Tall Ship Sailing in the Outer Hebrides, Shiants & St Kilda
- Vessel: Blue Clipper
- Where: Oban, Scotland
- Duration: 10 days
- Embark: Oban - 1 June 2022, 14:00
- Disembark: Oban - 10 June 2022, 10:00
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Sail to the Outer Hebrides, Shiant Islands and remote UNESCO world heritage site of St Kilda on tall ship Blue Clipper.
Your adventure sailing holiday on tall ship Blue Clipper begins in the Scottish port town of Oban. Sitting on the West Coast of Scotland, Oban is the perfect joining location to discover the breath-taking world of the Outer Hebrides, the Shiant islands and remote St Kilda.
Shrouded in myth and legend, the once inhabited UNESCO world heritage site of St Kilda can only be accessed by boat and what better way to arrive on than on a three masted tall ship. Last inhabited by humans in 1930, St Kilda is now only home to over a million nesting seabirds – Europes largest recorded colony. It is also the UK’s only world heritage site listed for both its unique cultural and natural heritage, a status also shared with Machu Picchu! This sailing adventure is perfect for those looking to spend more time under sail, discover hard to reach, remote locations and get to grips with sailing a traditional tall ship.
- Fully crewed tall ship
- Remote island exploration
- Longer passages at sea
- Wildlife watching
- Great for couples or solo travellers
- En-suite Cabins
- UNESCO world heritage
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
YOUR SAILING AREA
Outer Hebrides, Scotland
The Outer Hebrides offers some of the most breath-taking and fascinating sailing grounds in the UK. One of our most popular sailing holiday destinations, the coasts and islands that make up the West Coast of Scotland offer so much variation for ours boats and guests, you will quickly see why our guests return year on year. Think remote anchorages where mountains run straight into the sea, miles of atmospheric landscapes, secret coves and uninhabited islands for walking trails ashore.
The main focus of this adventure sailing holiday is to reach the Outer Hebridean islands, the Shiants and as long as the weather is favourable, reach the far flung archipelago of St Kilda. The wind and weather will determine your route and destination so it is never 100% guarantee that St Kilda will be reached. The skipper and crew will have a better idea of what to expect from the weather as you board.
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Outer Hebrides & St Kilda
Some of our best anchorages in the Outer Hebrides include Eriskay, Barra Head, Mingulay, Vatersay, Taransay, Scarp and the Monach Islands.
The Shiants (or “enchanted isles” in Scottish Gaelic) is a group of uninhabited islands that are known for their remoteness, dramatic coastline and rare seabirds. Home to one of RSPB Scotlands Sea bird Recovery projects, life on these remote islands is truly wild and equally important for our national bird populations. Anchor up and explore these wonders by foot whilst soaking up the rugged coastlines and keeping your eyes peeled at all times for exotic flora, fauna, wildlife and interesting archaeological remains.
Spend your days getting involved with setting the sails of this magnificent tall ship before anchoring up to explore remote locations ashore as you island hop your way through the Outer Hebrides.
UNESCO – St Kilda
Lying out in the Atlantic, 45 miles west of the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda is an isolated and volcanic archipelago once home to Britain’s most isolated community. The last inhabitants were evacuated in 1930 with it now providing a home to over a million nesting seabirds. As long as the weather is favourable, Blue Clipper will look to make this 45 mile crossing. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, this tall ship sailing adventure to St Kilda is a hands-on experience as you get to grips with sailing a tall ship under the guidance of a professional crew.
St Kilda is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the UK’s only site to have been given status for both its unique cultural and natural heritage. Humans have been recorded living in St Kilda for over 2000 years but archeological research has dated human traces on site as far back as the Neolithic period. With the history of its people, its inaccessibility and amazing wildlife, the islands are an exceptionally desirable destination for anyone interested in natural history and looking for that bucket list adventure travel experience. You will be able to soak up these rugged islands whilst keeping eyes peeled at all times for exotic flora and fauna.
All voyages for Blue Clipper
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
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.
She has spent many years sailing all over the world from the Caribbean to the Arctic and is a frequent participant in the European Tall Ship regattas. Originally owned by the Brandy company Hennessy and named ‘Spirit of Hennessey, she appeared in many TV programmes and commercials before being privately bought in the late 90’s.
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 3 kayaks and 3 paddle-boards for guest use while on anchor so you can explore even further inshore.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level while below decks has been well-considered with six ensuite cabins a family cabin that sleeps six. All cabins have a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Read more about Life on Board Blue Clipper here.
In 2016 she started her new life with her current owner and now spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides and her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal.
Deck plan

Life on board Blue Clipper
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 a luxury tall ship experience. Perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for that added touch of luxury with private en-suite cabins and top-notch all-inclusive food.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable crew are always on hand to show 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!
Eating on board
Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board too so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a days sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish and home-made bread with hearty home-cooked meals and plenty of tea, coffee and cake! Your ticket price includes one glass of wine with your evening meal and there is a cash bar on board too.
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 certainly 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.
Read more about what to expect from a typical day and life onboard Blue Clipper.
As with all Blue Clipper’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft drinks and a glass of wine with your evening meal. There are six ensuite twin cabins with all bedding and towels provided per guest.
What’s Included
- All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
- One glass of wine with your evening meal
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Use of boats kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards
What’s not included
- All other alcohol
- Waterproof coat or trousers
- All flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
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 be more than 12miles offshore.
FAQ
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Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks)
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know when making your booking.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What language is spoken onboard?
English
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
6x Twin Ensuite, 1x six-berth family cabin
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.
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Is there an age limit?
Over 12's ideally but please check in the over for ages between 12-18 years.
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Is there WIFI?
No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes - please bring EU adaptors.
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
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Are Waterproofs provided?
No
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.
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Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Gallery
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From: Oban
To: Oban
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
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PARKING:
There is ample parking in Oban if you arrive by car. Secure parking can be found at MacQueen Bros, or you could try the Tesco carpark and pay for 24 hour parking on arrival using the Your Parking Space app.
BY RAIL:
Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.
BY AIR:
Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.
STAY IN OBAN:
There are plenty of places to stay in Oban. Try Witchwood House, The Scot or Perle Hotels Oban.