Mystical Stanton Banks and surrounding Islands Expedition (2026)

Join the Hjalmar Bjorge on our expedition to the Stanton Banks and surrounding islands. The Stanton Banks are a Marine Protected Area lying about 23 nautical miles west of Tiree. A series of granitic ridges rising from 190 metres to within only 30 metres of the seas surface. Rich in marine life the upwellings are likely to attract a range of feeding cetaceans and migrant seabirds in this late summer period. To be honest, nobody has really looked very hard. That is why we are excited to be investigating this area. Most likely we will see Minke Whales, White-Beaked and Risso’s Dolphins, and we are hoping that Humpback Whales and Fin Whales might also be present. Seabirds are likely to include… Northern Gannet, European and Storm Petrel, Great and Arctic Skua and Sooty Shearwater. Whilst there is also a good chance of rarer visitors such as Pomarine Skua, Great Shearwater, and maybe even, a Wilson’s Storm Petrel or Sabine’s Gull.

Along the way, we intend to visit the islands of Coll and Tiree, as well as Barra Head and Mingulay in the Western Isles. Exact itinerary is determined by local conditions and always at the discretion of the skipper.

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, regarded as the seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Western Isles, will be our starting point. We will begin boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at 14:30 at the pontoons near Oban’s North Pier. A short briefing will follow to acquaint our guests with life aboard the ship, its safety procedures, policies and get you settled into your accommodation. We aim to cast off at 15:30 and proceed to our first anchorage for the night. At the top of the Sound of Mull is the stunningly beautiful Loch Sunart Positioned perfectly for a jump off point into the Sea of the Hebrides. Here, near Loch Sunarts entrance, we find a small secondary loch, Loch Na Droma Buidhe. This, more often than not, will be our first night’s anchorage.

Day 2: After a relaxed breakfast, it’s time to head for Tiree, passing the northwest tip of Mull and views of islands scattered to the south.  We will anchor on the sheltered East side and have time to go ashore before evening meal.

Day 3: An early start will see us heading for open sea, passing the Skerryvore lighthouse and making our way to the Stanton banks.  Our charts and skipper’s calculations will show us when we are there and all the while we will be watching for seabirds feeding and spotting for whales.  Our intention is to overnight and move north towards the southern tip of the Western isles.  Weather and sea state will dictate if we head back for Tiree for the night

Day 4: Depending on the day before we will be at Mingulay or if back at Tiree we will depart for Mingulay and anchoring here or nearby for the night.  We will be in constant watch for migrating seabirds and whales.

Day 5: With lots of time ashore and time to sail, we will explore the remote and seldom visited islands of Pabbay, Sandray and likely head for Vatersay and Barra too.  The skipper will have us anchored in sheltered locations each night.

Day 6: Leaving the Western isles behind and make for the island of Coll, passing the cairns of Coll, a series of little islands and rocks at the northern tip of Coll.  Anchoring down the east side for shelter, possibly at Crossapol bay, a very sheltered location with fantastic beaches.  Also, a good area in the past for Basking shark and a good time of year to see them.

Day 7: This morning shall see us continue south and east with an anchorage possibly around the south westerly end of Mull, known as the Ross of Mull at the southern end of the island.  The crossing will see us passing the Treshnish islands and Staffa Island and we will keep a lookout for whales and dolphins.

Day 8: If time allows, we may stop at Iona and a visit to the Abbey before rounding the Ross of Mull and following the coast.  Time to keep an eye out for both eagle species and a great coastline for otters.  An option of being dropped off at Loch Buie and walking the 2 hours round to meet the boat at Loch Spelve is a possibility.

Day 9: 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 Otters as we exit Loch Spelve channel, always a good place for a sighting.