Photography Cruises

The Inner and Outer Hebrides of Western Scotland are famous for their rare wildlife, spectacular mountains, island scenery and remote sea lochs. Our Scottish Island cruises  are perfect for taking pictures with a knowledgeable skipper to guide you and dedicated chef to serve you delicious meals.

Guests who wish to improve their photography with a tutor can do so with St Hilda Sea Adventures aboard one of our small ships.  Passengers can learn to get the best from their equipment to capture the magnificent scenery and wildlife the area has to offer. They will be shooting amazing land and sea-scapes using both Short and Long Exposures, moving on to Long-Lens, fast Shutter-Speed work in order to capture the abundant, magnificiant wildlife such as white-tailed and golden eagles, dolphins, minke whales, seabirds, seals and otters.

The cruises with photography tutors are suitable for most levels of photographic ability but especially suited to novices wishing to expand their knowledge and experience in such dramatic surroundings. The cruise also provides seasoned photographers the chance to greatly enhance their portfolios.

You don't have to take advantage of the tutoring but if you would like to take part in the sessions please do let us know when you book your cruise.

Some of our regular photography tutors are: 


Gary Barber

During the cruise with Gary Barber you will discover how to get the best from your camera to capture the stunning scenery and amazing wildlife on offer in this glorious part of the British Isles. Gary will share his knowledge to help you create some fabulous memories of your holiday. From slow shutter-speed scenery compositions to ultra-fast shots of birds in flight. 

Since his teens Gary has been passionate about photography,  especially wildlife. Today he is a regular visitor and photographer of the nature reserves in Norfolk, Wales and the Lincolnshire coast. His favourite bird to photograph is the short-eared owl!


Jose-Ann Shackleton

After gaining a degree in photography, Jose-Ann has taught digital photography and Photoshop courses to students of all ages. 

A love of the Scottish Highlands and Islands has drawn her back each year to where land and water meet to capture the incredible light and stunning land and seascapes. As well as the vast, dramatic scenery, Jose-Ann loves to seek out the often-overlooked little details: the lichens on a rock; the patterns of water over sand; light reflections on the sea. 

With Jose-Ann you will get to know your camera better, learn essential skills, explore the creative use of exposure and composition and, wherever your interest in photography lies be it land/seascapes, wildlife, documentary or abstract, she will help you create spectacular imagery - and it will be a lot of fun.


Date Vessel Cruise Nights Spaces P/P Per Cruise
1st September 2024 Seahorse II Isle of Mull and Small Isles Explorer 6 nights 4 spaces £1,860 - £2,100 p/p Enquire
27th September 2025 Seahorse II Southern Hebridean Wild Isles: Islay, Jura, Luing and Shuna: Photography Tutor Onboard 6 nights 10 spaces £2,020 - £2,260 p/p Enquire