Example Wildlife Cruise Itinerary

Wildlife Explorer 5-night

This cruise explores some of the fabulous long, sheltered sea lochs in Argyll and the Kyles of Bute which is world renowned. There are so many delightful options that we do not restrict the trip to a rigid timetable, but can decide for each day what our preferences are. While on board, we always take the chance to gather and examine plankton.

Day 1: Holy Loch to Loch Riddon

After boarding at 3pm and a safety briefing we depart Holy Loch heading south west along the magnificent Firth of Clyde. At around 8pm we arrive at secluded Loch Riddon, a sea loch opening from the Kyles of Bute and surrounded by mountains, and anchor off a beautiful country house with its own wharf and "Admiral steps" and enjoy dinner in perfect peace and tranquillity. We passed through the tranquil coastal waters of the Kyles of Bute with natural harbours, sheltered beaches and tidal narrows, providing stunning scenery. Ardlamont Point often has Minke whale and basking shark reports and there are frequent pods of dolphins and harbour porpoises. Seals are a familiar sight including the more rare and misnamed "common" seal. At night phosphorescence can often be seen because of the high density of plankton. Under the water there are langoustine, crabs (swimmer, shore, hermit and large crabs that are good to eat) lobsters and scallops which are regularly caught by the local fishermen as well as fish to be caught. This area is on the edge of the line of total darkness and is one of the most southern places in Europe to experience the stars as you never have before, with no light pollution at our anchorages at night. 

Day 2: Loch Riddon

Wake up at anchor to the sound of water lapping on the hull. After a leisurely breakfast, watching the seals swim around the boat, we can fish for bait and set the lobster pot between two beautiful little islands or try our luck fishing for mackerel for dinner. We can also learn how to tie knots or just sit back (and photograph) and enjoy the wildlife - often as much as 24 bird species each day that are seen throughout the season.   For the energetic, there are walks ashore or we can take the dinghy to explore at the head of the loch for waders and ducks or visit a delightful Victorian harbour with its "folly" lighthouses and magnificent boathouses.

Day 3: Arran and Burnt Islands

We are up early and after picking up the lobster pot we head down the beautiful West Kyle and out over the Sound of Bute to Arran. Sail training can be included if wished. We lunch on the way and once out in the open sea we hoist the sails. We sail over towards Arran for an invigorating and often lively sail as we meet the full force of the ocean swell and winds around the steep sides of the remote east coast of Arran. Stay alert for leaping dolphins and cruising basking sharks. Gannets plunge into the sea from a great height and, if conditions are right, we quietly sail so close to Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Razorbills and three metre long "Lion" Jelly fish that we could almost touch them!  We return to a secluded and beautiful anchorage off the Burnt Islands at the head of the Kyles of Bute to enjoy a well deserved dinner.

Day 4: Burnt Islands

The Burnt Islands and the island of Eilean Dubh create the picturesque narrows of the Kyles of Bute. From this lovely anchorage we can go ashore to explore the remains of an Iron Age fort and, in the breeding season, we can get close to the bird sanctuary to see Greater and Lesser Black Backed Gulls nesting with Oystercatchers, Herring Gulls, Cormorants, Eider Ducks and many other species. From the dinghy we can view the Common Seal colony on the Islands. After lunch on board we can take the tender close to the shores of the Isle of Bute and if we are lucky watch the wild goats in close proximity. We can also climb from the dinghy to see the mysterious "Maids of Bute" painted stones with a poignant history. We have the option to go ashore to go rock pooling or for a walk along the East Kyle to see a charming early 19th century community church and try real ale at the Colintraive Arms, a traditional hostelry.

Day 5: Loch Goil

We have a lovely long cruise back up the Firth of Clyde, passing Holy Loch and then on up Loch Long to Loch Goil  - enjoying lunch en route. On reaching Loch Goil we pass ancient Carrick Castle, once a Viking fort and a resting place for Mary Queen of Scots. Our anchorage is off a delightful stream in a pretty bay, another excellent spot for swimming from the boat. Loch Goil is a popular place for seals, dolphins and porpoises and we should be lucky enough to spot some from the deck while enjoying dinner at anchor.

Day 6: Holy Loch and Disembarking

We have a final breakfast and a leisurely cruise back to Holy Loch for disembarking at around 11 am.

Flexible Booking 6 Night Tours

Depending on availability guests can add in an extra night by visiting Loch Striven after the Burnt Islands. The cruise will then take in Loch Goil. Please note a 6-night cruise is only available as part of the flexible booking in July and August and requires a minimum of 3 people booking.

Day 5: Loch Striven

We leave the Burnt Islands and head for the very remotest of Scottish sea lochs, Loch Striven which is a total escape.  On the way we can collect a plankton sample to examine later at anchor in the quiet waters of the loch. We anchor at the head of the loch to watch for wildlife and soak in the silence. We can go ashore by tender to climb the trail on the loch side, which takes us high enough for magnificent views of the loch and sea. The coastline is also a very pretty walk with lots of shells on the shoreline and perfect for rock pooling at low tide.

Day 6: Loch Goil

We have a lovely long cruise from the Burnt Islands anchorage, enjoying lunch en route, passing Holy Loch and on up Loch Long to Loch Goil. On reaching Loch Goil we pass ancient Carrick Castle, once a Viking fort and a resting place for Mary Queen of Scots. Our anchorage is off a delightful stream in a pretty bay; another excellent spot for swimming from the boat. Loch Goil is a popular place for seals, dolphins and porpoises and we should be lucky enough to spot some from the deck. There is the option for an evening stroll along the shore walk in an area where red squirrels are regularly seen.

Day 7 Holy Loch and disembarking

The next day after a final breakfast at anchor we enjoy a leisurely cruise back to Holy Loch for disembarking at around 11 am.

Alternative Places to Visit on 6 Night Cruises

Depending on the weather (and availability) guests can choose an alternative itinerary on Days 3 and 4, exploring Loch Fyne and visiting Inveraray. The cruise will then take in Loch Goil.

Day 3: Loch Fyne

If the weather suits on day three we can head off to Loch Fyne to explore the longest sea loch in Scotland. This area is a hotspot for marine life and although it can never be guaranteed we are often fortunate enough to spot dolphins and porpoises and even the very occasional whale and basking shark as we travel up the loch. From May to July there are often rafts of puffins on the surface of the loch and many other bird species. We have lunch on the way and passing through the narrows head for our next anchorage off Loch Fyne's west shore at Minard. We can take the dinghy ashore to enjoy a walk along the coast and visit the ancient Standing Stones before dinner.

Day 4: Inveraray

We travel further up Loch Fyne to the small town of Inveraray where we anchor off for the day and visit magnificent Inveraray Castle, a shrine to the Campbell clan and home to the 8th Duke of Argyll. We can also take in the castle gardens and walk through the grounds for a fantastic view of Loch Fyne. We return to Minard to our night time anchorage and dinner.