Sail and explore Mull & Iona
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Sail and explore the islands of Mull and Iona in the Hebrides aboard modern yacht Stravaigin.
Discover the Hebrides with modern yacht Stravaigin as she explores the islands of Mull, Staffa and beautiful Iona. Join Stravaigin in Oban for a sailing adventure on the west coast of Scotland, taking in secluded anchorages, abundant wildlife and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK.
The Isle of Mull is renowned for its wildlife and remote anchorages, while neighbouring Iona boasts crystal clear waters perfect for wild swimming. With puffins nesting along the clifftops and dolphins in the bow wake, this is a Hebrides sailing holiday full of natural wonders. No prior experience needed.
- Skippered sailing
- Island hopping
- Puffin watching
- Wild swimming and SUPs
- Full board included
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Hebrides Sail Holiday Aboard Modern Yacht Stravaigin
Oban → Isle of Mull → Staffa → Iona → Hebrides
One of the most rewarding sailing destinations in the UK, the west coast of Scotland offers extraordinary variation for sailors and explorers alike. With remote anchorages where mountains run straight into the sea, atmospheric landscapes, secret coves and uninhabited islands, it’s easy to see why guests return year after year. The main focus of this Hebridean sailing adventure is the islands of Mull and Iona, two of the finest spots the Inner Hebrides has to offer.
Stravaigin’s owner and skipper John, has lived and sailed in the Hebrides for a number of years, so he knows all the best spots well off the beaten track. Once aboard, he’ll have the latest weather forecast and a clear picture of what to expect from the week ahead.
Island Hopping in the Inner Hebrides
Over 70 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, make up the Inner Hebrides, so there’s no shortage of places to explore under sail. The landscape’s geography provides great sailing conditions and natural shelter if the weather turns, while a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna spans several of the islands. Many are home to fascinating ruins with evidence of the clans and communities that once inhabited these remote lands.
The Isle of Mull is one of the larger inhabited islands in the Hebrides, renowned for its abundance of wildlife, endless walking trails and secluded anchorages. The clifftops and rocky outcrops around Mull are a wonderful spot to keep an eye out for puffins during the summer months, when these characterful birds nest along the coastline in good numbers.
Iona sits just off the coast of Mull, with crystal clear blue waters and sandy beaches. At just 1.5 by 3 miles, it’s a brilliant spot for wild swimming, birdwatching and exploring on foot. The coastline around Iona is another excellent spot for puffin sightings, and look out too for oystercatchers, sandpipers, redshanks and greylag geese as you discover the Benedictine Abbey standing on the site of St Columba’s monastery.
The volcanic island of Staffa is one of the most dramatic stops on the voyage, home to the famous Fingal’s Cave, where giant basalt columns form a remarkable natural acoustic chamber that can be explored by tender.
- Explore Mull, Iona and Staffa by boat
- Puffin watching along the Mull and Iona coastline
- Visit the Benedictine Abbey on Iona
- Explore Fingal’s Cave on Staffa by tender
- Off the beaten track with an experienced local skipper
Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides
Wildlife watching in the Hebrides is a real treat. Black guillemots gather in their hundreds while white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Puffins are a firm favourite with guests, and the waters around Mull and Iona offer some brilliant opportunities to spot these characterful birds up close during the summer nesting season. Sailing with Stravaigin regularly brings sightings of buzzards, kestrels, sparrowhawks and peregrines, and the sound of seabird colonies echoing off the cliffs is something quite unlike anything else.
In the water, common, bottlenose, and white-beaked dolphins are frequent visitors to the bow, and with a little luck, you may even spot a minke or humpback whale on the horizon.
- Puffins nesting along the Mull and Iona coastline
- White-tailed eagles and seabird colonies
- Dolphins are regularly spotted in the bow wake
- Possible minke and humpback whale sightings
- Guillemots and razorbills off the cliffs
Life Aboard Modern Yacht Stravaigin
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning to wander with no particular intent, and that spirit runs through every voyage she makes. She’s a warm, welcoming boat with three private double cabins sleeping up to six guests, a spacious saloon for dining and relaxing, and a well-equipped galley.
John cooks all meals from scratch using locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, organic meats and vegetables from the local islands, with bread and cakes from the Solace Bakery. Two paddleboards are available for exploring the coastline, and Stravaigin is fitted with solar panels and a wind generator to minimise her impact on the environment.
- Three private double cabins
- Locally sourced, home-cooked meals included
- Two paddleboards available on board
- Relaxed sailing, as hands-on as you like
- Solar panels and wind generator fitted
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Do I need to take part in night watches?
Are there midges in Scotland?
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 not more than 12 miles offshore.
Life on board
Wherever you end up with Stravaigin, it will certainly be an adventure to remember and with her owner and skipper born and bred in Scotland, you’re in the best hands to discover all the secret spots. John knows the best trails and as you board Stravaigin, he will be able to give you a rough idea of the itinerary and what can be achieved over the week.
Getting involved
Stravaigin requires no previous sailing experience so you can sit back and enjoy the views although the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm if you’d like! She’s a great boat to learn how to sail, with a modern winch system and simple gaff rig.
Sleeping, eating and relaxation
Stravaigin is fitted with private double cabins, a spacious saloon area and an outdoor eating cockpit perfect for those summer evenings. Each day guests enjoy delicious locally sourced food as John whips up a feast in the galley of fresh seafood, organic meats and veggies from local islands, not to mention cakes and bread from the Solace Bakery. You’ll be well-fed and all your hot drinks and meals are included in the ticket price.
Into the water
Skipper John is also a trained snorkel instructor so if guests want to experience some truly refreshing wild swimming in Scotland, then do let him know as you board. There are also two paddle boards available for guests to use and discover the nooks and crannies of this fascinating coastline. Wetsuits are not available on-board, so please bring your own if you would like. There are waterproofs available to hire, please let us know at the time of booking.
Stravaigin
Guest berths: 6 Rig: Bermudan Sloop
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”. Her owner and skipper, John, says that this encapsulates his ethos of immersive adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods and cultures while creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last forever!
Stravaigin has a modern Bermudan sloop rig with winches and full navigation systems. If you have never sailed before and are looking to learn the ropes, skipper John loves to teach guests and get them involved with all aspects of sailing. Alternatively, she can be sailed single-handedly, so if you’re after a relaxing sailing holiday soaking in the sights and delights of the Hebrides, then that’s fine too!
From taster sailing weekends, guided wild swimming experiences and more adventurous voyages to the outer islands, Stravaigin suits all ages and abilities. Whether you’re travelling solo, or looking to meet like-minded travellers, an adventurous couple looking for something a little different or a group of family and friends looking for a unique private charter experience, sailing with John on Stravaigin is a great choice.
Below decks, Stravaigin has been well-considered and laid out for guests’ optimum comfort. A bright and airy saloon with a large table and TV screen sits next to the generous L-shaped galley, where guests can enjoy local cuisine and home-cooked meals. She has three private double-berth cabins, and two of the double-berth cabins can be separated with a lee-cloth for friends or comfortable solo travellers, and both bathrooms have a shower.
Skipper John also has a passion for sustainability and lessening the impact on the natural world. Stravaigin has a large solar panel array with a large battery bank, which means she can be sailed and operated using significantly less fuel. Sailing with her is an eco-friendly way to travel that minimises carbon emissions and pollution. It encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to appreciate the journey while promoting a deeper connection with nature and enabling exploration of secluded and protected environments.
Deck plan
More about Stravaigin
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Sailing in the Outer Hebrides & St Kilda
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Sail and explore Mull & Iona
Sail and explore Mull & Iona
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
