Discover the Isles of Mull & Small Isles

Our voyage begins at Dunstaffnage Marina in the waterfront town of Oban, ‘gateway to the Hebridean Isles’. After meeting our captain, crew and fellow guests, we’ll board our ship, settle into our cabins, and receive a short introduction to life on board. Then we’ll set sail for the first leg of our journey to picturesque Loch Aline, midway along the Sound of Mull. This fjord-like inlet is renowned for its beauty and offers ideal anchorage for exploring the area. We’ll go ashore, where you can wander magical forest paths, visit the Ardtornish Estate to see its stunning gardens and tumbledown castle, or take a tour and tasting of a whisky distillery on the Morvern Peninsula.

After breakfast, we’ll sail across the Sound of Mull to the mouth of Loch Sunart, a tranquil sea loch known for its spectacular birdlife. We’re heading for the deserted island of Oransay near the western mouth of the loch. After squeezing through dramatic, high-sided cliffs, we’ll reach peaceful Loch Drumbuie, where we’ll settle for the afternoon and night in a sheltered anchorage. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, swimming or sea kayaking in the loch, or simply sitting back on deck watching for wildlife or practising your photography on the breathtaking landscape. 

Today we’ll begin our exploration of the Small Isles, starting with the Isle of Eigg. A vibrant isle with a strong sense of community, Eigg is best known for its great landmark, An Sgurr, a gigantic block of volcanic rock that’s vertical on three sides, but can be climbed on the fourth. It’s a steep climb at times, but well worth it for sublime views over Muck and Rum from its summit. You’ll also have time to visit the stunning white-sand beaches, famous for their singing sands, and watch for golden eagles soaring overhead. Later in the afternoon we’ll sail for the Isle of Rum where we’ll anchor overnight. 

The biggest and most spectacular of the Small Isles, the entire Isle of Rum is a dedicated wildlife reserve. Deer, wild goats and ponies roam the island, golden and white-tailed eagles soar over the towering Cuillin of Rum, and the cliffs are home to a nesting colony of Manx shearwaters. You can opt to join a guided walk of the island with a local ranger, visit the eccentric Kinloch Castle, an Edwardian folly constructed from red sandstone, or explore the striking landscape and tiny town of Kinloch at your leisure. 

Today we’ll visit the most westerly of the Small Isles, the Isle of Canna. Known as the ‘garden of the Hebrides’, it’s also one of the most beautiful with delightful wildflower meadows and abundant wildlife. Now managed by the National Trust of Scotland, it’s home to a single farm and has been a bird sanctuary since 1938 with over 20,000 breeding seabirds including colourful puffins, razorbills, guillemots and Manx shearwaters. We’ll spend the day exploring its shores, discovering its rich cultural heritage and archaeology, and watching for wildlife including spectacular eagles and other birds of prey. 

This morning we’ll move onto the final of the four Small Isles, the tiny Isle of Muck. Measuring just two miles long and a mile wide, this petit isle is low-lying, mostly treeless and very fertile, often carpeted with vivid wildflowers. Enjoy picturesque coastal walks and spectacular wildlife sightings, from seabirds and eagles to marine wildlife such as otters, dolphins, porpoises, sharks and whales. At low tide you can cross to Horse Island, where there’s a colony of charming puffins. Later in the day, we’ll sail for the colourful waterfront town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. After anchoring in the harbour, you’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring. Visit the museum or whisky distillery, or wander round the picturesque harbour stopping for a drink in a waterside pub. 

On our final full day together, we’ll visit the tranquil waters of Loch Spelve on the south-eastern shores of the Isle of Mull. This peaceful loch is surrounded by ancient oak forest and dotted with rocky islets, home to otters. It’s also renowned for its mussel cultivation, and we’ll have the opportunity to pick up some of these locally grown delicacies to savour before bedding down for our final night on board. 

Today our fascinating voyage of the Small Isles and Isle of Mull draws to a close. We’ll return to Oban, where you’ll bid farewell to your crew and fellow guests before starting your return journey.