The Small Isles: Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum
The Small Isles lie just south of the Isle of Skye and are known for their peaceful atmosphere, remoteness and outstanding natural beauty. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making this an excellent area to encounter Common Dolphins, Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoise and seals.
Eigg
Eigg is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, dominated by the An Sgùrr ridge, the island’s highest point, which offers sweeping views and opportunities to spot eagles. A community-owned island, Eigg is well known for its sustainable living initiatives and community-managed nature reserve, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a rewarding place for walking, birdwatching and exploring the island’s rich geological and historical features.
Rum
The largest of the Small Isles, Rum is a National Nature Reserve and home to Red Deer, Golden Eagles and the rare Manx Shearwater — known locally as the “trolls of the island” for their eerie nocturnal calls. Kinloch Castle, an eccentric 19th-century mansion, is a highlight and offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past.
Canna
Canna is celebrated for its rich wildlife, including White-tailed Eagles, nesting seabirds such as Puffins, and thriving seal colonies. Often referred to as the “Garden of the Hebrides,” the island is notable for its lush vegetation, wildflowers and exceptional birdlife, making it a wonderful island to explore on foot.
Muck
The smallest of the Small Isles, Muck is known for its tranquillity, attractive beaches and agricultural character. Grey Seals are regularly seen, and the surrounding waters are excellent for Basking Sharks. With its abundance of birds and wildflowers, Muck is a delightfully peaceful island to wander.
Lunga – Island of Puffins
Lunga, part of the Treshnish Isles, is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. We anchor offshore and run guests ashore by tender; landings can be rocky and walking conditions uneven, but the experience is well worth the effort. Now uninhabited, the island shows traces of early settlement and farming, but is best known today for its thriving Puffin colony.
During the breeding season, Puffins gather here in extraordinary numbers and can be observed at close quarters. Their colourful bills and comical movements make them endlessly engaging, and the birds appear remarkably tolerant of visitors, whose presence helps deter predators. Lunga is also home to Razorbills, Guillemots and Kittiwakes, with dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops providing ideal nesting sites and a constant backdrop of sound and activity.
Isle of Mull – Island of Eagles
Mull, Scotland’s second-largest island, is famed for its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. Among its most celebrated inhabitants are Golden Eagles and White-tailed Eagles — the UK’s largest birds of prey — often seen soaring above the island’s rugged terrain. Guided walks and shore visits allow us to explore prime eagle habitat and observe these magnificent birds in their natural setting.
Mull is also home to Red Deer, Otters and seals, while its diverse landscapes — from coastal cliffs to lush deciduous woodlands rich in oceanic lichens, bryophytes, flowering plants and ferns — support an impressive range of species. Whales and dolphins are regularly seen in the surrounding waters, making Mull a key destination in this wildlife-rich region.
For further detail on the areas we explore, please see our cruising areas page.
