the hull.
Each day is as action-packed or as relaxing as you please and the cruises are always fun and informal. You can fish, swim, dive, set lobster pots and and marvel at the golden and sea eagles, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters and even the occasional minke whale. The small ships’ tenders can also take you ashore for some wonderful cliff walks, or you could just wander along the shore beach-combing and examining the pretty seaside rock pools.
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