Scottish Sailing & Wildlife Watching in Skye & the Small Isles

Your Sailing Area

The Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Start your sailing holiday on the west coast of Scotland in the port town of Oban. Oban is one of our main sailing ports in Scotland, providing our boats with a great access point from which to explore the Isle of Skye, the Small Isles archipelago, and the Outer Hebridean islands. 

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 that 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 the Shiants, exploring Skye and the Small Isles along the way.

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Skye

With its rugged landscapes, fairy tale castles, and picturesque fishing villages, the Isle of Skye is a popular destination for the adventure traveller. Admire the majestic Cuillins mountain range and the impressive Storr outcrop. Anchoring against the breathtaking backdrop of Loch Scavaig, nestled at the foot of the Cuillins, is a truly awe-inspiring experience. As a traveller’s paradise, Skye offers endless opportunities to explore its shores and discover hidden anchorages, making it a perfect destination to be explored from the water.

The smaller islands of Raasay and Rona are nestled in between Skye and the Scottish mainland and give way to a plethora of sheltered anchorages. Zuza can also pass under the iconic Skye bridge unlike some of our larger vessels so there are plenty of walking paths, atmospheric castle ruins & a whisky distilleries to explore.

The Small Isles

Discover the sweet island of Canna where you anchor up and explore ashore with the resident puffin colony. These birds are fascinating to watch and it’s amazing how close you can get without alarming them.

The island of Rum is a National Nature Reserve and is the largest island, home to the architecturally remarkable and now deserted Kinloch Castle and, of course, some wonderful wildlife. The island’s most famous residents are sea eagles (re-introduced in the 1980s), red deer and the hardy Rum ponies. There is plenty of exploring to be had on the Isle of Rum, taking in the stunning mountain and coastal scenery.

Eigg is by far one of the most recognisable of the Small Isles with its distinctive ridge named the Sgùrr of Eigg; for those that like a good day of walking, the climb to the top of the ridge offers fantastic views over the Small Isles and across to Skye. Just 5 miles in length with one single road, Eigg boasts of being the only fully sustainable island in the Hebrides with its own electric grid! This hardy community welcomes visitors and offers a tea room, gift shop, and museum that details the history of the island. Not only is it a favourite for the birdwatchers, with over 200 species spotted, but also with no light pollution, the stargazing at night is truly spectacular.

the Shiants

The Shiants, a cluster of islands located off the coast of Lewis and Harris in Scotland, are a true hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. These islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with dramatic cliffs and abundant birdlife. The main island, Garbh Eilean, is a designated bird sanctuary and home to numerous species, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. The Shiants also offer excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and experiencing the tranquillity of remote island life. With their rich biodiversity and captivating landscapes, the Shiants are a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and unspoiled natural environment.

Experience incredible wildlife watching in the Hebrides.

Along the rugged coastline, witness the majestic flight of white-tailed eagles while flocks of Black Guillemots adorn the skies. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot an array of birds of prey, including Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow-hawks, and the elusive Merlin – so keep your binoculars at the ready!

Delight in the graceful movements of Fulmars and Hooded Crows as they navigate the air while Gannets create a mesmerising spectacle as they plunge into the open sea. During our sailing holidays, you’ll frequently encounter the playful Common, Bottlenose, and White beak dolphins, and if luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Risso and White-sided dolphins.

Although basking sharks have been less prevalent in recent years, their return to Scotland brings renewed excitement to our voyages. The waters of the Hebrides are home to a variety of marine species, including whales. The most common sightings include the graceful Minke whales, with occasional appearances by the majestic Humpbacks. However, the true stars of the show are the resident pod of Orca, their presence in the water an awe-inspiring sight to behold. 

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

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 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 delicious meals, private cabins and comfy social spaces, this is a sailing holiday adventure in the Hebrides not to be missed!

Sustainable Travel

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Do I need to take part in night watches?

Are there midges in Scotland?

Kit list

Zuza has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases – please bring your items in a soft bag.

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 that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
• 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
• Short waterproof boots 

• Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Smidge repellent 
• Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices)
• A good book to read!
• We advise sleep masks and/or ear plugs!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

What’s the weather like in Scotland?!

The beauty of localised weather and being on a boat surrounded by islands is that the skipper can plan around the weather and chase the better weather windows, finding sheltered anchorages – this is why we don’t commit to a sailing itinerary.

Once you’ve booked, we send a recommended kit list on what to pack to suit all options although we always recommend checking the weather forecast in the week leading up to your holiday.

To give you an idea of the average temperatures…

June, July & August > HIGHS of 18°C and LOWS of 9°C

What’s included

• Full board (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.

This voyage will likely be more than 12 miles offshore.

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

To: North Pier

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

Oban, Scotland

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.