Traditional Tall ship sailing in the Outer Hebrides and the Small Isles

Your Sailing Area

SMALL ISLES & OUTER HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND

The Small Isles

Made up of four main islands, the Small Isles are a geological wonder, with each island varying vastly from the next. Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna all offer many opportunities to explore ashore. From idyllic shorelines to hilltop panoramas, each island offers a unique area of discovery, appealing to nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and those seeking remote wildness away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat with the common sightings of red deer, ponies and golden eagles.

Rum is a National Nature Reserve and the largest island, home to the architecturally remarkable Kinloch Castle and some incredible wildlife. Eigg is the most populous but still has fewer than 100 residents and is the most welcoming of the Small Isles. Muck is the smallest and most southerly island. Its low-lying, mostly treeless landscape offers dramatic perspectives and panoramic views of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. Canna, which has been looked after by the National Trust since 1981, is arguably one of the prettier islands. With its high basalt cliffs and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the area offers breathtaking views. You might even be lucky to see Minke Whales from the high cliffs, soaring Sea Eagles and nesting Puffins.

The Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides feel distinctly removed from everyday sailing routes. Long Atlantic swells, open skies and low-lying islands create a setting where distances feel greater, and the pace naturally slows. Possible anchorages include Eriskay, Vatersay and Mingulay, where white-sand beaches meet turquoise shallows, as well as more exposed outposts such as Barra Head and the Monach Islands, known for their isolation and abundant seabird colonies. The sailing here alternates between open Atlantic passages and calmer waters tucked behind the islands, with anchorages that feel remote yet welcoming, offering quiet shorelines, simple walks and an immediate connection to the landscape.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

A sailing holiday in Scotland comes with guaranteed wildlife watching, and not a week passes without seeing at least three of the Big Five – Red Deer, Otter, Seal, Golden Eagle and, of course, the Red Squirrel. It is possible to stand amongst puffin burrows whilst watching the to-ing and fro-ing of the parent birds as they feed their young with mouths full of eels. Whales and dolphins are often seen north of Colonsay and Canna, mostly Minke, but Orcas have also been known to visit these waters, so keep those eyes peeled!

Read more about wildlife watching in Scotland here >

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Night-watches?

Mosquitos?

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 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 12 miles offshore.