Wildlife and Whisky: Islay and Jura (2026)

Islay and Jura, two islands off the west coast of Scotland, are famous for their world-class whisky production and abundant wildlife. Both islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and iconic whisky distilleries, making them ideal destinations for guests who want to experience both wildlife and whisky.

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Cruise Dates

Nights

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14 Apr 2026 - 20 Apr 2026
6
10
£2100
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Summary

Islay

is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides and is world-renowned for its peaty, smoky single malt whisky. Along with its whisky heritage, Islay boasts incredible 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 wilder. The island’s name, meaning “deer island”, is fitting given the large population of Red Deer that roam it.

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.

Like Islay, 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.

Islay and Jura offer a perfect blend of world-class whisky and extraordinary wildlife. Whether you’re wandering through Islay’s famous distilleries and spotting rare birds or exploring Jura’s rugged landscapes and 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

Itinerary

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 5 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage. Crinan; is the Northwest entrance/exit to the famous Crinan Canal. Our anchorage in Loch Gilp is a beautiful spot surrounded by picturesque woodland views of the mainland and islands to the west.

Day 2: A brief shore visit 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: An unhurried morning to Port Ellen at the south of Islay and the capital of island whisky and a chance to explore the town and one or 2 more distilleries and whisky shops. Overnight Port Ellen

Day 4: After Breakfast we will head round and up the Sound of Islay, passing the stunning lighthouse with it’s white washed walls at MacArthurs Head as we enter the Sound. Time to look out for seabirds, diver species, seals on the shore and deer on the hill slopes on both Islay and Jura. We are making for the remote and uninhabited west side of Jura for the nights anchorage. If we are lucky, a superb place for catching a glorious sunset and a good chance of otter along the shore.

Day 5. A short crossing to the island of Colonsay and Oronsay and a few hours ashore to explore these bird rich islands and walk along it’s superb beaches. We will likely continue onwards to the Ross of Mull, and overnight in this area.

Day 6: In the morning we will cross to Iona for a morning excursion to the Abbey before heading along the Ross of Mull to Loch Buie. Always looking out for dolphins and minke whales and a high chance of white-tailed and golden eagle. There will be the option to be dropped off to take the c. 2 hour walk to Loch Spelve to connect with Hjalmar Bjorge for our final night. Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for the final night of your adventure. Loch Spelve is found on the east coast of Mull, 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 entrance, always a good place for a sighting.