Scottish Island Hopping & Tall Ship Sailing in the Hebrides
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Discover the West coast of Scotland with a sailing holiday in the Inner Hebrides with tall ship Blue Clipper.
Your Hebrides sailing holiday begins in Oban, the perfect gateway to the breathtaking islands of Scotland’s west coast. Sailing aboard the three-masted tall ship Blue Clipper, you’ll island-hop through the Inner Hebrides, discovering remote anchorages, sleepy harbour villages and islands steeped in ancient history.
From wildlife watching and walking ashore to getting hands-on with the sails, this voyage is perfect for anyone wanting to explore one of the UK’s most extraordinary coastlines by boat. No sailing experience needed.
- Tall ship sailing from Oban
- Inner Hebrides island hopping
- Puffins, eagles & marine wildlife
- Remote anchorages & sandy beaches
- Perfect for beginners & solo sailors
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Island hopping the Hebrides aboard Blue Clipper
Oban → Isle of Mull → Iona → Treshnish Isles → Coll & Tiree → The Small Isles
The Hebrides offer some of the most breathtaking and rewarding sailing grounds in the UK. Remote anchorages where mountains drop straight into the sea, miles of atmospheric coastline, secret coves and uninhabited islands that can only be reached by boat – this is what a Hebrides sailing holiday is all about.
Sailing from Oban, your exact route depends on the wind, tides and weather. Once on board, Blue Clipper’s skipper will have the latest forecast and a clear idea of what to expect. The crew have been sailing these waters for years and knows the best spots well off the beaten track. The Inner Hebrides alone are home to over 70 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, so there is always somewhere new to explore.
You’ll spend your days getting involved with sailing Blue Clipper, hoisting the sails, taking the helm if you fancy it – before anchoring up to walk ashore, watch wildlife, or simply take it all in from the deck.
Hebridean islands
Every island on a Hebrides sailing holiday with Blue Clipper brings something different. The Isle of Mull is often the first stop and is one of the larger inhabited islands in the Hebrides and renowned for its wildlife, from dolphins and whales to white-tailed sea eagles, with endless walking trails and secluded anchorages to explore.
Iona offers a complete change of pace. At just 1.5 by 3 miles, discover blue lagoons, sandy beaches and a tranquillity that’s hard to find anywhere else. Keep an eye out for oystercatchers, sandpipers, curlews and the endangered corncrake.
- Treshnish Isles – Lunga’s famous puffin colony and Fingal’s Cave on Staffa
- Coll & Tiree – white sand beaches, turquoise water and some of the darkest skies in Europe
- The Small Isles – Rum, Canna, Eigg and Muck, each with its own personality and wildlife. Golden eagles and red deer on Rum, dramatic basalt cliffs on Eigg
Exactly which islands you visit will be shaped by the weather, but whichever way the wind blows, the Hebrides rarely disappoint.
Aboard tall ship Blue Clipper
Built in Sweden in 1991, Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. Her clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern give her a classic tall ship character, while her relatively modern build means guests enjoy an authentic experience alongside all the comforts you’d hope for.
Blue Clipper’s professional crew will show you everything you need to know, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed, sociable and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a friend, this voyage has a way of drawing people together.
- Six en-suite cabins sleeping up to 12 guests
- Full-size bunks, with a porthole in every cabin
- Heating and air conditioning throughout
- Spacious on-deck saloon, wheelhouse and galley
- Hands-on sailing with a professional crew
- Three kayaks and three paddleboards on board
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Night Watches?
Midges?
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.
Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is the perfect tall ship experience.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew always shows you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained, so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes, there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch! For those more adventurous, climbing the rigging or the bowsprit can also be a great experience.
Dining aboard
For her coastal voyages, Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board, too, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a day of sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish, homemade bread with hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
For her expedition and Atlantic crossings, there will be a boat cook on board.
Sleeping and relaxation
Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large, comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is undoubtedly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board, which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this, and buoyancy vests are also provided.
A Typical Day
On her coastal voyages, a typical day starts with a good, hearty breakfast before preparing the boat to hoist the sails. Once the sails are set to the next destination, there will be time to relax, read a book, chat to your fellow travellers or simply find a quiet corner and take in the view. Lunch will likely be served underway or at the next anchorage as you spend your afternoons exploring ashore.
Generally, on her expedition crossings and longer voyages, she will spend more time under sail. The day will still be punctuated by regular meal times, and there will likely be a watch system running throughout the voyage as she sails through the night. Stargazing on these longer voyages is spectacular with no light pollution and a complete view of the horizon.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST
- Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
- French toast, bacon, maple syrup
- Porridge, fruit selection
- Toast, preserves and cereal selection
- Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice
AFTERNOON CAKE
- Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads
LUNCH
- Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
- Open sandwiches, salad, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s cheese, roasted red pepper
- Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
- Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish
DINNER
- Starters: Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt-baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot-smoked salmon crostini
- Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
- Pork belly, maple-glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
- Roast chicken thigh, sauteed new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
- Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
- Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo
Dessert
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
Built in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build, giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.
On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing, heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills, and even taking the helm. She has three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan
Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths and an ensuite.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Young Sailor 18-25 yr (4-berth shared cabin): Four single bunk berths in a mixed gender cabin.
More about Blue ClipperMore holidays in Scotland or UK
UK Sailing: Falmouth to Gloucester Aboard Bessie Ellen
Sail and explore Mull & Iona
Sailing the Firth of Clyde & the Hebrides
Scottish Island Hopping & Tall Ship Sailing in the Hebrides
More holidays on Blue Clipper
Tall Ship Sailing in Antigua, Caribbean
Tall Ship Sailing Through the Hebridean Sea
Sailors Voyage from Scotland to Penzance
Remote Scotland: Outer Hebrides & St Kilda Tall Ship Explorer
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
