St Kilda & the Hebrides - Islands on the Edge of the Atlantic

Tour Code: GBR48

A 9-day wildlife cruise around the isolated islands and seabird colonies of north-west Scotland, including the rare opportunity to visit the remote outpost of St Kilda.

9 days from
£3,095

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Highlights

Summary

This exciting cruise will take you from Oban on the west coast of Scotland out amongst the Inner and Outer Hebrides as far as St Kilda, the most famous of Scotland’s remote islands. Our exact itinerary will be kept flexible, but we aim to chart a course that will encompass Mull, Canna, the Monach Islands and Mingulay as well as St Kilda. Along the coastline of Mull we’ll be looking out for Otter and White-tailed Eagle and on the Treshnish Islands we’ll enjoy the large numbers of breeding Puffins and other seabirds, all the while being watched by curious Grey Seals. As we sail around Rum and Canna we’ll keep a close eye on the water for cetaceans — this is a very good area for Minke Whale sightings, and we may be lucky enough to see Risso’s or White-beaked Dolphin or even Orca at this time of year. One of the highlights of our cruise will be reaching the remote islands of the St Kilda group, which lie 64 kilometres off North Uist! We’ll land if weather permits, and enjoy the breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of thousands of seabirds before making our way back via the Monach Islands and Mingulay to Oban where our cruise ends.

Visit the remote islands of St Kilda
Join the vessel exclusively chartered for Naturetrek
Spectacular scenery of the Scottish Islands
Huge seabird colonies full of Gannets, Puffins, Razorbills & Common Guillemots
White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Storm & Leach's Petrels also likely
Look for Otter, Minke Whale, White-beaked Dolphin & Grey Seal
Migrating Long-tailed & Pomarine Skuas
Led by expert Naturetrek naturalist

Grading

Day walks only. Easy and optional although the terrain can be steep and rough at times.

In a world in which long-haul travel is so easy, and the opportunities to enjoy far flung wildlife ever increasing, it is all too easy to forget the wildlife treasures to be found within our own back yard. Scotland, for example, is blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery and seabird colonies in the North Atlantic. Hundreds of thousands of Common Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars crowd towering sea cliffs alongside some of the world’s largest gatherings of Gannets and Puffins. Whilst a small number of these colonies are accessible from the mainland, the very best are crowded onto small rocky islets and outposts far from land, and only visited by the fortunate few.

Our exclusive wildlife cruise provides the chance to visit the most famous of Scotland’s remote islands, St Kilda, aboard the 10-berth ‘Hjalmar Bjorge'. This small and comfortable vessel was built to the highest standards for the Norwegian fjords and for life in the high northern latitudes, and is the ideal floating hotel for our journey to the islands on the ‘edge of the Atlantic’. She has ample power to comfortably cruise the many spectacular islands and lochs of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, yet is small enough to anchor in the remote and beautiful places that the larger passenger ships are unable to visit.

This 9-day voyage will take you from Oban on the west coast of Scotland out amongst the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and then, weather permitting, on to St Kilda itself. Here we hope to enjoy the cacophony of seabirds, plus huge White-tailed Eagles soaring overhead, and a variety of exciting mammals including Otter, Grey Seal, Minke Whale and perhaps Orca — all this from the comfort of our centrally heated ship and backed by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the British Isles.

Our holiday begins in the small town of Oban, beautifully positioned overlooking the Firth of Lorn. Here we will meet our fellow wildlife enthusiasts and will board the ‘Hjalmar Bjorge’, our base for the next eight nights. Our exact itinerary will be kept flexible to take account of the weather conditions and the advice of our captain and crew. Heading west from Oban we first enter the Sound Of Mull and then explore the coastline of Mull itself, looking for Otters and White-tailed Eagles, before finding a quiet anchorage for the night. The following morning we will most likely visit the Treshnish Islands off Mull’s west coast, home to our first seabird colony of the cruise with over 2,000 pairs of Puffins, plus Common Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags, whilst beneath it Grey Seals lounge in the clear waters. The seas around Mull are very rich and, as throughout this cruise, we will need to keep a careful eye open for such cetaceans as Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise, Risso’s Dolphin and White-beaked Dolphin.

Moving on, we head north, past the island of Coll, looking out for Basking Sharks which are known to frequent these waters in the summer months. We will sail towards towards Canna where we will anchor for the evening. En route we will be looking out for the cetaceans mentioned above and seabirds including Manx Shearwater, Black Guillemot, Fulmar and both Arctic and Great Skuas.

Next, we continue on our north-westerly track, sailing up The Minch (the sea between the Inner and Outer Hebrides), heading for Leverburgh (Harris). Enroute, we must keep our eyes open for cetaceans and pelagic birds, including both Longtailed and Pomarine Skuas which will be heading north in May and early June.

Weather permitting, the following day we will continue towards the highlight of our cruise, St Kilda. This remote archipelago lies 64 kilometres north-west of North Uist and is made up of four main islands: Hirta (the largest, which boasts the highest sea cliffs in Britain), Dùn, Soay and Boreray. Today St Kilda is uninhabited, with the exception of a few military personnel and scientists, the last permanent inhabitants having left in 1930. These isolated outposts are, however, home to over half a million breeding seabirds! These include 60,000 pairs of Gannets (the second largest colony in the world), 150,000 pairs of Puffins (25% of the British population) and 90% of the UK’s breeding population of Leach’s Petrel — some 45,000 pairs! On a smaller scale St Kilda is also home to a unique subspecies of Wren.

After a 2-night stay at St Kilda we will begin our journey back to Oban, stopping en route — if conditions allow — at Mingulay and Loch Spelve. Our return crossing will give us another opportunity to look for cetaceans and pelagic birds, including migrating flocks of Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas. Finally back in Oban, we must disembark the ‘Hjalmar Bjorge’ and, with the memories of dramatic sea cliffs and raucous seabird colonies still fresh in our minds, begin our own journeys home.

NB - travel out to St Kilda is dependent on the weather conditions in the Atlantic being suitable, and a final decision on this will be made by the captain.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Embark Oban

Day 2

Lunga & The Small Isles (Canna)

Day 3

North Uist or Harris

Day 4/5

St. Kilda

Day 6

Mingulay or Vatersay

Day 7

The Small Isles (Rùm)

Day 8

Mull

Day 9

Disembark Oban

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Accommodation:
For 2024 cruises, we will be chartering the Hjalmar Bjorge, which will takes a maximum of 10 guests plus a Naturetrek leader. The vessel offers five twin bunked cabins, plus one twin berth bow cabin, all with shared facilities. All cabins have comfortable mattresses, essential for a good night’s sleep, are temperature controlled and have their own sink. There are also two shower rooms with flushing toilets and an additional toilet nearby. Please see the 2024 itinerary for further details about the vessel.
Food:
All included in the price with the exception of meals in Oban.

Reviews

There is so much to highlight from the amazing landscapes, wildlife, and general experience of the tour. Two memories are the visit to St Kilda and actually standing on the island that has so much history and seeing the puffins so close on Lunga. Oliver was an exceptional tour leader. He ensured everyone was able to participate in the tour at their pace and ability. His knowledge of wildlife is amazing, birds, plants, insects, butterflies, sea life… His personable approach and sense of humour bought the group together. He shared his knowledge and his passion for wildlife and nature was infectious and inspiring. The food was exceptional, the boat was comfortable, the crew were exceptional. I would highly recommend this tour.
A.H, Essex, Jun 24
I think this is the best group holiday (with people we didn't know beforehand) we have ever been on. I enjoyed the mix of scenery, wildlife (including flowers) and culture associated with abandoned villages and the remote rural life of the islands. The itinerary was flexible, and full use was made of this to accommodate the wishes of the party. Getting to St Kilda was important to me - it is the headline in the title of the trip, and would have been an anti-climax to return having failed to visit the islands. I also very much enjoyed visiting some of the smaller uninhabited islands which it would have been less easy to do on our own. I enjoyed watching the gannets and fulmars from the boat, swimming off white sandy beaches, wonderful scenery especially the evening light and sunsets, the laughter among the group, dolphins swimming on the bow wave, the food, and to round it all off an otter by the boat on the last morning before motoring back to Oban in perfect weather.
J.G. Hertfordshire, Jun 24
The most satisfying endeavour was reaching to St Kilda (all the more satisfying as we were the first boat in for 9 days - due to the poor weather). The most magical moment was watching dolphins riding the bow-wave, with sunlight reflecting off the water. The most enjoyable time was sitting amongst the puffins in warm afternoon sunshine on Mingulay, and being able to sketch them at close quarters.
D.G. Hertfordshire, Jun 24

There were many highlights; the views of the otter on the last day, being up close and personal with the puffins on Vatersay, seeing 11 white eagles in a day, the sea stacks around St Kilda, the atmospheric walk on St Kilda. The itinerary was in general keeping with the Tour described but adapted for the sea conditions. Our leader, Sara was extremely motivated, knowledgeable and friendly. Captain David, was outstanding, able to judge the seas and the capability of the boat enabling the Hjalmar Bjorge to be the first boat to land at St Kilda for nine days. Great sense of humour. Chef Steve did an amazing job preparing the meals in a very small galley whatever the sea state. Boson Colin provided a great service, sense of humour and he was very helpful operating the rib and getting people in/off safely.
A.R. Cambridgeshire, Jun 24

We achieved our aim of getting to St Kilda (very weather dependent) and of viewing all of the wildlife there and en route - seabirds and cetaceans. We travelled in excellent company and were extraordinarily well treated by the skipper, chef and extra help - Jess. The meals were exemplary, the skipper, Tony Morrison, was keen to show us the workings of the vessel when safe to do so and Jess ably assisted with launch work, sightings and all preparations from the meal service to the anchoring of the vessel and boat handling. The skipper made sure that the vessel was in good, quiet anchorages each night readily able to make the following day's planned itinerary. David Spivack had a broad range of knowledge and interest in natural history. His ornithological knowledge was outstanding. He showed great empathy with fellow travellers and was always patient and helpful. He was attentive to all abilities and made great effort to share his time, knowledge and observations so as to ensure that no party was ever able to feel left out. The highlight was the calm return passage from St Kilda through the Sound of Harris where we were able to view several Minke Whales and other cetaceans, the gannet colonies of Stac Armain and Boreray and eagles at close quarters. A stop at Lunga was also unhurried and made in calm conditions where sea bird life could be viewed at very close quarters.
R.M. Dorset, May 24

It was an eye opening trip and we loved it. Getting to St Kilda was a hoped for but not expected highlight. David was a super guide - always out on deck and ready to rush to gather everyone whenever there was something interesting to see.
J.B. Suffolk, May 24

A fabulous cruise of the Hebrides. The crew were exceptional. Their attention to our comfort was beyond expectation and their enthusiasm and humour added to our experience. Our guide Rob was extremely knowledgeable and never missed an opportunity to allow us to view the magnificent nature we were immersed in. He also had a wonderful sense of humour and was fun to be with. Our sightings were incredible, numerous sea birds, dolphins, sea eagles and a humpback whale not to forget the fantastic botany.
S.R. North Yorkshire

In May my husband and I joined Naturetrek's tour on the Sea Horse 2 together with 8 other guests, 3 crew and our naturalist leader. The crew, captain, bosun and chef could not do enough to make us comfortable. Each evening the Captain explained our forthcoming sea routes, weather patterns and islands to be passed and visited and hoped for wildlife sightings. He also sought out the calmest anchorages for mooring up at night. The bosun was a multi talented seaman and keen naturalist, one minute launching the zodiac for an island visit and another attending to the housekeeping of the cabins so that everywhere was spick and span. Also he was wonderfully kind to those who felt queasy on the occasion when the sea was "lumpy" and helping those who were less agile in and out of the landing craft. Our chef was amazing and produced the most delicious and varied meals out of a tiny galley. The food was outstanding. Our Naturalist was tireless in his bird spotting from the deck in all weathers and very encouraging in helping everyone to identify the many sea birds. More details of wildlife spotted was discussed over with him over coffee. All had a fun sense of humour. The island visits and walks were varied and beautiful with carpets of spring flowers and many other birds to identify, eg Cuckoo, Wren. Highlights were the huge rafts of auks on the water and clouds of Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills circling in the sunshine above us on the Shiants together with White Tailed Eagles soaring over the nearby cliffs. Great Northern Diver and Gannets also sighted later on Staffin Bay, Skye. The Puffins on the island of Lunga towards the end of the cruise were a delight as they took nesting materials to their burrows and interacted with each and seemed unworried by our respectful presence. Nesting Shags sat on their nests by the path and only rattled a warning if one was too near. The wonderful tightly packed Guillemot and Razorbill colony on the sea cliff was an incredible sight. These were only two of the highlights on a truly wonderful cruise which I would happily repeat. The detailed information about the holiday, the requirements and likely deviations in the holiday itinerary were very helpful. Staff were very helpful on the telephone in answering any questions. The outline of one of the previous years cruises was helpful and the conditions that would be necessary to sail to St Kilda. The cruise round the "The Islands at the Edge of the Atlantic" proved to be a wonderful experience.
L.M. Surrey, May 23

This small boat cruise 10 guests, 3 crew plus Naturetrek guide Tim Melling - was great. Visited lots of islands including St Kilda, good food, very knowledgeable and engaging guide, learnt a lot as well as enjoying myself. This was my first trip with Naturetrek and will definitely not be my last. Well organised, good info, no complaints.
V.A. Kent, July 22

Nine day trip aboard a small, but comfortable boat around the Hebrides. Unfortunately, did not make it to St Kilda, as too windy, but this was soon forgotten upon seeing a pod of Orca and all the wonderful islands we visited. The crew looked after us so well, keeping us comfortable and safe. Our Tour Leader was amazing - she really made the Trip with her knowledge and flexibility, really making it relaxing and fun. Our other travellers really added to the experience too and their was a real feeling of comradeship. Just WOW scenery and wildlife, so much so, we’ve booked again to go next year. Naturetrek ensure you get the best wildlife experiences, while ensuring the wildlife’s welfare is not compromised. Staff in the office are always very friendly and helpful and pre-tour formation is always helpful and applicable. All the Tour Leaders we have travelled with have all been incredibly enthusiastic, patient and generous with their incredible knowledge and experience.
C.S. Herefordshire, May 22

Sara's infectious enthusiasm never flagged, her talks were good, her knowledge outstanding. Would love to travel with her again. There was obviously plenty of experience in the crew and leader to make this a very memorable short trip. They were all 4 good with people, doing their jobs effectively and quietly. The highlight for me was the walk on Hirta, well guided by Skipper Rob. On the other hand there were the two basking sharks coming to inspect us… Our overnight anchorages were delightful.
J.S. Devon

I thought that the crew on the boat were excellent. In particular, Stevie the chef did a great job. Our guide, Sara Frost was tireless and worked hard to ensure that everyone was catered for; her knowledge of cetaceans and finding them was exceptional. The trip met my expectations and we were especially fortunate to have very good weather.
C.V. Italy

I had been wanting to get to St Kilda for a very long time - so this holiday fitted the bill. What I wasn't expecting was it to be so good in so many ways. The food was outstanding - as a veggie I have, on other holidays, often felt my food was poor by comparison to the carnivores - not here - Steve is an excellent cook. The crew were so helpful and the weather and wildlife performed brilliantly. Sara was tireless in her quest to give us the best experience possible, and on the lookout for wildlife all the time- and her talks were informative. As a person with limited knowledge of birds and with only a small camera I was not made to feel intimidated as can sometimes happen. For me the main event was getting to St Kilda - so I was well satisfied! It was quite simply the best holiday I have been on.
A.T. Cumbria

The highlight was getting to St Kilda. We were blessed with the amazing weather. The group all got on and the crew were super. Sara was wonderful. To keep her enthusiasm going in a small boat for a week was something special. Her knowledge was excellent and her spotting skills awesome. She made the trip.
J.W. Cambridgeshire

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 17th May – Sun 25th May 6 £3,095

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,095

Room sharing options:

If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.

Male sharing available

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£2,395

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Sara Frost

Tour Leader: Sara Frost

Sara works full time in Naturetrek's busy office as the Website and Marketing Manager. However, by training, she is a Zoologist, graduating from Newcastle University where she was also the president of the university's Zoological Society. Prior to working at Naturetrek she lived and worked in British Columbia, Canada, as a wildlife rehabilitator caring for Black Bears, Coyotes, River Otters and Raccoons on a daily basis. When she wasn't providing medical care to injured wildlife she could be found hiking in the mountains, photographing wildlife, howling with wolves and avoiding bears (usually successfully). On her return to the UK she moved to the Scottish Hebrides, where she spent three years working at sea as a wildlife guide, finding Minke Whales, Otters, dolphins and eagles for her guests on a daily basis! She also spent her summers as the Senior Wildlife Officer on a ship in the North Sea, collecting sightings data on whales and dolphins, and delivering marine biology lectures to guests.

Always keen to be involved with media, Sara has presented on both live radio and TV, has had her writing and photos published in multiple wildlife and travel magazines and has worked as a guide for Ray Mears and TV film crews for several natural history documentaries. A keen cetacean spotter, Sara specialises in leading Naturetrek's cruises in the Hebrides, Indonesia, the Maldives, Baja California and Arctic, as well as our holidays in the Azores.

Sat 7th Jun – Sun 15th Jun 4 £3,095

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,095

Room sharing options:

If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.

Male sharing available, Female sharing available

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£2,395

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

David Spivack

Tour Leader: David Spivack

Born in north London, David has been involved professionally in the conservation sector since 1990, whilst during the 80's he actively volunteered locally with the RSPB, the local Wildlife Trust and BTCV in the Lea Valley & Epping Forest areas.

Over the past 30 years, David's professional conservation career has included working for the RSPB in the North of England and at the RSPB HQ at the Lodge, the RSPB in the East of England along with The Wildlife Trusts UK Office and as the UK Director for Falklands Conservation, the Birdlife International partner based in the islands. During this time the roles David has undertaken has ranged from working with young people, volunteers, generating income & profile to support conservation, reserve management and working with UK & International partners and agencies to support conservation work in the Falkland Islands.

Now living in the North Yorkshire Wolds and close to Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head, David currently works for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - May 2023

Tour report - August 2022

Tour report - July 2022

Tour report - May 2022

Tour report - August 2021

Tour report - June 2021

Tour report - May 2018

Tour report - May 2017

Tour report - June 2016

Tour report - May 2016

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!