Outer Isles Explorer Cruise

Dates: 25th August to 3rd September 2023

Destination: 

Guests join the MV Hjalmar Bjørge around 1530 on Friday 25th August in Oban. Our departure shortly thereafter will see us on anchor for our first evening meal aboard.

A real island-hopping Scottish cruise adventure around the Hebrides. The itinerary may include, for example, some of the following destinations: Mull, the Small Isles (Rum, Canna, Eigg and Muck), Skye, Coll and Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. In the Outer Hebrides possibilities include Eriskay, Barra Head, Mingulay, Vatersay, North and South Uists and Benbecula etc. We will aim to spend a few days at the lovely low lying Monachs and explore these wonderful islands with their seabird and seal colonies, acres of flat sandy beaches and interesting archaeological remains. Expect sea and golden eagles, cetaceans (such as dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks) and seabirds such as gannets, guillemots, terns, skuas and razorbills. 

We will return to Oban on Sunday 3rd September having a hearty breakfast before disembarking.

Please note this cruise is not visiting St Kilda.

Highlights: Dispersing seabirds and their young from their breeding colonies, including Auks, Terns, Gulls, Skuas, Petrels & Gannets – responsible viewing of Golden & Sea Eagles on their territories, with sightings of fledged young ending their season – Rum’s massive Manx Shearwater colony will still be feeding young and allows incredible views as they raft offshore or shear the waves in feeding parties – striking dragonflies & butterflies, or the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee found only on a few Scottish islands. We will also expect good sightings of dolphins, particularly common dolphin, perhaps Bottlenose and Risso. This time of year is also particularly good for Basking sharks and Minke whales.