Inner Hebridean Wildlife Explorer

Small Isles: Canna, Eigg Muck and Rum,

The Small Isles are a group of four islands located to the south of the Isle of Skye. Known for their peaceful atmosphere, remoteness and natural beauty. Surrounded by waters rich with life making it an extraordinary place to see Common Dolphin, Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise and Seals

Eigg

Eigg is known for its stunning landscapes, including the dramatic An Sgurr ridge, the highest point on the island, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities for spotting Eagles. A community-owned island, known for its sustainable living initiatives, including a community-owned nature reserve, which supports a variety of flora and fauna. Eigg is a breathtaking place for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the incredible historical and geological features.

Rum,

The largest of the Small Isles, a National Nature Reserve, home to Red Deer, Golden Eagles, and the rare Manx shearwater, known as the Trolls of the island because of the eerie calls they emit throughout the night. Kinloch Castle, a grand yet eccentric 19th-century mansion, is a highlight of the island.

Canna,

Canna is known for its rich wildlife, including White-tailed Eagles, nesting seabirds including Puffins, and its Seal Colonies. Often referred to as the “Garden of the Hebrides,” boasting lush vegetation and wildflowers as well as being rich in birdlife.

Muck,

Muck is the smallest of the Small Isles known for its peaceful charm, beautiful beaches, and agricultural focus. It has populations of Grey Seals and the surrounding waters are excellent for Basking Sharks. This tranquil island is a delight to walk around being home to many species of birds and wildflowers.

Lunga: Island of Puffins,

Lunga, part of the Treshnish Isles, is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. We anchor off and run you ashore in our tender, it can be a bit of a rocky landing, and traversing the rocks can be tricky, but well worth the effort. This, now uninhabited island, has traces of early settlements and farming practices, now famous for its thriving colony of Puffins.  Here, you can get up close to these charismatic birds with their colourful beaks and comical waddles, Puffins are a delight to observe. During the breeding season the island teems with them; they actually  enjoy the human visitors whose presence keep predators away.Besides Puffins, Lunga is home to a variety of seabirds, including Razorbills, Guillemots, and Kittiwakes. The island’s dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops provide ideal nesting sites, and the cacophony of bird calls creates a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Mull: Island of Eagles,

The Isle of Mull, the third-largest island in Scotland, famed for its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. Among its most notable inhabitants are the Golden Eagle and White-Tailed Eagles, UK’s largest birds of prey. These magnificent creatures, with their impressive wingspans can be seen soaring high above the island’s rugged terrain. Our guided tours will take explorers to prime eagle-watching locations, offering the chance to observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Not forgetting Mulls other wildlife, including Red Deer, Otters, and Seals. The island’s diverse landscapes, from its coastal cliffs to its lush Deciduous forests which supports a rich assemblage of oceanic lichens, bryophytes, flowering plants and ferns, provides a haven for many species. Our guests may also spot whales and dolphins in the surrounding waters, making Mull an important destination in this paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Please see our cruising areas to find out more about the islands we visit

Please note On our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the program we have offered. However, this is the West Coast of Scotland, and we, are governed by mother nature. So, on occasion, for your comfort and safety, we may need to, tweak, the original course that we are looking to follow. But wherever our tweaking takes us, our trip and destination anchorages will always be special.

Day 1: Oban; seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Isles.  Our departure point will be the pontoons just off Oban’s North Pier. We look to start boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at around 14:30, a short briefing introducing our new guests to life aboard ship, its safety procedures and getting you settled into your new home for the next 6 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage.  Loch Sunart; this impressive loch around 15 miles long and just stunningly beautiful, very protected and a great place to cruise in bad weather. The small secondary loch, Loch Na Droma Buidhe near the entrance to Loch Sunart is, more often than not, our first nights anchorage.

Day 2, 3 & 4:  Head for Small Isles. passing the fantastic Ardnamurchan lighthouse standing out at the head of the peninsula, the furthest westerly point of the UK mainland.  The skipper will use tide and weather to decide which routes to take and the most sheltered anchorage, but it is hoped all 4 of the Small Isles will be visited.  This will give plenty of time to properly explore these magical group of islands and opportunities to encounter varied wildlife.

Day 5 & 6: Over the next 2 days we will visit the west side of Mull and make a visit to the puffin rich Lunga island.  There will be ample time ashore and we would hope to encounter both eagle species, otters, deer, seals and some of the areas other raptors such as Hen Harriers and Merlins.  On day 6 we will have time for a brief stop at Iona then we head for Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for final night of your adventure. Loch Spelve is found on the east coast of Mull, a short steam from Oban; very sheltered and a hot bed of Eagles, Red Deer and Otters. With spectacular mountain scenery, local walks and the possibility of Mussels from the local Mussel farm.

Day 7: After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30.  We will keep an eye out for otter as we exit Loch Spelve channel, always a good place for a sighting.