Trip Description

Typically departing from Mallaig, though departures from Oban can be arranged.

Starting in Mallaig, a rail and bus terminus with ample visitor attractions and accommodation, we meet our guests at the pontoons located in the busy fishing harbour.

Welcome aboard, meet skipper and settle in. Safety talk and boat familiarisation over a cup of tea/coffee and cake.

Short sail to local anchorage for our first night, get to know boat and try out sailing skills or just sit back and take in the scenery.

Depart local anchorage and enjoy a scenic sail leaving the mainland behind as we head west to the first of our small isles visits, the Isle of Muck for a lunchtime anchorage and short visit ashore before heading off to Eigg, its prominent Sgurr dominating the archipelagos’ skyline.

At Eigg, a community owned island, we can get ashore and explore the pretty coast, pay a visit the delightful café to enjoy some homebaking before returning to the boat for dinner and evening aboard in the sheltered bay with the dramatic backdrop of the escarpment behind us.

Departing Eigg we head farther west to the Isle of Rum, this stretch of water is known for regular sightings of dolphin and whale and plentiful seabirds including puffin, Manx shearwaters, guillemot and gannets.

A fascinating visit ashore on the island of Rum with options to explore Kinloch Castle, otter hides, new rum distillery, SNH visitor centre or simply enjoy a coastal walk along Kinloch Bay with the imposing Rum Cuillin dominating the skyline above.

Leaving Kinloch Bay and sailing over to Canna, a pretty low lying island famous for bird life, where we anchor in the bay with a colony of seals keeping us company. A visit ashore to explore the island and white sandy beach on the western shore, picked over by colourful oyster catchers.

An afternoon visit to another local café before returning to the boat for dinner and evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

We make our way north to the island of Skye, visiting Soay on the way, an interesting little island with a fascinating industrial and environmental history. We anchor in Loch Scavaig beneath the stunning Skye Black Cuillin, a true wild and imposing landscape.

After breakfast we head east and back to the mainland to anchor locally, potentially in Loch Nevis on the coast of one of Scotland’s last wilderness areas and location of the country’s remotest pub! Or the pretty village of Arisaig also with a very good hostelry!

Last day we head back into Mallaig, arriving late morning in good time to pack up and disembark to catch transport or book into accommodation.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 Trip Start Mallaig: Sail Mallaig – local anchorage.

Day 2 Sail anchorage to Muck and Eigg

Day 3 Sail Muck and Eigg to Rum

Day 4 Sail Rum to Canna

Day 5 Sail Canna to Isle of Skye and Soay

Day 6 Sail Skye to Knoydart or Arisaig

Day 7 Knoydart/Arisaig – Mallaig - trip finish

The above is a typical itinerary however we also have as an option if preferred or weather dictates, to circum-navigate the Isle of Skye visiting its famous distillery, the delightful main town of Portree, exploring the rugged coastline of the “Misty” isle and taking in the grandeur of the sea cliffs of Trotternish and jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin. We may also get an opportunity to drop anchor on the enchanting island of Rona. In this world-renowned cruising ground we have plenty of choices.

What's included in the price

All on-board meals and snacks.
Accompanied by a qualified and experienced skipper/guide.
All bedding (sheets, duvets and pillows), towels
All safety equipment
All harbour and marina fees
Fuel
Gas
No hidden extras!

Trip Description

Trip starts in Oban, a picturesque and busy harbour town with good transport networks, plenty accommodation options and facilities.

The choice of places to visit in this area is almost endless, however we feel we have picked the finest highlights for you to enjoy.

Departing late afternoon from Oban we head out leaving the bustle of the Gateway to the Isles behind and head to the second largest of the western isles, Mull.

Our first anchorage in Loch Spelve is a treat. Navigating its slim entrance hugging the coast, perhaps seeing the feral goats that pick their way along the rocky shores. Dropping anchor and picking up fresh mussels from the facility there to enjoy that night and allow the tranquillity of our setting unwind us.

After breakfast we head out the sea loch and up the Sound of Mull, passing castles and splendid waterfalls before we reach Tobermory, this world famous, colourful harbour with a fine distillery and many pubs and shops, never fails to please.

Leaving the island’s capital behind we head further north and depending on weather either visit yet another Hebridean island, Coll, with its rugged , windblown landscape or Calgary Bay, Mull renowned for its beautiful beach and restorative scenery.

From here we depart for Gometra or Ulva, both small inner Hebridean islands lying just off Mull with charms of their own and steeped in history including connections with David Livingstone, Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Johnson.

As we make our way back to Mull we stop off at the Island of Staffa, a stunning and unique little island, we take a dinghy ride into Fingal’s cave not only made famous due to Mendelsohn’s music but also the fascinating geology and geography of this feature, a thrill not many can say they have enjoyed. There may be an opportunity to visit the puffin colony on this small island too.

Once back on Mull we enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of Erraid and overnight in the sheltered anchorage of Tinkers Hole, arguably one of the west coast's most beautiful wild havens, only truly accessible by sea.

Our final island on this trip is Kerrera, Oban’s barrier island. With around 30 inhabitants, it has a varied coastline featuring imposing Gylen Castle, coves and seal colonies.

A final night here allows time to be up ready in the morning to head over to Oban in good time to catch trains, busses or check in to accommodation.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Trip Start Oban: Sail to Loch Spelve (Mull)

Day 2: Sail Loch Spelve to Tobermory or Loch Na Droma Buidhe (Mull)

Day 3: Sail Tobermory/LNDB to Isle of Coll or Calgary Bay (Mull)

Day 4: Sail Coll/Calgary to Ulva or Gometra

Day 5: Sail Ulva/Gometra to Tinkers Hole, Erraid via Staffa and visit Fingal’s Cave

Day 6: Sail Erraid to Isle of Kerrera

Day 7: Sail Kerrera to  Oban – trip finish

What's included in the price

All on-board meals and snacks.
Accompanied by a qualified and experienced skipper/guide.
All bedding (sheets, duvets and pillows), towels
All safety equipment
All harbour and marina fees
Fuel
Gas
No hidden extras!

Trip Description

Typically departing Oban though Mallaig departure can be arranged.

This is a 10 day trip to allow us a longer window of opportunity to visit St Kilda, which is a good few hours sail and weather dependent.  

The long island chain of the Outer Hebrides is an absolute treat to explore, from hidden anchorages to expanses of white sandy beaches and stretching from Mingulay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north.

Sailing from Oban, west up the Sound of Mull and stopping in at the sheltered sea loch Lochaline, we begin our journey and settle into this fantastic voyage. With Ardtornish Castle at the head and the little village at its entrance, this secluded spot is the perfect precursor for the wonders to come.

Continuing on west the next day we head out across the Minch to Canna, one of the Small Isles famous for its sea bird life and picturesque Canna House with the island cattle grazing on its fields.

From here we sail further west to Vatersay on the Outer Hebrides. This small island is blessed with white sandy beaches and wind-swept dunes offering up a palate of colours rarely found elsewhere. A chance for a beach walk or simply sitting out on deck enjoying the first of hopefully many stunning sunsets.

Now we really get off the beaten track and take the chance to take a full days sail to St Kilda, a UNESCO double world heritage site. Visiting here transports you to the set of a “Blue Planet” documentary, sailing under some of the tallest cliffs in the UK amongst some of the largest sea-bird colonies in Europe including Gannets, Puffins, Great Skua and Fulmar is a hairs-on-the-back-of-neck experience.

We will share with you the fascinating history of this island archipelago and weather permitting, we always try to spend 2 nights at anchor in Village Bay to give ourselves the best chance to enjoy this truly unique place.

Once we depart St Kilda we sail east and back to the Outer Hebrides stopping at N Uist and enjoy a visit to the local pub or perhaps obtain some fresh seafood just landed at the harbour.

Venturing farther east we stop off at the Isle of Rum and enjoy a fascinating visit ashore with options to explore Kinloch Castle, otter hides, new rum distillery, SNH visitor centre or simply enjoy a coastal walk along Kinloch Bay with the imposing Rum Cuillin dominating the skyline above.

Returning to the Sound of Mull we pop into Tobermory on Mull, this world famous, colourful harbour with a fine distillery and many pubs and shops, never fails to please.

Our final island on this trip is Kerrera, Oban’s barrier island. With around 30 inhabitants, it has a varied coastline featuring imposing Gylen Castle, craggy coves, seal colonies and its own marina in the north.

A final night here allows time to be up ready in the morning to head over to Oban in good time to catch trains, busses or check in to accommodation.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: Trip Start Oban: Sail Oban to Lochaline.

Day 2: Sail Lochaline to Isle of Canna

Day 3: Sail Isle of Canna to Isle of Vatersay

Day 4: Sail Isle of Vatersay to Village bay St Kilda

Day 5: Sail around/visit the Islands and sea stacks of Hirta, Boreray, Dun, Stac Lee, Stac An Armin and return Village Bay.

Day 6: Sail St Kilda to Lochmaddy N.Uist

Day 7: Sail Lochmaddy N.Uist to Isle of Rum

Day 8: Sail Isle of Rum to Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Day 9: Sail Tobermory to Isle of Kerrera

Day 10: Sail Kerrera to Oban  - trip finish

What's included in the price

All on-board meals and snacks.
Accompanied by a qualified and experienced skipper/guide.
All bedding (sheets, duvets and pillows), towels
All safety equipment
All harbour and marina fees
Fuel
Gas
No hidden extras!

Given the abundant variety and nearby locations of beautiful islands and coastal anchorages in this sailing area, we are spoiled for choice. The combined coastline length of these islands and mainland, is more than the coastline of France and these are just some of the islands we can visit: Islay, Jura, Scarba, Luing, Seil, Gigha, Kerrera, Colonsay, Oronsay, Lunga, Garvellachs, and Shuna.

No two trips are the same and we take pleasure in consulting our guests to make a suitable plan using the skipper’s extensive local knowledge and based on the weather, tides, guests’ desires and other factors.

Here is a potential itinerary to inspire you.

Trip Description

Trip starts from Oban, a picturesque and busy harbour town with good transport network, plenty accommodation options and facilities. We meet up at 3pm at Oban’s new marina development.

We head south to the Isle of Seil, the first of our many islands visits. Separated from the mainland only by the thinnest of sea channels spanned by the famous 'Bridge over the Atlantic'. The island's main village, Ellenabeich, has featured in a number of TV and films including Para Handy and Ring of Bright Water and houses the Scottish Slate Islands' Heritage Centre.

Catch the tide through the Sound of Luing to head south to Jura, a long island with its recognisable hills “The Paps of Jura” dominating the seascape. The home to thousands of red deer and formerly home to George Orwell, this island has plenty to interest you.

A short voyage the next day to the southern island of Islay famous for its many malt whisky distilleries, seabird reserves and unspoilt beaches, we take time to enjoy the charms of this gentle island.

Weather dependent we can also call in at the Isle of Gigha, a community owned island with its own sustainable dairy farm, lush gardens and sandy beaches.

Ride the tide through the Sound of Islay to return to Jura and anchor in the skipper’s current favourite spot West Loch Tarbert. A night here is an experience to cherish, depending on time of year we are treated to stags roaring, otters fishing round the boat, seals calling or the many sea birds picking the charming coastline.

Heading north again to the Isle of Colonsay, stopping off perhaps for lunch on the white sands of Oronsay and anchoring in Kiloran Bay, a wide sandy beach with wind swept dunes and air that invigorates.

Pointing the bow farther north we return to the Oban area past the Garvellachs and Insh Island to anchor under Gylen Castle on the Isle of Kerrera.

Oban’s barrier island with around 30 inhabitants, Kerrera has a varied coastline featuring craggy coves, seal colonies, a delightful tea room and its own marina in the north.

A final night here allows time to be up ready in the morning to head over to Oban in good time to catch trains, busses or check in to accommodation.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Trip start Oban late afternoon: Sail to Isle of Seil

Day 2: Sail Seil to Isle of Jura

Day 3: Sail Jura to Isle of Islay: Visiting Isle of Gigha, en route

Day 4: Sail Islay to Jura.

Day 5: Sail Jura to Isle of Colonsay: Visit Isle of Oronsay, en route

Day 6: Sail Colonsay to Isle of Kerrera

Day 7: Sail Kerrera to Oban  - trip finish

What's included in the price

All on-board meals and snacks.
Accompanied by a qualified and experienced skipper/guide.
All bedding (sheets, duvets and pillows), towels
All safety equipment
All harbour and marina fees
Fuel
Gas
No hidden extras!

Trip Description

Whole boat charter and exclusive use for families up to six people including children.

“Families that play together, stay together” Dr. Sylvia Rimm PhD.

As a family run business and having raised three sons, our skipper understands the efforts that go into booking a successful holiday that everyone will benefit from and allow enjoyable family time together. Planning a holiday that allows everyone to be active in their own way and putting together an itinerary that suits different preferences while taking into account travel times and booking accommodation can be daunting, this is where Stravaigin can take the strain.

All journey times are calculated for you, in which location you stay each night aboard our comfortable yacht and where we head for each day’s activity is taken care of.  In depth knowledge of the area allows us to access a variety of locations from busy coastal towns and villages like “Balamory!” where you can head ashore to enjoy an ice cream or visit a local craft shop to unspoilt beaches and island communities where you can meet the locals and enjoy a warm welcome.  You can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey, using the time to enjoy your family rather than stressing out over the navigation and what is for dinner each night!

There is of course plenty opportunity to be involved in the nautical route planning, navigation and handling the boat for both parents and children alike if that is something you want. You can choose to do as much or as little as you wish.

Our onboard SUPS are a huge hit for children and adults alike being easy to use and provide a great way to set off independent from the boat and explore the anchorage to tiny islands and remote bays, allowing opportunity for those mini adventures.

Swimming off the boat is also a favourite with a warm deck shower to rinse off and warm up after the exuberance of splashing around in clear waters. Swimming eye level with the sea birds and if you are lucky an inquisitive seal, will make any child’s day and encourage a love of and interest in our wild things.

Stravaigin is ideally laid out to give private cabins for parents and children, roomy salon with table for games and activities plus TV that can link to laptops, sound system that plays out in cockpit if you want, along with ample deck space to chill out and use as a viewing platform for wildlife. The galley is well stocked for drinks and snacks and the meals provided, if using the catered option, aim to please everyone’s tastes.

As we have access to an extensive and unbeatable sailing area we can journey to a variety of islands and coastal spots so although we do not have a specific itinerary advertised please look at any of our other holidays and we can follow those if one inspires you or contact us to discuss a specific area you have in mind. We do not need to go far to be spoilt for superb locations.

These trips can be self-catered where you supply and cook your own food or fully catered.

For advice and guidance on suitable ages for family trips please get in touch.

What's included in the price

All on-board meals and snacks.
Accompanied by a qualified and experienced skipper/guide.
All bedding (sheets, duvets and pillows), towels
All safety equipment
All harbour and marina fees
Fuel
Gas
No hidden extras!

Trip Description

Whole boat charter and exclusive use for couples and/or groups of friends up to a max of six people.

" Be grateful for good friends, hot sun, and clear water." Unknown

We cannot promise the hot sun but..,

Planning a break that everyone will benefit from and allows enjoyable down time together, gives opportunity for each one to be active in their own way and putting together an itinerary that suits different preferences while taking into account travel times and booking accommodation is challenging. This is where Stravaigin can take the strain. And taking a break is what it is all about, a break from the usual routine, the stress of planning, organising and life’s challenges allows you to immerse in our fabulous marine environment and create experiences that strengthen relationships and memories that linger.

All journey times are calculated for you, in which location you stay each night aboard our comfortable yacht and where we head for each day is taken care of.  In depth knowledge of the area allows us to access a variety of locations from busy coastal towns and quiet island communities where you can meet the locals and enjoy a warm welcome at the pub, to unspoilt beaches and rugged coastlines.  You can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey, using the time to engage with each other and the natural environment.

There is of course plenty opportunity to be involved in the route planning, navigation and handling the boat if that is something you want. You can choose to do as much or as little as you wish.

Our onboard SUPS are a great advantage being easy to use and provide a great way to set off independent from the boat and explore the anchorage to tiny islands and remote bays, allowing opportunity for those mini adventures.

Swimming off the boat is also a favourite with a warm deck shower to rinse off and warm up after a dip in clear waters. Swimming eye level with the sea birds under lofty mountain peaks is an experience second to none.

Stravaigin is ideally laid out to give twin/shared cabins, two wet rooms with toilet, roomy salon with table for meals and games, plus TV that can link to laptops for entertainment, sound system that plays out in cockpit if you want along with ample deck space to chill out, enjoy the sun (hopefully) and use as a viewing platform for wildlife. The galley is well stocked for drinks and snacks and the meals provided, if using the catered option, aim to suit everyone’s tastes.

As we have access to an extensive and unbeatable sailing area we can journey to a variety of islands and coastal spots so although we do not have a specific itinerary advertised please look at any of our other holidays and we can follow those if one inspires you or contact us to discuss a specific area you have in mind. We do not need to go far to be spoilt for superb locations.

These trips can be self-catered where you supply and cook your own food or fully catered.

What's included in the price

All on-board meals and snacks.
Accompanied by a qualified and experienced skipper/guide.
All bedding (sheets, duvets and pillows), towels
All safety equipment
All harbour and marina fees
Fuel
Gas
No hidden extras!

Trip Description

Our skipper has guided many guests on land based whisky tours, given evening talks and conducted tastings so you could say he knows a thing or two about malt whisky, having grown up in Speyside and now living and working on the west coast of Scotland with fine distilleries all around. During this 6-night Island Malt Whisky Tour we will get the chance to visit and sample some fine classics. We have scheduled departure dates however this cruise can be reserved on any date on our availability calendar where we have marked for private charter so please get in touch to find out more.

We will depart from the town of Oban being famous for having its distillery right in the centre, in fact it is said the town grew up around the distillery. We go on to sail and anchor around the islands of Islay, Jura and Mull some have argued the best malt whisky region in Scotland, if not the world.

Distilleries we have and can visit are Oban. Tobermory, Ardnamurchan, the Islay classics of Lagavuilan, Ardbeg, Laphroiag, Caol-isla and Bunnahabhain. Also, one of the skippers current favourites Jura.

While this is a whisky cruise its not all about the “water of Life” we get the chance to sail some stunning locations, enjoy wonderful fresh local produce from hand dived scallops to fresh out of the water mussels and just landed langoustine. Not to mention the great locally sourced venison and lamb.

If Whisky is not your thing (yes, we recognise there are some people out there that have not yet found a whisky to their liking), we do stock and enjoy some of the fantastic new Scottish gins on offer from Oban, Islay, Jura, Harris and Barra. Or indeed from our long-standing family friends who have just started producing a wonderful, infused Rum from the Isle of Rum.

Imagine visiting the distillery in the morning setting sail to a remote anchorage and settling down with your chosen dram whilst watching one of our breath-taking sunsets, I do not think days could get much better, but you could say I’m a little biased.

What's included in the price

6 nights/ 7days on board
All on-board meals and snacks.
An evening Single Malt dram of your choice from our well stocked bar.
Accompanied by a qualified skipper and experienced whisky guide.
All harbour and marina fees
Fuel
Gas
No hidden extras!