Hebridean Sailing & Wildlife; Mull and the Small Isles

Sailing the Small Isles: Setting Off from Mallaig

Mallaig → Rum → Eigg → Canna → Sound of Mull → Tobermory → Treshnish Isles → Staffa → Oban

Join Zuza in Mallaig, a working fishing port on the west coast of Scotland, accessible by one of the most scenic train journeys in Britain from Glasgow. From here, Zuza sets sail south towards the Small Isles archipelago, with the dramatic peaks of Rum rising from the sea ahead and the Isle of Skye receding behind. The Small Isles – Rum, Eigg, Canna, and Muck – lie tucked beneath the radar of most visitors to Scotland, which is precisely what makes sailing among them so rewarding.

Each island has its own distinct character, its own landscape, and its own story. The wind and tide will shape the exact itinerary, and Zuza’s crew know every anchorage and hidden corner of this coastline, but guests can expect a good balance of sailing days and time ashore, with the opportunity to walk, swim, and explore on each island. The panoramic scenery is extraordinary, where ancient woodlands lining mountains plunge into the sea, miles of coastline sit without another soul in sight, and secret coves lie undiscovered.

The Small Isles: Rum, Eigg & Canna

The largest of the Small Isles, Rum is a National Nature Reserve and is largely a car-free island of dramatic volcanic peaks, hidden beaches, and one of the most extraordinary Victorian follies in Scotland. Overlooking the sheltered bay of Loch Scresort sits the reddish form of Kinloch Castle, an extravagant Edwardian pile built by wealthy industrialist George Bullough. Today it stands uninhabited, as a striking curiosity amid the wildness of the island. Rum is home to thriving colonies of golden eagles and sea eagles, one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Manx shearwater, and a coastline that’s a favourite breeding ground for otters and seals. There are also over 900 red deer, subject to one of the world’s longest-running wildlife studies.

Eigg is the most populated of the Small Isles, with around 100 residents, and it carries a spirit of genuine community and quiet innovation. The island made international headlines in 1997 when its residents launched a public appeal to buy the island and take it into community ownership. It became the first island in the world to run entirely on renewable energy, powered by wind, water, and solar. Its dramatic pitchstone ridge, the Sgurr, rises like the backbone of some prehistoric creature above the island’s white beaches and Iron Age ruins. 

Canna, the furthest outlying island and a National Trust for Scotland property, has high basalt cliffs, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and just twelve permanent residents. Arriving here by boat feels like stepping into a different century entirely.

Wildlife of the Small Isles: Eagles, Deer & Shearwaters

For wildlife, sailing the Small Isles with Zuza puts you in an extraordinary position – close to the land, moving quietly, with an experienced crew who know exactly where to look. The wildlife here is undisturbed and flourishing across all four islands, and what you encounter will depend on the season, the conditions, and a certain amount of luck.

White-tailed and golden eagles are among the most thrilling sightings. Rum was one of the sites of the original sea eagle reintroduction programme in the 1980s, and both species are now regularly seen soaring above the island’s peaks. On summer evenings on Rum, the calls of Manx shearwaters returning to their nest burrows after dark fill the air. Red deer roam freely across the hillsides, otters work the shorelines, and the waters around the islands are rich with porpoises, dolphins, minke whales, and basking sharks throughout the summer.

Keep your binoculars ready throughout each passage. Gannets plunge from height into the sea alongside the boat, white-tailed eagles patrol the clifftops, and common dolphins frequently join Zuza in open water. On Canna, puffins fly from the Sanday cliffs in a colourful spectacle during the breeding season. And on the Treshnish Isles, guests can sit ashore within metres of the puffin colony on Lunga – one of the finest wildlife encounters in Britain.

Life Aboard the Expedition Yacht Zuza

Zuza is a modern expedition yacht purpose-built for live-aboard comfort. With a double hull and simple rig, she is notably smooth and steady on the water, making her an excellent choice for guests who may be new to sailing or who simply want to enjoy the scenery without the motion of a more traditional vessel. Her undercover wheelhouse means sailing continues comfortably whatever the Scottish weather brings.

Below decks, eight guests sleep in four private cabins – two double ensuite cabins and two twin-berth cabins sharing a bathroom. The spacious saloon is the heart of the boat, a comfortable, welcoming space for getting to know fellow guests, swapping stories, and enjoying delicious food prepared by the onboard chef. Guest participation in sailing is entirely optional, though warmly encouraged for those who want to learn the ropes.

• Cabins: Two private double ensuite cabins, two private twin-berth cabins
• Meals: Full board – delicious food prepared daily by the onboard chef
• Sailing style: Fully crewed – participation optional but always welcome
• Wildlife: Quiet approach specifically suited to close wildlife encounters
• Suitability: Solo travellers, couples, small groups and private charters

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Do I need to take part in night watches?

Are there midges in Scotland?

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12 miles offshore.