Scotland & the Hebrides

Explore and experience the beautiful Western Isles of Scotland under sail. Where else in Europe does a sailing holiday offer so much, right here on our doorstep? With seas sheltered by the Outer Hebridean Islands, your sailing adventure will carry you on a voyage of discovery, exploring remote islands and secluded lochs with mountains shielding you from a more hurried modern world and amazing wildlife spotting opportunities.

Long Days of Light
From early summer, being so far north, the Western Isles can bathe in long warm sunny days and great sailing conditions, but like anywhere, when the wind decides to blow in from the Atlantic your skipper will find plenty of sheltered bays to anchor in, or long winding lochs to continue our adventures. It’s not always all about sailing. Once anchored, the crew will run you ashore in the dinghy to climb a high point or for those of you who wish, you can swim off the boat or beach comb on white sandy beaches with no other people in sight.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting
From Iona’s white sands to the rugged cliffs of the Shiant Isles, the Sea of Hebrides beckons with remote places, historic monuments, local cultures and magical wildlife. There is so much to see and do here and a favourite is the exceptional birdwatching. A particular highlight is a visit to the puffin colony, sitting so close to these painted birds it seems unnatural that these wild birds accept you among their burrows.

Wildlife in the Scotland is a real treat; sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots can be seen in their hundreds and white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing on Zuza is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the diminutive Merlin.  Scotland is also home to Fulmars, Hooded Crows, and snowstorms of Gannets diving for food on the open sea. The island of Rum has a massive Manx Shearwater colony that allows incredible views as they raft offshore around the Small Isles or shear the waves in feeding parties. Acrobatic Ravens give everything else in the sky a flying lesson. These sights are magnificently overwhelming, with the sound of seabird colonies, Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills, it is like nothing else on earth.

There are frequent encounters with Common, Bottlenose & Whitebeak dolphins on board these trips, and Risso & Whitesided dolphins are also occasionally sighted. Basking sharks have been scarce the last few years but are still seen and seem to be returning – and we know the hot spots! There are plenty of whales in this part of the world too. Our most common encounters are with Minke – Humpbacks are a less frequent visitor, while the real star of the show is the resident pod of Orca if you’re lucky enough to see them gliding through the water. So keep your eyes peeled and have your binoculars at the ready!

For more detailed information on the islands that make up the Inner and Outer Hebrides take a look at our blogs on Mull and her surrounding Isles, and another on the Small Isles and St. Kilda.

Take a look at the vessels in our fleet offering sailing holidays in the Hebrides.

Bessie Ellen – 1904 Ketch

Zuza – expedition yacht 

Steady – steel hull staysail

Cherokee – cutter yacht 

Eye of the Wind – Tall Ship