Hebrides Cruises, which started operating in 2014, has launched its 2015 brochure with a choice of 8 cruise itineraries on the West Coast of Scotland, ranging from 4-night to 10-night trips. Evocative, remote island destinations such as the Treshnish Isles, Mingulay, the Shiants, the Monachs and St Kilda are all on offer.
The cruises access the best anchorages for wildlife and heritage with an expert Guide on board each cruise. Wildlife Guide Vivi Bolin is a biologist with a masters degree in conservation biology, expert in spotting and identifying whales and dolphins. Cetaceans, seals and basking sharks as well as sunfish sightings will be recorded using Logger, software used by scientists across the world. Vivi will record sightings, and guests will also have the unique opportunity to get involved if they wish. The data recorded during the cruises will be shared with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to feed into important scientific analysis.
Also onboard two cruises is Chris Gomersall one of the UK’s best-known wildlife photographers, who will help guests see rare wildlife and capture it on camera.
Owner Rob Barlow, has spent all his working life at sea and is Skipper on board. He has 15 years experience of running cruises and charters around some of the wildest areas of the West Coast of Scotland. Rob said, “Our sturdy vessel, Elizabeth G, a former Norwegian rescue boat is perfect for a speedy, comfortable and safe trip to the most remote and magical parts of the Hebrides and St Kilda.”
Meals on board are a highlight where the Chef provides a menu based on the famed local food specialities of Argyll and the Hebrides. Another popular feature of the cruises is the guided walks on shore; Rob and his crew are expert in every aspect of the natural environment and heritage of the area.
Rob’s daughter Emma, who handles sales and bookings, is delighted at the level of interest from the public in their cruises, “Over 55% of 2015 availability is already booked, which makes us confident that people are looking for the unique small-boat cruising adventure that we are offering. Our 2014 season was very successful, especially the amount of rare wildlife spotted on every cruise.”
The company is offering eight unique itineraries for 2015 to the Hebrides and St Kilda. Some cruises are selling out and bookings are now being taken for 2016:
- Magical Mull Wildlife Cruise 6-nights
- Skye and the Small Isles Explorer 6-nights
- St Kilda Expedition Cruise 6-nights
- Idyllic Islands: Hebridean Photography Cruise 8-nights (1 place remaining for 2015)
- St Kilda and Outer Hebrides Wildlife Adventure 10-nights (sold out for 2015)
- Far flung Islands: Mingulay to the Shiants Wildlife cruise 10-nights
- Sunsets and Sea Lochs 4-nights
- Lismore and Loch Etive 4-nights
Private Cruise Charter can be booked with limited availability for 2015, charter bookings for 2016 are now being taken.
SOURCE Hebrides Cruises