A Whisky Cruise Through the Hebrides
Sail, Sip and Savour: A Whisky Cruise Through the Hebrides
In partnership with the Hebridean Whisky Festival
If there’s one thing better than a good dram, it’s a dram shared in the place where it was made – with views of sea, sky and soaring eagles thrown in for good measure. This September, Hebridean Adventures sets sail for a special cruise shaped around the Hebridean Whisky Festival, taking in the wild beauty of the islands and some of the best distilleries Scotland has to offer.
Running from 8th-14th September 2025, this one-way voyage from Oban to Harris aboard the Hjalmar Bjorge is a relaxed, whisky-rich island-hopping adventure, and a rare way to experience part of the official Hebridean Whisky Festival 2025 itinerary from the water.
“Our distilleries are deeply rooted in the Hebridean island culture, and our whiskies are shaped by the sea,” says Cindy Campbell from the Hebridean Whisky Trail, who organise the festival. “The idea of travelling to the festival by cruise takes an already wild and beautiful whisky adventure to the next level. We’re thrilled that Hebridean Adventures is offering such a unique way to celebrate the Hebridean Whisky Festival this year.”
The Spirit of the West
The cruise route follows the latter half of the 2025 Festival, visiting Torabhaig, Talisker, Benbecula, North Uist, and ending at the Isle of Harris Distillery in time for the festival finale. At each stop, there’ll be opportunities for tastings, tours and a real flavour of island life.
“Our trips have always been about slowing down and seeing the Hebrides in a different way – by sea, with time to explore and connect with the landscapes and the people,” says David Lambie, owner of Hebridean Adventures. “Working with the Whisky Festival is something we’re really proud of. It’s a brilliant match for what we do: small group travel, unforgettable places, and a wee bit of something special in your glass at the end of the day.”
A Taste of the Journey
Here’s a flavour of what to expect:
- Day 1 – Depart Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland, and head for a night at anchor in Tobermory.
- Day 2 – Sail north past Ardnamurchan and the Small Isles to Skye, for a visit to Torabhaig Distillery, tucked into the beautiful Sleat Peninsula.
- Day 3 – Explore Skye’s dramatic west coast and Talisker Distillery, under the shadow of the Cuillin mountains. A walk to Loch Coruisk, if conditions allow, is a real highlight.
- Days 4 & 5 – Cross to Benbecula and North Uist, with visits to both distilleries, island exploring and a chance to join in the official whisky festival fun.
- Day 6 – Steam up to Tarbert on Harris, arriving in time for the festival finale at the Harris Distillery.
- Day 7 – Depart from Harris, returning to Skye and then back to Oban by private minibus.
The cruise includes all accommodation and meals aboard ship, private transport where needed (either by the ship’s own minibus or arranged taxi), and return travel to Oban at the end of the trip. Some distilleries will be within walking distance, while others will offer something a little more exclusive on the day.
And while whisky is the star of the show, this is also prime time for whale and dolphin sightings, so keep your eyes on the waves – you never know what might pop up alongside you.
Expect the Unexpected
As with any West Coast voyage, a bit of flexibility is key. We always plan for smooth sailing, but Mother Nature has the final say. That said, wherever we anchor, it’s sure to be somewhere worth writing home about.
Book Now
Spaces are limited and this is shaping up to be a popular cruise. If you’re a whisky fan looking for something a little different or just want to see the Hebrides from a fresh perspective then this could be just the trip for you.
And, find out more about the Hebridean Whisky Festival at:
hebrideanwhisky.com
