Adventure Cruises in Inner Hebrides
An Inner Hebrides cruise allows the guests onboard to enjoy the very best of the Western Islands of Scotland. The Inner Hebrides is situated close to the Western Coast of mainland Scotland, but it is quite remote due to its mountainous nature and divisive inlets. Small traditional Scottish villages can be found nestled in the valleys and hardy fishing towns along the coast. Along with the villages, several castles and ancient remains can be seen from the water or explored to learn more about Scotland’s rich history.
The coastline is green and home to thick forests and striking mountains. The flora and fauna are rich both on land and in the ocean. Hebridean cruises to the Inner Hebrides, Scotland, are perfect for hiking, watersports, and getting a taste of the culture of rural Scotland. Whisky connoisseurs might also want to get a taste of Scotland’s iconic drink; many of the most famous whisky's are made on the islands of the Inner Hebrides. It is also well worth tasting the local food, which emphasizes fresh local produce and seafood.
Top things to do and see on an Inner Hebrides Islands Cruise
The Isle of Islay is probably most famous for its whisky, with eight distilleries on this small island. Aside from whisky, Islay enjoys a rich diversity of wildlife and is well-known in bird-watching circles. Bird enthusiasts will find sea eagles and falcons hunting up high and numerous sandpipers and oystercatchers poking around on the beaches.
Only two and a half kilometers across, the tiny Isle of Muck is great for hiking and wildlife. The isle is home to many birds, including the iconic puffin, and fishing is a popular sport with large mackerel shoals near the shore. The mackerel also attracts wild porpoises and whales close to the island; in fact, it is thought that the island is named after the Gaelic name for porpoise.
Tobermory's bright and colorful houses are a great first greeting on the Isle of Mull. Mull has a great deal to offer hikers and history enthusiasts. The Duart Castle, the former seat of the infamous Maclean clan, and the monastery on the tiny isle of Iona, an important center of Christian religion since the 6th Century, are both well worth a visit. Speedboat trips along the Sound of Mull are an exhilarating experience and ideal for photographing the castles and mountains from the water.
Sail along the coast of the Inner Hebrides wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its most northerly island, Skye. The Isle Of Skye is the largest of these islands and is well known for its striking landscape and excellent hiking. Skye is home to many traditional Scottish crofts and has two of its whisky distilleries.
The Mull of Kintyre was made famous by the Paul McCartney song of the same name, and it is easy to see why he loved it so much. The peninsula is home to several whisky distilleries and boasts fantastic views of Jura on one side and across to Ireland on the other. Kintyre is also a top spot for sea life, with seal colonies and passing basking sharks.
The tiny Isle of Eigg is surprisingly lively for being only twelve kilometers square of land. The island is well known for its knitwear and local crafts. Eigg is also popular for fishing and hiking; hikers often walk to the singing sands, a quartz beach that makes a surprising sound when walking on.
On a cruise around the Hebrides, you will likely spot the Paps of Jura long before you are near the island. These three iconic mountains stick out of the skyline for miles around. Jura is also very famous for its rich peat-flavored whisky. The wildlife on Jura is varied and rich, with over seven thousand red deer, elusive otters, and several grey seal colonies.
The Isle of Raasay sits between the mainland and the Isle of Skye and is a well-sheltered part of the Inner Hebrides. The island is well-known for outdoor activities and has a large outdoor center for kayaking, climbing, and fishing.
Top Tips for visiting the Inner Hebrides on a cruise
- One of the big things to consider in the Inner Hebrides is the weather, which can change in minutes. Bringing warm clothing and waterproofs and good waterproof walking boots is also a must.
- However, it is also worth bringing suncream and a hat as, despite the cool winds, the sun is often quite strong in Scotland.
- Bring binoculars to look at seabirds like puffins, which often perch on precarious sea cliffs.
- It is well worth noting that on many islands in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Christian Sunday day of rest is strictly adhered to, and many facilities will be unavailable.
Best time to cruise the Inner Hebrides Islands
The best time to take an Inner Hebrides cruise is between May and September when the weather is warmer and more predictable. If you plan an Inner Hebrides cruise in July or August, you should plan as this is the busiest time of the year. This period is the school holidays and the peak time for hiking in Scotland, so be sure to book well in advance. August is also popular for birdwatching, the breeding season for several birds, including puffins.
Where do Inner Hebrides cruises depart from?
Many Scottish small ship cruises to the Inner Hebrides leave from the ferry port at Oban, which can be reached from Glasgow Airport by train or coach. The journey is around four hours by coach and three hours by train. Cruises that depart from Tobermory can be reached by ferry from Oban, or if you enjoy a more scenic route, a drive from Glasgow to the ferry port at Loch Aline. Departures from Inverness leave from Inverness Harbour, which is around a twenty-minute drive or bus ride from Inverness Airport. Kyle of Lochalsh on the West Coast is also best reached by car or bus from Inverness airport, which is around an hour and a half away.
Glasgow is the main airport for reaching the Inner Hebrides, which receives flights from many major international airports, including London and Dubai. Inverness Airport has fewer departure options than Glasgow but is a better choice for more northerly departure points such as Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh. Inverness connects to London, Amsterdam, and Munich.
Book your next small-ship cruise to the Inner Hebrides Islands, Scotland, online.
