Set the sails with the Flying Dutchman as you explore the Caledonian Canal, locks, sea lochs and quaint harbour villages from Inverness to Oban.
Join traditional tall ship the Flying Dutchman in the Scottish harbour town of Inverness tucked in the heart of Scotland at the start of Calendonian Canal.
This adventure sailing holiday is perfect for those seeking a new experience in sheltered waters enjoying the engineering feat of the Caledonian Canal and Neptunes staircase. Sail from Inverness, through the Caledonian Canal before finishing in the Scottish port of Oban.
- Fully crewed tall ship
- Sheltered sailing
- Private ensuite cabins
- Perfect for adventurers
- Half-board
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
YOUR SAILING AREA
Scotland, UK
Explore the lochs of the Scottish highlands as you sail and journey through the Caledonian Canal from Inverness to Oban. This fascinating part of the world is the gateway to the highlands, where mist-shrouded mountains tumble down to meet the water’s edge. Discover the engineering feat of Neptune’s staircase and anchor in picturesque sea lochs—the perfect backdrop for the Flying Dutchman.
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Canal Gates and Sea Lochs
Hop aboard the Flying Dutchman at 6 p.m. After an introduction to the crew, dinner will be served at 7 p.m., during which you can get to know your fellow guests. (If you are arriving in Inverness earlier, just let the boat know, and you can drop your luggage off and spend some time exploring.)
Glide through the five canal locks of Inverness before setting sails to reach the infamous Loch Ness – our anchorage for the night and home to the Loch Ness monster… The second largest freshwater lake in Scotland, it measures 23 miles long and over 750ft deep. It forms part of the Caledonian Canal which, constructed in the 19th century, connects Inverness to Fort William and has 29 locks along its length.
Our next stop will be Fort Augustus, a small village on the south bank of the great Loch Ness. We will spend the morning exploring ashore here before completing another five locks to reach Neptune’s staircase, where we will anchor overnight.
Neptune’s staircase is a system of eight locks designed by Thomas Telford. The locks allow the boat to rise an impressive 19.5 meters over a length of 457 meters. Originally manpowered, the locks now operate hydraulically and are the largest in the UK.
Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, provides an impressive backdrop for this part of the voyage, and if there is time, we will aim to stop at the famous Ben Nevis distillery.
Once we have passed Fort William, the West coast awaits and we will set sail for the beautiful Loch Linnhe and the island of Lismore. Explore the ancient ruin of Castle Coeffin dating back to the Celts in the middle ages before sailing the Sound of Mull to the quaint harbour village of Tobermory on the island of Mull.
Described as one of the most beautiful harbours in Scotland, colourful houses curve the waterfront of Tobermory – the perfect last stop of our voyage. Visit the Tobermory distillery as we anchor overnight before heading back down the Sound of Mull to finish our voyage in Oban.
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Nightwatches?
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 12miles offshore.
Life Onboard the Flying Dutchman
One of traditional sailing, sea-faring tales and breath-taking destinations, sailing with the Flying Dutchman is a far cry from its ancestral name. Although a traditionally rigged vessel with an authentic wooden boat feel throughout, the Flying Dutchman has been fitted as a charter vessel to a high, modern standard – providing guests with an authentic sailing experience while ensuring comfort and mod-cons are not forgotten.
Enjoy a balance of traditional sailing, harnessing the power of the wind, and exploring ashore in hard-to-reach locations away from the tourist hustle and bustle.
Offering sailing tall ship holidays in Scotland and the Hebrides, the Flying Dutchman aims to give guests a traditional tall ship adventure. Family owned and operated, the Flying Dutchman is perfect for solo travellers, couples or older families looking for that classic tall ship experience, making memories that will certainly last a lifetime.
Getting Involved
The crew encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing this fascinating schooner. She is traditionally rigged but also has a winch system, so it can be sailed comfortably by the crew if guests simply want to put their feet up and enjoy the views! From hoisting the sails, basic rope work and even some simple navigation skills, you can get involved as much or as little as you’d like. Once the sails are up, you can enjoy the beauty of silently crossing the ocean using just the power of the wind.
Sleeping, eating and Relaxation
A designated chef ensures you’re well fed and looked after after a day of sailing the Scottish Seas. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and soft and hot drinks are all included in the half-board ticket price. Evening meals aboard are not included (unless you are tucked up in a secluded anchorage!), and this is done so that guests can experience true Scottish hospitality ashore and support the local economy while enjoying sustainable, local produce.
The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes, providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal area to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. She has ten ensuite twin cabins below decks, and all cabins have air conditioning or heating. All bedding and towels are provided.
The rear deck is layered with wood, emphasising the traditional atmosphere of the ship. On the main deck, there are 3 different tables and couches to sit on. This area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.
The Flying Dutchman works on a half-board basis to give guests a chance to experience the local cuisine. All breakfasts, tea, coffee and juice are included in the ticket price. Lunch and evening meals will be a 50/50 split of eating onboard (included in the ticket price) and eating ashore (not included in the ticket price). If the Flying Dutchman is not able to go ashore for any reason (weather-related), guests will be able to eat on board!
There is a £90pp per week cash payment onboard for guests if they would like to serve themselves beer/wine from the tap, snacks and soft drinks. Snacks are prepared by the chef and are set out in the saloon for guests each day. This payment is optional, but it’s encouraged. (This is cash only, no card payment.) Guests then wash up anything from these snacks themselves (no washing up for actual meals).
What’s included
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and from the boat
- Lifejacket
What’s not included
- Eating ashore
- Waterproofs
- 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
Kit list
The Flying Dutchman has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. Each bunk is allocated a storage chest to store your items, but there is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Please consider waterproof sailing boots
- Flip-flops or crocs for wet room showering
- Swimsuit and swim towel (optional)
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers.
- Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
- Refillable water bottle
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binoculars
- Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Smidge’ midge repellent – only necessary when sailing in Scotland
- Sleep masks and/or earplugs! (optional)
- Charging cables for personal devices
- A good book to read!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
Travel Documents
- Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.
From: Inverness
To: Oban
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Inverness
BY RAIL:
You can travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Inverness.
Inverness station is right in the town centre with easy travel links from the ScotRail mainline. The station is about a ten minute walk from the Marina.
BY COACH:
You can travel by coach to various main hubs in Scotland from the rest of the UK with National Express and megabus. You will then need to change for Inverness onto a service operated by Scottish Citylink.
BY AIR:
Direct flights go to Inverness Airport (INV) from London Luton (LTN), London Gatwick (LGW) and Bristol (BRS) with easyJet, London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and Manchester (MAN) and Birmingham (BHX) with Logan Air and British Airways.
Inverness Airport is a 15 minute taxi ride from the Wharf, or catch the No.11 bus from the town bus station which takes about 50 minutes.
Oban
BY RAIL:
You can travel by rail to/from Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street, depending on where you’re coming from in the country. You can also travel overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Glasgow.
Then from Glasgow Queen Street Station trains run 6 times a day to Oban. Oban Station is just a 5-10 minute walk to North Pier.
BY COACH:
You can travel by coach to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station from the rest of the UK with National Express and megabus.
BY AIR:
Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours.
Direct flights go to Glasgow Airport (GLA) from London Heathrow with British Airways.
Flying Dutchman
Guest berths: 24 Rig: Schooner
The Flying Dutchman has a vast 480m² sail area to propel her through the water. The experienced crew will take care of everything aboard; however, if guests wish, they are welcome to join the crew, hoisting the sails or taking the helm. She’s perfect for solo travellers and couples of all ages and abilities.
The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal space to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. Below decks, there are ten ensuite cabins for guests with bunk beds, all with heating and air-conditioning.
On the main deck, there are three different tables and couches to sit on; this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.
Deck plan

Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Single berth in shared Twin Plus Ensuite Cabin: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite. The Plus cabin has a little more floor space.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
More about Flying DutchmanAre all meals included?
Breakfast & soft/hot drinks are included. Lunch and evening meals will be a 50/50 split of eating onboard (included) & eating ashore (not included).
Can you cater for dietary needs?
We can cater for Vegetarians only.
Are there any added extra's?
Lunch and evening meals will be a 50/50 split of eating onboard (included) & eating ashore (not included). Any onshore excursion fees are not included. There is a £90pp per week cash payment onboard for guests, if they would like to serve themselves beer & wine, snacks, soft drinks, that are set out in the saloon for guests each day. This is optional and cash only. Guests then wash up anything from these snacks themselves. This is instead of an honesty bar.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
11x twin ensuite cabins
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, every cabin has a porthole.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
11
Are bedding and towels included?
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, the Flying Dutchman does not have laundry on board.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
What language is spoken onboard?
German/English.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, there are 220v sockets in every cabin so please bring a 2pin EU adaptor.
What is the currency on board?
Euros.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
The Flying Dutchman is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy, and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
Are waterproofs provided?
No, please bring your own.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
Flying Dutchman has some fishing rods that are available for guests to use.
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.
Is there an age limit?
Over 18's only - no upper age limit, only one rule: You must be able to climb stairs. 16 years old with a mature guardian is sometimes possible.
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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










































