Scottish Short Break Taster Sailing around the Isle of Mull
Explore the Isle of Mull with a taster sailing experience on yacht Zuza – discover hidden anchorages, amazing landscapes on foot and wonderful wildlife watching!
Join expedition yacht Zuza in the bustling harbour town of Oban for a taster sailing experience in Scotland as you explore the magnificent inner Hebrides. The Isle of Mull is situated just off the coast from Oban, boasting miles of untouched coastline and remote islands.
From bountiful wildlife-watching opportunities, remote anchorages in secluded bays, star-gazing on deck and exploring sleepy fishing villages, Mull and her surrounding islands certainly have something for everyone! This voyage is perfect for those wanting to spend more time on the water in a safe environment in sheltered waters.
- Skippered sailing
- Private cabins
- Wildlife watching
- Fingal’s cave
- Great for beginners
- Remote island discovery
- Perfect for couples and solo travellers
- Full board
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Your Sailing Area
The Isle of Mull
The second largest island in the inner Hebrides, the Isle of Mull is renowned for its abundant wildlife. From dolphins to whales to sea eagles and puffins on Lunga, there is plenty to watch both from the water and on the land. Mull is home to the iconic harbourside village of Tobermory, where colourful houses line the waterfront.
The Treshnish Isles sit just off the North Westerly side of Mull and are amazing for remote anchorages away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Anchor up and take the tender ashore as you sit amongst the “sea parrots” (puffins) or try your best singing voice in the basalt columns of Fingals Cave.
Relax in sheltered anchorages and watch picturesque sunsets, and if we are blessed with dark skies, the stargazing from the deck is breathtaking. A typical day sailing with Zuza sees a few hours of sailing before finding a tranquil anchorage where you can spend plenty of time exploring ashore.
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Majestic Hebrides
The weather in the Hebrides can be unpredictable but is very localised so the beauty of this part of the world means that there are plenty of options to skirt around bad weather and find a sheltered anchorage for the night. There are plenty of uninhabited islands to explore, teeming with wildlife, panoramic landscapes, interesting walking trails and ancient ruins.
One of our personal favourite spots in the inner Hebrides is the small island Iona just off the West tip of Mull. Boasting ultimate tranquillity, blue lagoons and sandy beaches, the island measures only 1.5 x 3 miles. It’s a great place to anchor and take a walk ashore as you keep your eyes peeled for oystercatchers, sandpipers, redshanks, plovers, curlews and greylag geese. The endangered corncrake also inhabits the island.
THE TRESHNISH ISLES
The Treshnish Isles are a small cluster of islands and skerries nestled off the West coast of Mull. An important area for marine animals and breeding seabirds, the islands are part of a Special Area of Conservation. The island of Lunga is home to a large puffin colony, where you can sit ashore within metres of the friendly-faced creatures. The island of Staffa is home of the famous geological wonder of Fingal’s cave where guests can take the tender to get off and explore the impressive basalt columns.
Read our blog about the legend of Fingal’s Cave here.
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 various 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.
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 not be more than 12 miles offshore.
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 it is a great boat to learn the ropes on.
![Zuza crew sailing from wheelhouse onboard]](https://venturesailholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/Zuza-crew-sailing-from-wheelhouse-onboard-1800x1200.jpg)
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 360-degree 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
A sailing holiday is a conscious-free, sustainable way to travel that harmonises with the environment. By harnessing the power of wind, our vessels reduce reliance on fossil fuels, minimising carbon emissions and pollution. Sailing encourages a slower pace, allowing travellers to appreciate the journey and the destinations without rushing.
It promotes a deeper connection with nature, as the rhythmic movement of the boat and the sound of the wind create a sense of serenity. Guests can explore secluded coves and untouched coastlines, preserving pristine environments. With careful navigation and respect for marine life, a sailing holiday embodies responsible tourism, leaving only footprints and unforgettable memories behind.
We plant a tree for every holiday booking – working towards offsetting carbon emissions.
Zuza
Guest berths: 8 Rig: Bermudan Cutter
Zuza is a modern yacht with a simple rig and double hull, making her very smooth and steady on the water. With an undercover wheelhouse, she is perfect for those who want to learn more about sailing and exploring the more remote areas of the Hebrides. You don’t need any experience to join Zuza, and guest participation is optional.
With an experienced crew, she spends her summer season sailing the Inner and Outer Hebrides in Scotland, with voyages to the far-flung archipelago of St Kilda, to the sweet islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa. She explores the Small Isles to the Isle of Skye and everything in between. From taster sailing weekends, week-long voyages to longer expedition adventures, she has something to suit everyone.
Zuza can sail to places inaccessible to larger cruise boats, making her perfect for sailing holidays in Scotland. Her quiet approach also stands her in good stead as not to scare off wildlife, which means she can get as close as is fair to the marine and wildlife that call Scotland home.
Sleeping eight guests with versatile living spaces both above and below decks, she’s a comfortable boat. She has two private double-ensuite cabins and two private twin-berth cabins with bunk-bed-style accommodation that share a bathroom.
Zuza’s versatile accommodation makes her a great fit for all party sizes, whether you are a smaller group, a couple, a solo traveller, or 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.
Deck plan
More about Zuza
More holidays in Scotland or UK
Scotland Sailing Holiday: Mull and Kintyre
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Sailing Weekend in South Devon
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
More holidays on Zuza
Hebridean Sailing & Wildlife Encounters Mull, Skye and the Small Isles
Hebridean Sailing & Wildlife Encounters Mull, Skye and the Small Isles
Sailing Adventure to St Kilda & the Outer Islands
Hebridean Sailing & Wildlife Encounters Mull, Skye and the Small Isles
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
