Small ship wildlife safaris in Scotland
Sailing trips can take you inland, too, along the Caledonian Canal, for instance, which links the lochs of Dochfour, Ness, Oich and Lochy. Alternatively you can enter the calm waters of Loch Spelve on the beautiful Isle of Mull. The Inner and Outer Hebrides, on Scotland’s west coast, are alive with the songs of seals and squawk of seabirds, whilst, in contrast, sheltered overnight anchorages offer a safe haven accompanied only by the gentle lapping of the waves.
You can also stay on dry land and take a trip out to sea for a half or whole day. You’ll still get to see seals (hopefully) and seabirds (definitely), and who knows what else if the wind’s in the right direction. If you’re hoping to stack chances of sighting success firmly in your favour, however, a small ship safari for a week or more is definitely the best way to do just that.
Our Scotland wildlife Vacations
Orkney & Shetland self drive vacation, Scotland
Self-drive island-hopping through the Northern Isles
Wildlife vacation in the Isle of Mull, Scotland
Spot whales, otters and eagles on Isle of Mull, Scotland
Hebrides cruise, The Sounds of Mull, Luing, Shuna and Jura
Cruise the Sounds of the Hebrides: Mull, Luing, Jura, Shuna
Isle of Mull wildlife vacation in Scotland
Ultimate week of wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull
Isle of Mull and Small Isles explorer
An extraordinary voyage exploring Mull & the Small Isles.
The Cairngorms wildlife vacation in Scotland
A wildlife camping experience in Scotland without the hassle
Caledonian Canal cruise, Scotland
Cruise the Caledonian Canal in a wee ship
St Kilda, Outer Hebrides Cruise, Scotland
Cruise to St Kilda, Monachs, Outer Hebrides and Small Isles
Inner Hebrides Wildlife Cruise
A great introduction to the breath-taking Scottish Highlands
Whisky and wildlife sailing vacation in Scotland
Malt Whisky and Wildlife Cruise to Mull, Jura and Islay
Outer Hebrides and Shiant Isles cruise, Scotland
A magical cruise wandering through the Outer Hebrides
Scotland West Coast cruise, Skye and the Small Isles
Scottish Vacation to Skye and the Small Isles | Cruise
Mull circumnavigation cruise, Scotland
Staffa, Iona and Ross of Mull from our small cruise ships
Lewis and Harris Outer Hebrides cruise, Scotland
A cruise to the Outer Hebrides, the edge of the Atlantic.
Autumn Scotland cruise
Enjoy an idyllic Autumn adventure in our Captain's Cruise
South Argyll wildlife cruises in Scotland
Idyllic wildlife cruise to the West Coast of Scotland Isles
Isle of Mull and west coast of Scotland cruise
Cruise the idyllic coast around the Scottish Island of Mull
Wildlife sailing vacation in Scotland
Extraordinary wildlife above and below the waves
Scotland winter wildlife vacation
Unique night vision camping safari in the Cairngorms
Isle of Mull wildlife cruise in Scotland
Idyllic wildlife cruise exploring the Hebridean Isle of Mull
Wildlife tour of St Kilda and the Shiants, Scotland
Cruise the Outer Hebrides & St Kilda with a wildlife guide
Scotland whale and wildlife vacation
Marine & land wildlife tours in Scottish Highlands & Islands
Hebridean island hopping cruise in Scotland
Epic Scottish Island Hopping Cruise, through Western Isles
Scotland tour and cruise
A combined land and sea tour to the West coast of Scotland
Scotland family cruises vacations
Join a unique small ship cruise in Scotland
Size matters, though. This is not a massive ocean liner we’re talking about here. The only wildlife you’ll see on those floating monstrosities is at the late night cabaret. Speedboats are also not an option. They’re an environmental menace and an affront to ocean ambience
Liveaboard small ships can sail across the sounds and around the islands where wildlife is most likely to be found. You can also reach really remote and untouched crags and rocky shores which would be impossible to sail to from the mainland in a day. You’ll get to meet local people onboard, too. Skippers, chefs and crew members; conservationists, marine biologists, photographers and artists – enthusiastic, passionate animal lovers, one and all.
If you’re looking to find out more then read our small ship cruising vacations in Scotland guide or see if some of your sailing questions can be answered below. We can’t guarantee the weather or the wildlife, but you can be certain a sailing safari will set you on course for an absolutely unforgettable adventure.
Who goes on a small ship safari in Scotland?
People who want to experience the wildlife of Scotland’s Highlands and islands from an unobtrusive perspective. No crowds, no cars, no noise. The small ships that we advocate provide berths for eight to 12 passengers, sometimes in just six cabins.Can I come on a sailing safari on my own?
Solo sailors are welcome on board. You can share a twin cabin with another passenger of the same gender at no extra cost or, if you’re hell-bent on having your own space, you can always pay for the privilege of your own double cabin. The supplement’s usually around 50 percent of the total price. Of course, you might get lucky and wind up with your own double cabin at no extra cost. This happens when a sailing trip isn’t fully booked. You never know.Where will I go and what wildlife will I see?
Sandy white beaches, sprawling seal colonies and sea eagle nesting sites await – fingers crossed. However, this is Scotland; the weather is as untamed as the wildlife. The skipper calls the shots and is completely in charge of where you go and when you sail. Just go with the flow and don’t expect to see any animals whatsoever.
P.S. You will see lots of wildlife when sailing in Scotland, of course, just don’t get disappointed if a dolphin doesn’t leap over the boat on the first day.
Our top Scotland wildlife Vacation
Orkney & Shetland self drive vacation, Scotland
Self-drive island-hopping through the Northern Isles
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
What are the small ships like?
They’re small enough to get into all the little lochs and crannies that larger vessels simply can’t contemplate. This allows wildlife watching to take place in absolute peace and quiet both for the observers and animals. Some of the small ships that are used for sailing safaris were once working vessels that have been converted and restored to a very high standard of comfort. Former fishing boats, for example, or a rescue boat that was designed to withstand the waters of Norway. We also recommend a wildlife cruise on a wooden ‘ketch’ boat complete with a couple of masts and traditional rope rigging.You can choose from three different styles of ship as to which type of wildlife sailing vacation in Scotland you wish to undertake. Indoor saloon lounges and observation decks provide ample comfort and shelter from storms as well as an area for presentations from the onboard wildlife experts. You might even find sea kayaks and fishing gear on board. If not, you might want to bring your own – or perhaps a bike, SUP board, snorkel, mask and flippers? Ask the skipper first, of course, although there’s usually plenty of storage space on deck.
What are the cabins like?
Cabins really vary according to the boat, but there is usually a mix of doubles and twins, and the occasional single berth, some with en-suite bathrooms and others with shared facilities. Chat to the sailing safari operator in advance if you want to know more about a ship's full spec. They might also be able to tell you more about some of the other passengers and onboard experts.Who do these wildlife watching tours benefit?
Specialist wildlife cruises will often have a naturalist, conservationist or even a marine biologist on board. Not only will they aid and assist the skipper with their first-hand local knowledge of where to watch wildlife, but they’ll also ensure animals are observed in the right way without disturbing natural behaviours or habitat. It’s these factors that help to create a sustainable and responsible tourist industry that benefits local people, local wildlife and responsible travelers.
Advice for families
Kids are welcome onboard, but be honest with yourself when it comes to suitability. If you’re chartering a boat to yourself then nobody’s going to mind how irritating little Trevor or Tina are other than you, and maybe the skipper. Walking the plank is always an option. But if you’re joining other wildlife watchers as part of a small group then are you really sure that peace and patience is going to be observed, especially when approaching seals, otters and other slightly skittish and shy swimmers?Minimum age is from five to eight although, knowing my kids, I’d say closer to nine or ten would be more appropriate, especially if joining other passengers as part of a small group. Those children who are lucky enough to make the grade will absolutely love it. They can help out at meal times, and try their hand at fishing, and filleting, if they’re game.
Skippers and crew love having families on board. They get to share their knowledge, stories and jokes, as well as their knotting skills. Astronomy lessons are also a feature for families, with nights under starlit skies always best enjoyed with a mug of hot cocoa before bed and dreams about sea eagles, otters and seals – oh my!
Colette Dubois, co-founder at our Scottish cruise specialists St. Hilda Sea Adventures, says:
“I think Scotland small ship cruises are perfect for families because there is a lot to do on the boat. When we dock, we have a dinghy to go and visit little beaches, go fishing or see the seals. So the children can learn a lot. With children, we say a minimum age of seven, not because the boat is dangerous, but because they are so small, so they cannot use the equipment so easily, such as the toilet or the sinks.
“It is interesting to see family dynamics on the boat, and it is lovely to see young children on board, who are so fresh, enthusiastic and wanting to learn and anticipate. Teenagers can be less inclined to do things sometimes, although this is not always the case. On a couple of occasions, we had teenagers on board who were about to choose their university degrees, and after discussing things with Michael, the skipper, they changed their minds and did something else! They wrote to us later on to tell us, which was wonderful.”
Accessibility on board
Colette Dubois from St. Hilda Sea Adventures also says:“You need to be able to walk down the stairs to where we sleep. These are a cross between stairs and a ladder, with about eight steps. It has wooden handles, but still if you are very overweight, or quite fragile, we need to check that you can manage this. If people are worried when they inquire, I send them a picture, but we have never had anyone have a problem with it. We had a lady who was 87 and she came on board with a stick, and she had quite a problem with her back, but she left her stick upstairs, and she managed, and it was a great pleasure to have her on board.“