Outer Hebrides & The Shiants or Skye Zuza

Your Sailing Area

The Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Offering some of the most remote and breath-taking landscapes in Scotland, the Outer Hebrides is certainly best explored under sail. Some of the lesser populated islands can only be accessed by time-tabled ferries (that don’t always run regularly!) and some of the uninhabited islands cant be accessed by any other means than by a private or charter boat. This makes a sailing adventure on Zuza easily one of the best ways to explore the Outer Hebrides.

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 our boats and guests, you will quickly see why our guests return year on year. Panoramic landscapes are at every turn, with ancient woodlands lining mountains that plunge straight into the sea. You can travel for miles without seeing a single soul (except the wildlife of course) and you’ll be left memorised by the spell binding beauty that this myth shrouded part of the world has to offer.

There are miles of coast to discover, secret coves for picturesque anchorages and uninhabited islands for walking trails ashore. The itinerary is, of course, dependent on the wind and tides but our crew know all the hotspots off the beaten track and best places to anchor. As long as the weather is favourable, the main focus of this sailing adventure will be to set course for the Outer Hebrides, exploring the lesser known Shiant Islands along the way. If the weather dictates, you may spend a few days exploring the coastline of the Isle of Skye too.

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The exact sailing exploration will depend entirely on the weather but Zuza’s favourite “secret spots” and anchorages include Eriskay, Barra Head, Mingulay, Vatersay, Taransay, Scarp and the Monach Islands.

Skye

Rugged landscapes, fairy tale castles, sleepy fishing villages, the stunning backdrop of the Cuillins mountain range or the impressive outcrop of Storr – the Isle of Skye certainly has it all. Nestled at the foot of the Cuillins lies a magnificent sea loch – Loch Scavaig which makes for a breath-taking backdrop for anchor. Skye is an adventure travellers paradise and discovering this island from the water gives endless anchorages and shores to explore.

Enchanted Isles

The Shiants (or “enchanted isles” in Scottish Gaelic) are 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.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

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.

There are frequent encounters with Common, Bottlenose & Whitebeak dolphins onboard these trips, and Risso & White-sided 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!

All voyages for Zuza

Zuza

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Bermudan Cutter

Built in 1998, Zuza has had an interesting life on the water. After being launched in South Africa, the British Royal Geographical Society chose Zuza to be an offshore base for an international marine research project off the east coast of Africa, where her features and reliability helped to facilitate groundbreaking marine research.

This expedition yacht has a double hull and Bermudan Cutter rig, which makes her very smooth and steady on the water, and is perfect for those that want to learn more about sailing or to just sit back and enjoy the ride in the comfort of the warm and dry wheelhouse.

Zuza has an experienced crew and spends her season sailing around the inner and outer Hebrides in Scotland. With trips to St Kilda, Mull, Jura, Barra, The Small Isles and Skye, Zuza can sail to locations that are not accessible by the larger cruise boats in this area which make her perfect for sailing holidays in Scotland. Her quiet approach also stands her in good stead as to not scare off wildlife, which means she can get as close as is fair to the plethora of marine and wildlife that calls Scotland home.

She has a modern cutter rig and operates her sails with an easy and safe winch system. So if exploring hard to reach Scottish islands and wildlife watching in comfort is the sort of experience you are seeking, then Zuza is the boat for you!

Below Decks…

Zuza accommodates eight guests with versatile living room both on and below deck. Unusually for a vessel of this size, she has two lovely private double ensuite cabins, which are often popular with guests travelling as couples. There are also another two private twin-berth cabins with bunk-bed style accommodation that share a bathroom. Alternatively, an executive double cabin with ensuite and dressing room can be made by combining the twin cabins.

Zuza’s versatile accommodation makes her a great fit for all party sizes whether you are smaller group, couple, solo traveller or are looking for a private charter. She has a comfortable saloon that is perfect for getting to know each other; trading sea-faring stories and enjoying some of the delicious food prepared by the chef. The saloon is adjacent to the well-equipped galley that serves as the chef’s workstation, and there are lots of windows throughout to make the most of long summer evenings and wildlife watching with a glass of chilled wine.

Deck plan

More about Zuza

Life on board

Exploring Scotland and the Hebrides with expedition vessel Zuza is perfect for couples and solo travellers looking to discover this hard to reach destination from the water. With so many islands to explore, travelling by boat certainly takes guests to places far away from the tourist hotspots.

Getting involved

Sailing with Zuza requires no previous sailing experience so you can sit back and enjoy the views, however, if you wish, the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm! She has a sloop rig with modern winches so is a great boat to learn the ropes on.

Sleeping, eating and relaxation

Along with the skipper and first mate, there is also an onboard chef ready to cook you locally sourced and freshly prepared meals. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all included in your ticket price and the crew will definitely indulge you after a day of sailing in the fresh sea air!

Zuza was originally built as an expedition vessel so her space below decks is well considered. She has two twin cabins (that can be turned into a XL double ensuite by request) and two double ensuite cabins. A generous saloon sits next to a compact galley while the navigation station and helm sit at deck level in a covered wheelhouse with 360degree windows – perfect for wildlife watching in comfort!

Wherever you sail with Zuza, be sure that the views will be breathtaking and the wildlife in abundance, so have your eyes peeled and your binoculars at the ready for a wonderful trip. With all inclusive food, private cabins and comfy social spaces, this is a sailing holiday adventure in the Hebrides not to be missed!

As with all Zuza’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft drinks. All cabins are available for single occupancy at a 50% surcharge. All cabins have bedding and towels provided. 

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft/hot drinks)
• 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
• Offshore sailing jackets for use in emergencies. These are not permitted to be taken off the boat

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Any 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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals are included in the price unless you go ashore.(Breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft/hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Meat eaters and vegetarians only. It's a small galley!

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Zuza has 2 double ensuite bed cabins and 2 twin bunk cabins.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have at least one window and/or deck hatch.

• How many toilets/showers does she have?

  An ensuite with each double cabin and a shared bathroom for the twin cabins.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Zuza does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes, there is heating throughout the boat.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  English

• Is there WIFI on board?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G.

• Can I charge my phone and camera?

  Zuza has 5v USB-A sockets, 12v car cigarette lighter type sockets and 230v UK 3 pin mains sockets.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Zuza is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.

• Are there waterproofs available?

  Zuza does have some aboard for emergencies, but please bring your own if you can.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not - just a love for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No, but she does have some fishing gear!

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently on a boat. Zuza has a double hull so is very steady and smooth to sail - which helps with the motion of the boat. We recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  8+ years but 8-18yrs please check with the office as it can vary from voyage to voyage.

Travel Planning

From: North Pier, Oban

To: North Pier, 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.