Enchanted Islands
Few places in the world compare to Outer Hebrides and their offshore islands. The lure of these Hebridean jewels has inspired many travellers, writers, artists and photographers over the centuries to travel to these remote outposts and savour their beauty, charm and remoteness. Our sailing voyages take you to the best the Hebrides has to offer and close to millions of sea birds and remote settlements. These tours run during the months of May to September.
Mingulay, Monachs, St Kilda, Taransay, Shiants
Day 1
Our enchanted islands sail begins in Leverburgh before heading South to Mingulay and its awesome sea cliffs and stacks rising to over 150m. Mingulay is an important breeding place for razorbills of which Mingulay holds the largest colony in Scotland and also puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots. Following a day ashore we set sail past Barra and onwards to Castlebay on the beautiful island of Barra.
Early evening sees us anchored in Castlebay and following a hearty evening meal and some wine we step ashore to sample the ambience and entertainment in the local bars of Castlebay.
Day 2
After a late breakfast we set sail from Castlebay and past Vatersay and out into the Atlantic towards the Monach Islands off the coast of North Uist. Our journey to the Monachs gives us stunning views of South Uist and its beaches as well as the highest hills of Hecla and Ben. Our first view of the Monach isles will be one of wonder as we see miles and miles of endless yellow, sandy beaches rising from the turquoise ocean.
The Monach isles are locally known by the endearing name of Heisgeir and consist of five low-lying islands surrounded by reefs and beautiful shell sand beaches that seem to shimmer in the sunlight. Since the Monach islands became a nature reserve in 1966 there has been great interest in its wildlife and grey seal population (the 2nd largest in the world) as well as one of the largest black guillemot populations in the UK.
Packed lunches will be provided as we step ashore on Ceann Ear. Here we can walk around the clustered village and explore the sandy beaches and dunes and take in the breathtaking scenery to the North and West. Early evening sees us head towards Shillay and the westernmost point of these islands before dropping anchor and going ashore to marvel at its lighthouse and black guillemots.
Day 3
Sailing out into the Atlantic Ocean following a hearty breakfast we head to Scotland's most remote island, St Kilda, and morning finds us anchored at this Dual World Heritage site, one of only 24 in the world. St Kilda holds Northern Europe's largest sea bird colony and a quarter of the world's population of northern gannets.
Arriving at St Kilda around lunchtime we drop anchor in Village Bay. With packed lunches in hand we set foot on this incredible island where the last of the St Kildans left on the 29th August 1930. This remarkable island guarded by awesome cliffs and sea stacks cannot fail to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Early evening we set sail around St Kilda and the stacks before heading back to Village Bay for our overnight anchor. Resting in Village Bay we will relax to the sounds of nature and enjoy a good evening meal and refreshments before lazily making our way to our bunks for another night aboard Elinca.
Day 4
An early departure takes us back into the Atlantic Ocean towards the Sound of Harris and Taransay. Lunch time will see us anchored in the Sound of Taransay and ready to go ashore. Taransay lies opposite the beautiful Isle of Harris and is one of the most stunning places to visit in the Hebrides. This island was made famous by Castaway 2000 and is a mixture of beach, machair, hill and cliff and one can become lost in the environment. To the north the highest hills of the Hebrides sweep to the sea as if trying to reach this mellow place.
Following lunch onboard we set foot on Taransay and with our local guide we will explore the history and landscape that makes this such a wonderful place to explore. With eroding settlements and a poignant history Taransay will leave you in awe at its wonders and setting. In late afternoon relax on the beautiful beach along its Eastern shores and paddle or swim in the emerald waters that make the sound of Taransay so memorable.
Late evening we once again board Elinca for a pleasant evening meal in the middle of paradise before watching the sun set across the Hebrides and out towards St Kilda.
Day 5
Another dawn at the Enchanted Isles sees us weigh anchor after 9:00 am as we set sail towards the Shiants. As we sail to the Shiants we pass small islands and along the coastline of Harris and past it's most eastern point Scalpay. As we draw closer to the Shiants we become aware of the sound of sea birds. The Shiants are home to more than 500,000 puffins and large guillemot and razorbills colonies during the summer. These islands are more than half a million years old in places and all who travel here marvel at the crinanite sills and large cliff faces.
Following lunch we find a suitable place to land at Eilean an Tighe and explore this beautiful place. There are great views across to Skye and the rest of the Hebrides and often from the high tops you can see passing whales and dolphins as well as basking sharks in the sheltered bays.
Early afternoon we head back to Stornoway and an evening's entertainment around Stornoway and our final night aboard before disembarking early morning and heading to the airport for your flights home.
Included in this tour
- All meals aboard Elinca
- All shore excursions
- Accommodation aboard Elinca
- All waterproof clothing and Lifejackets
- Packed lunches where required
- Snacks and teas and coffees
- Guided excursions ashore
Cost for whole boat charter £5900