Guided Wild Swimming & Sailing in Scotland

YOUR SAILING AREA

Skye & the Small Isles, SCOTLAND

John the Skipper is a fully qualified snorkel instructor and has a real passion for wild swimming. On this dedicated wild swim trip guests will be joined by fully qualified and experienced swim guide Dan the Merman, to accompany and coach you if you would like some expert pointers on technique. We will sail between anchorages each day allowing the opportunity to wild swim in some hard-to-reach locations with the comfort and safety of a yacht to return to. Some basic wild swimming experience is advised and guests are expected to be able to swim 1km non-stop and un-aided.

The format for the week will be to swim or dip two-three times a day sailing between breathtaking locations and anchoring every night in a different spot. On a typical day, after breakfast, we will sail to our first swim site, enjoy a group supported swim, returning to the yacht warming up with hot showers, coffee/tea and cake while we sail to our second swim site and finally settling down to a home-cooked meal of local sustainable produce at our overnight anchorage before sitting back and watching the sunset. Of course, you can opt to sit out of any swim, stay aboard and relax if you like.

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Island Hopping

Get the chance to swim around island castles, visit and swim on the islands of Skye, Rum, Eigg, Canna, Soay and Muck as well as some hard-to-reach mainland swim spots in Moidart and Knoydart.

Whether you are an experienced swimmer or just want to give it a go and see what all this fuss is about come join us. 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. Due to the nature of the anchoring locations, the swims will be to and or from the boat supported by swim guide Dan either in the water or alongside swimmers in the inflatable dinghy c/w electric outboard. The swims will predominantly launch from the yacht, out to a predetermined spot; beach, or offshore island, and return, so guests can opt to swim both legs, ride the dinghy out and swim back or swim out and ride dinghy back or indeed get in dinghy during swim leg. Each day can be a different option depending on how guests feel at the time.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife watching in the Hebrides is a real treat with sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots seen in their hundreds while white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing with Stravaigin is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines. The sound of the seabird colonies is magnificently overwhelming, with the call of seabird colonies, Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills, echoing off the cliffs.

Common, Bottlenose and Whitebeak Dolphins are frequent swimmers in the wake of the boats bow and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Minke or Humpback Whale too.

All voyages for Stravaigin

Stravaigin

Guest berths: 6 Rig: Bermudan Sloop

Stravaigin offers guests comfort while sailing with style. Owned and skippered by a Scottish family, Stravaigin offers guests sailing holidays on Scotland’s west coast in some of the best cruising grounds the Hebrides has to offer.

Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”.  Stravaigin’s owners say that this encapsulates their ethos of immersive adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods, cultures while creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last forever.

Below decks, Stravaigin has been well considered and laid out for guests optimum comfort. The 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 with one ensuite. 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.

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, Stravaigin’s crew love 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 Scotland and the Hebrides, then that’s fine too!

Sailing holidays on Stravaigin vary from day sails in the inner Hebrides to week-long sailing adventures exploring the West coast of Scotland. Perfect for solo travellers, couples or families looking for private charters.

Deck plan

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 although it recommended that guests have some previous wild swimming experience. Sit back and enjoy the views under sail with the crew 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.

Whether you are an experienced swimmer or just want to give it a go and see what all this fuss is about come join us. 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. Due to the nature of the anchoring locations, the swims will be to and or from the boat supported by swim guide Dan either in the water or alongside swimmers in the inflatable dinghy c/w electric outboard. The swims will predominantly launch from the yacht, out to a predetermined spot; beach, or offshore island, and return, so guests can opt to swim both legs, ride the dinghy out and swim back or swim out and ride dinghy back or indeed get in dinghy during swim leg. Each day can be a different option depending on how guests feel at the time.

Sleeping, eating and relaxation

Stravaigin is fitted with private double cabins, a spacious saloon area and 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

Aside from the wild swimming and sailing during this voyage, 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.

What’s included

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Soft/hot drinks & plenty of home-made cake!)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Wild Swim Guide
• Swim tow float (if required)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of onboard stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

• Waterproofs – but you can hire (average sizing) at £50 per voyage, please let us know at the time of booking.
• Swim towel
• Personal wetsuit/boots
• 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 be not more than 12miles offshore.

Package Travel Regulations

THIS TRIP IS COVERED BY our PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS. MINIMUM PASSENGER = 3

Please click here to view the Terms & Conditions.

If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 60 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking. We have yet to cancel a tour on Stravaigin but we operate with transparency and honesty!

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot Drinks) Please note that alcohol/soft drinks are not included. There is an honesty bar onboard.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of booking.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  3x double berth

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 bathrooms, both with showers.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  John does have some offshore sailing jackets/trousers for hire - £50pp per voyage.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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 bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim.

Travel Planning

From: Mallaig

To: Mallaig

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

GETTING THERE

MALLAIG

PARKING

Mallaig offers limited long stay parking in a car park to the left on the Train Station as you drive into Mallaig. Alternatively try another long stay spot at 24 East Bay, Mallaig.

BY RAIL

You can travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. Once in Fort William you can take The Jacobite Steam Train or the electric train direct to Mallaig. Mallaig station is then only a 5-10 minute walk to the harbour pontoons.

BY AIR

Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to Mallaig. From either of them take a train onto For William and then onto Mallaig which takes approximately 2-3hours. There are good links direct from the airport to the train and bus terminals for onward travel to Fort William.

STAY IN MALLAIG

There are plenty of places to stay in Mallaig. Try Chlachain Inn, Seaview Guesthouse or West Highland Hotel.