Wildlife and Whisky: Islay and Jura (2026)

Islay

The southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, globally renowned for its peaty, smoky single malt whisky. In addition to its whisky heritage, Islay is notable for its remarkable wildlife

Whisky on Islay

Islay is home to nine active distilleries, including:

• Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and Ardbeg: These three famous distilleries, located on Islay’s south coast, are known for their intensely peaty whiskies.
• Bowmore: The oldest licensed distillery on Islay, located in the island’s main town, is known for its balanced and complex whisky.
• Bruichladdich: Known for its innovative, unpeated whisky and experimentation with barley varieties and terroir.
• Kilchoman: A farm distillery that grows its own barley, producing small-batch whisky.

The island has an impressive selection of whisky, but also wildlife. Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers, Peregrine Falcons, Seals, Otters and in the surrounding waters dolphins and whales. A perfect destination for enjoying the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Hebrides.

Jura

Just northeast of Islay, Jura is far less populated and much, much wilder. The island’s name, meaning “Deer Island”, is fitting given the large population of Red Deer that roam here.  It is a wild and rugged island dominated by three tall peaks called the ‘Paps of Jura’.  it’s an amazing place for Seals, Otters, Eagles and many other birds of prey.

Whisky on Jura

• Jura Distillery: The island of Jura has only one distillery, located in the small village of Craighouse. The Jura Distillery produces a range of whisky, from light, fruity styles to richer, sherried expressions. The distillery is known for its close ties to the community, with its whisky often reflecting the rugged and untamed nature of the island. Jura Distillery offers intimate tours and tastings, giving visitors a glimpse into the whisky-making process on this remote island.

Islay and Jura offer a perfect blend of world-class whisky and extraordinary wildlife. Whether you’re wandering through Islay’s famous distilleries, spotting rare birds or exploring Jura’s rugged landscapes, encountering Red Deer, the combination of whisky and wildlife makes these islands unforgettable destinations.

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, regarded as the seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Western Isles, will be our starting point. We will begin boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at 14:30 at the pontoons near Oban’s North Pier. A short briefing will follow to acquaint our guests with life aboard the ship, its safety procedures, and get you settled into your accommodation. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage at Crinan. Here is the Northwest entrance/exit to the famous Crinan Canal. Our anchorage in Loch Gilp is a beautiful spot surrounded by mainland picturesque woodland views and islands to the west.

Day 2:  A brief shore excursion to explore the canal, then onwards to Craighouse on Jura and a chance to go ashore and visit the Jura distillery.  We will overnight here in the bay for a relaxed evening. .

Day 3: Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise to Port Ellen, the whisky capital of Islay. Explore the town and visit some distilleries and whisky shops. Overnight in Port Ellen.

Day 4: After breakfast, we’ll head up the Sound of Islay, passing MacArthurs Head lighthouse. Look out for seabirds, divers, seals, and deer on Islay and Jura. We’ll anchor on the remote west side of Jura, a great spot for sunsets and possibly spotting otters along the shore.

Day 5.  A short crossing to the island of Colonsay and Oronsay and plenty time ashore to explore these bird rich islands and walk along it’s superb beaches. Overnight here is weather dependant.

Day 6:  A full morning between Oronsay and Colonsay before we cross to the Ross of Mull.  Always looking out for dolphins and Minke whales and a high chance of White-Tailed and Golden Eagles.  There may be the option to be dropped off to take the two hour walk to Loch Spelve to connect with Hjalmar Bjorge.  Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for the final night of your adventure. This Loch is on the east coast of Mull, only an hours 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.