Hebridean Wildlife Explorer: Mull, Iona, Lunga and Small Isles (2026)

Small Isles

The Small Isles are a group of four main islands located south of the Isle of Skye. They are known for their remoteness, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty. The waters surrounding these islands are rich with life and a great place to see Common Dolphin, Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise and seals.

Eigg

Eigg is famous for its dramatic cliffs, especially An Sgurr, the highest point on the island, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities for spotting eagles. The island is community-owned and known for its sustainable living initiatives. It’s a great place for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring its incredible geological features.

Rum

Rum is the largest of the Small Isles and is a National Nature Reserve. It’s rugged mountain landscapes, particularly the Rum Cuillin, is home to nesting Manx Sheerwaters, the ‘trolls’ of the island which let out eerie calls throughout the night. Kinloch Castle, a grand yet eccentric 19th-century mansion, is a highlight of the island.

Canna

Canna is known for its rich wildlife, including White-tailed Eagles, nesting seabirds including Puffins, and seal colonies. This tranquil island is a delight to walk around being home to many birds and wildflowers.

Muck

Muck is the smallest of the Small Isles and is known for its peaceful charm, beautiful beaches, and agricultural focus. It has populations of Grey Seals and the waters surrounding can be good for Basking Sharks.

Lunga

Part of the Treshnish Isles off the west coast of Mull, a small, uninhabited island; renowned for its dramatic cliffs, stunning landscapes and seasonal Puffin colony. Untouched by human development, except for the temporary floating landing pontoons created for the trip boats. We anchor off and run you ashore, it’s a bit of a rocky landing and traversing the rocks can be tricky. Lunga is steeped in a sense of ancient mystery, with remnants of past human activity, including traces of early settlements and farming practices hinting at its historical importance to seafarers and local inhabitants. Today, Lunga is home to thousands of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills that nest along its cliffs during the breeding season making it a prime destination for our guests who are birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Lunga is just one our many stops for wildlife in the region. Often, we offer two or three hours ashore before heading off to our next anchorage.

Please see our cruising areas to find out more about the islands we visit

Please note On our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the program we have offered. However, this is the West Coast of Scotland, and we, are governed by mother nature. So, on occasion, for your comfort and safety, we may need to, tweak, the original course that we are looking to follow. But wherever our tweaking takes us, our trip and destination anchorages will always be special.

Day 1: Oban; seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Isles.  Our departure point will be the pontoons just off Oban’s North Pier. We look to start boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at around 14:30, a short briefing introducing our new guests to life aboard ship, its safety procedures and getting you settled into your new home for the next 6 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage.  Loch Sunart; this impressive loch around 15 miles long and just stunningly beautiful, very protected and a great place to cruise in bad weather. The small secondary loch, Loch Na Droma Buidhe near the entrance to Loch Sunart is, more often than not, our first nights anchorage.

Day 2, 3 & 4:  Head for Small Isles. passing the fantastic Ardnamurchan lighthouse standing out at the head of the peninsula, the furthest westerly point of the UK mainland.  The skipper will use tide and weather to decide which routes to take and the most sheltered anchorage, but it is hoped all 4 of the Small Isles will be visited.  This will give plenty of time to properly explore these magical group of islands and opportunities to encounter varied wildlife.

Day 5 & 6: Over the next 2 days we will visit the west side of Mull and make a visit to the puffin rich Lunga island.  There will be ample time ashore and we would hope to encounter both eagle species, otters, deer, seals and some of the areas other raptors such as Hen Harriers and Merlins.  On day 6 we head for Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for final night of your adventure. Loch Spelve is found on the east coast of Mull, a short steam from Oban; very sheltered and a hot bed of Eagles, Red Deer and Otters. With spectacular mountain scenery, local walks and the possibility of Mussels from the local Mussel farm.

Day 7: After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30.  We will keep an eye out for otter as we exit Loch Spelve channel, always a good place for a sighting.