Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

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Splendour

Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer cruise

Our Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer cruise explores a rich habitat, which is home to a large variety of wildlife, including many rarities. A major highlight of the cruise is the island of Ailsa Craig, a wildlife hotspot in south Argyll.

Day 1

Join Splendour at 1600 in the Holy Loch Marina. Cruise South from the Holy Loch to the scenic Kyles of Bute, watching out for porpoises and seabirds from Splendour’s spacious decks. Spot the common seals and nesting ducks and gulls as we squeeze through the tight channel at the Burnt Isles. Anchor overnight in beautiful Loch Riddon.

Day 2

After breakfast go ashore by tender to enjoy a walk from upper Caladh through oak and birch woods to the village of Tighnabruaich. There is a good chance of spotting roe deer, red squirrels and a variety of woodland songbirds, including wood warblers and bullfinches. From Tighnabruaich we cruise south past Inchmarnock, which was used by the 9th Scottish Commando and the French-Canadians as a training ground for D-Day during WW2. We then head for Loch Fyne and a visit to the common seal colony at Black Harbour en route to our overnight anchorage at Castleton, where wild goats and a variety of nesting seabirds can be viewed on the islands.

Day 3

We start with a short cruise to the Otter Spit, a huge bank of glacial moraine which extends out into Loch Fyne. Tidal conditions allowing you will be tendered ashore for a walk along the spit. This is an unusual beach walk and many types of wading birds, otters and porpoises may be encountered. After lunch, we cruise Loch Fyne past the seabird nesting islands and go ashore to enjoy a walk in the wonderful woodlands of Crarae Gardens, where many woodland songbirds can be seen and heard.

Day 4

Arran is now in our sights as we cruise down Loch Fyne to the village of Loch Ranza in its awe-inspiring loch and mountain location. Here you can visit the Arran Distillery or simply walk the trails looking out for wild red deer and the resident golden eagles. On return to the boat we weigh anchor and cruise down Arran’s east coast, passing impressive Glen Sanox en route for Lamlash, which is sheltered by Holy Isle. This is a wonderful natural harbour and is our overnight anchorage. This leg of our journey is excellent for spotting basking sharks in season.

Day 5

Ailsa Craig is a volcanic plug 18 miles south of Holy Isle and is the object of our desires for today. 40,000 pairs of gannets, thousands of guillemots and razorbills, hundreds of Kittiwakes, fulmars, puffins, shags, cormorants and the odd peregrine falcon and golden eagle call this rock home. After an unforgettable circumnavigation of this outpost, we will anchor for lunch and go ashore to do a ‘time team’ on the old curling stone workings and enjoy an invigorating walk to the summit, which at over 1100 feet gives panoramic views from Argyll through Ayrshire to the Antrim hills. Splendour then retraces her steps for an overnight stay at Lamlash.

Day 6

North to the Island of Great Cumbrae where porpoises fish in the ‘tan’, the stretch of water between Great and Little Cumbrae. Go ashore to Millport by tender after elevenses for a close encounter with the resident grey seals on the way. Cycle the level 10 mile circuit of the island where an abundance of seabirds, porpoises and the odd basking shark can be seen. After guests have enjoyed a well-deserved lunch, Splendour will continue her journey north up Loch Long and Loch Goil to her overnight anchorage off Carrick Castle.

Day 7

Homeward bound for the Holy Loch Marina with the last chance to see seals, porpoises, eider ducks, gannets etc. At 1100, all too soon, it’s time for fond farewells and ‘haste ye backs’.

From £2225 per adult

Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

April — October

Book now

Contact details

Argyll Cruising

Fairwinds
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
Scotland
PA21 2EB
View tour provider details

Key facilities

  • Parking

Tour information

Length

6 Days

Transport

  • Boat

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • History
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Whisky
  • Wildlife

Tour prices

From £2225 Per Adult

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Argyll Cruising

Tour company information

Argyll Cruising

Argyll Cruising offers ten unique Scottish Cruises, visiting the inlets and islands of Argyll, Arran and the Hebrides, including Mull, Islay, Jura and Skye and the Small Isles. The spectacular cruises run from three to thirteen nights, amongst the beautiful islands and stunning sea lochs of Argyll. With a maximum of 8 guests on board, these are highly personalised cruising experiences within an idyllic maritime setting.

Social Channels

Visit Argyll Cruising

Opening times

24 hours

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter