Jura & Islay Whisky Tasting Sailing Holiday
Sail to Jura and Islay aboard modern yacht Stravaigin. Remote anchorages, wildlife and world-famous whisky await.
Sail from Oban to the islands of Jura and Islay aboard modern yacht Stravaigin for a sailing holiday with a difference. With world-famous whisky distilleries, remote anchorages, fascinating history and extraordinary wildlife, this is one of the finest corners of the west coast of Scotland to explore under sail.
No prior sailing experience is needed, and with skipper John on hand throughout, this is a voyage that blends the very best of the Hebrides with a genuinely unique Scottish experience ashore.
- Skippered sailing
- Islay whisky tasting
- Island hopping
- Wildlife watching
- Full board included
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Islay Whisky Sailing Holiday Aboard Modern Yacht Stravaigin
Oban → Isle of Mull → Jura → Islay → Oban
The west coast of Scotland is one of the most rewarding sailing destinations in the UK, and the islands of Jura and Islay sit among its finest. With remote anchorages, dramatic landscapes and world-renowned whisky distilleries waiting to be discovered ashore, this is a sailing holiday that offers something genuinely different. Stravaigin’s owner and skipper, John, has lived and sailed in the Hebrides for many years and knows all the best spots well off the beaten track. Once aboard, he’ll have the latest weather forecast and a clear picture of what to expect.
Jura, Islay and the Inner Hebrides
Islay is world-renowned for its whisky, and a visit to one of the island’s many distilleries makes for an unforgettable afternoon ashore. Beyond the whisky, Islay has a wild and beautiful coastline, with remote anchorages, fascinating history and a pace of life that feels a world away from the mainland.
Jura sits just to the north of Islay, separated by the narrow Sound of Islay. Wild, remote and home to around 200 inhabitants massively outnumbered by a deer population of approximately 5,000, Jura has a character all of its own. The island was once George Orwell’s hideout as he completed his famous 1984, and the rugged landscape gives a strong sense of why. The Gulf of Corryvreckan, home to one of the world’s largest whirlpools, lies just off the northern tip of the island and is a remarkable natural feature worth knowing about as you sail these waters.
Sailing between the two islands, there is no shortage of remote anchorages, wildlife watching and stunning scenery to take in along the way.
- World-famous Islay whisky distilleries ashore
- Explore remote Jura with its wild deer population
- Sail through the Sound of Islay
- Fascinating history and archaeology ashore
- Remote anchorages only accessible by boat
Wildlife Watching around Jura and Islay
Wildlife watching on this Islay whisky sailing holiday is a real treat. Black guillemots gather in their hundreds while white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing with Stravaigin regularly brings sightings of buzzards, kestrels, sparrowhawks and peregrines, and the sound of puffins, guillemots and razorbills echoing off the cliffs is something quite unlike anything else.
In the water, common, bottlenose, and white-beaked dolphins are frequent visitors to the bow, and with a little luck, you may even spot a minke or humpback whale on the horizon.
Life Aboard Modern Yacht Stravaigin
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning to wander with no particular intent, and that spirit runs through every voyage she makes. She’s a warm, welcoming boat with three private double cabins sleeping up to six guests, a spacious saloon for dining and relaxing, and a well-equipped galley.
John cooks all meals from scratch using locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, organic meats and vegetables from the local islands, with bread and cakes from the Solace Bakery. Two paddleboards are available for exploring the coastline, and Stravaigin is fitted with solar panels and a wind generator to minimise her impact on the environment.
- Three private double cabins
- Locally sourced, home-cooked meals included
- Relaxed sailing, as hands-on as you like
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.
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”
Meeting as strangers and departing as friends. Taking away memories to last forever and experiences that inspire and leave you wanting more.
Jump aboard Stravaigin to receive a truly warm Scottish welcome. Settle into your cabin, gather for a safety brief, explore your floating home for the week, and then enjoy some coffee and homemade cake.
Getting involved
Stravaigin requires no previous sailing experience, so you can sit back and enjoy the views, although the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm if you’d like! She’s a great boat for learning to sail, with a modern winch system and a simple gaff rig.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Below decks, she has three double cabins with beds that lea cloths can separate for those travelling as friends or comfortable solo travellers. One double cabin has an ensuite bathroom, and the remaining two cabins share another bathroom located off the saloon area.
A comfortable, spacious saloon makes a great social space for eating, relaxing, and getting to know your fellow travellers. Stravaigin also strives to minimise her impact on the environment, so she is fitted with solar panels and a wind generator.
Dining Aboard
Each day, guests enjoy delicious, locally sourced food as John whips up a feast in the galley, featuring fresh seafood, organic meats and veggies from local islands, not to mention cakes and bread from the Solace Bakery. You’ll be well-fed, and all your hot drinks and meals are included in the ticket price.
Into the water
Skipper John is also a trained snorkel instructor, so if guests want to experience some truly refreshing wild swimming in Scotland, then do let him know as you board. There are also two paddleboards available for guests to explore the nooks and crannies of this fascinating coastline. Wetsuits are not available on board, so please bring your own if you would like. Waterproofs are available to hire; please let us know at the time of booking.
Stravaigin
Guest berths: 6 Rig: Bermudan Sloop
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”. Her owner and skipper, John, says that this encapsulates his ethos of immersive adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods and cultures while creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last forever!
Stravaigin has a modern Bermudan sloop rig with winches and full navigation systems. If you have never sailed before and are looking to learn the ropes, skipper John loves to teach guests and get them involved with all aspects of sailing. Alternatively, she can be sailed single-handedly, so if you’re after a relaxing sailing holiday soaking in the sights and delights of the Hebrides, then that’s fine too!
From taster sailing weekends, guided wild swimming experiences and more adventurous voyages to the outer islands, Stravaigin suits all ages and abilities. Whether you’re travelling solo, or looking to meet like-minded travellers, an adventurous couple looking for something a little different or a group of family and friends looking for a unique private charter experience, sailing with John on Stravaigin is a great choice.
Below decks, Stravaigin has been well-considered and laid out for guests’ optimum comfort. A bright and airy saloon with a large table and TV screen sits next to the generous L-shaped galley, where guests can enjoy local cuisine and home-cooked meals. She has three private double-berth cabins, and two of the double-berth cabins can be separated with a lee-cloth for friends or comfortable solo travellers, and both bathrooms have a shower.
Skipper John also has a passion for sustainability and lessening the impact on the natural world. Stravaigin has a large solar panel array with a large battery bank, which means she can be sailed and operated using significantly less fuel. Sailing with her is an eco-friendly way to travel that minimises carbon emissions and pollution. It encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to appreciate the journey while promoting a deeper connection with nature and enabling exploration of secluded and protected environments.
Deck plan
More about Stravaigin
More holidays in Scotland
Hebridean Sailing & Wildlife Encounters Mull, Skye and the Small Isles
UK Sailing Mile Builder: Cornwall to Scotland
Sailing holiday in the Outer Hebrides and Jura
Adventure sailing to St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides
More holidays on Stravaigin
Sail and explore Mull & Iona
Jura & Islay Whisky Tasting Sailing Holiday
Short Break Sailing & Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides
Short Break Sailing & Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
