Top 5 Lewis & Harris Cruises: Tours & Sailing Adventures Explored

Lewis and Harris, that singular Scottish island in the Outer Hebrides, it’s almost like they offer that perfect blend of raw wilderness and cultural richness, beckoning travelers to experience its breathtaking landscapes from a different perspective, particularly aboard a cruise or sailing tour, I’d say. So, if you are considering voyaging around these stunning isles, keep reading as I rundown five superb cruise and sail choices you have. These maritime adventures can provide unusual views and memories, believe it!

1. Hebridean Island Cruises: The “Hebridean Princess” Experience

The “Hebridean Princess”, it’s very likely that one of Hebridean Island Cruises’ prized possessions, is a small cruise ship with a reputation for offering super intimate and well-crafted itineraries around the Scottish Isles. With a capacity usually around 50 guests, the experience onboard tends to be akin to a private yacht, with, like, high service levels and attention to detail. It really does sound amazing, am I right? Routes round Lewis and Harris normally concentrate on that outstanding coastline, providing the possibility to see remote communities, historic sites, and that really fantastic wildlife. You might find opportunities to go ashore at places such as Stornoway, that main town on Lewis, or visit the standing stones at Callanish, which can be simply breathtaking against the setting sun. Keep an eye out, and you may see seals basking on rocky outcrops, or even maybe a pod of dolphins, wouldn’t that be so fun to watch?

2. St Kilda and Outer Hebrides Cruises with National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic Expeditions, too, provide trips to St Kilda, and the Outer Hebrides can be so amazing. Even better, those tours often encompass Lewis and Harris in their routes, granting a more educational experience combined with those expedition-style sailings. So, in some respects, expect onboard experts – marine biologists, naturalists, and historians – providing talks and guiding those shore excursions, very informative too it’s almost unbelievable! A spotlight here, is that isolated archipelago of St Kilda, is that World Heritage Site celebrated for its impressive seabird colonies and unique cultural past. You could discover local culture, too, on Lewis and Harris. Visits to places like the Harris Tweed shops or neighborhood museums might be incorporated, which, clearly, offers perception into those islanders’ lifestyles.

3. North Sea Sailing: Private Yacht Charters in the Hebrides

For those seeking a highly customizable and, like, intimate sailing adventure, North Sea Sailing proposes private yacht charters round the Hebrides that are very attractive. Which I would say is superb if you’d prefer an itinerary and the company all to your preference. You could charter a yacht with a skipper, permitting for an effortless experience where they tackle the practicalities of sailing, or a bareboat charter, if you are a competent sailor. These adventures can grant you access to secluded bays, lochs, plus small isles near Lewis and Harris, typically unreachable by bigger cruise ships. Appreciate sailing into that scenic Loch Seaforth, or anchoring off a remote beach on Harris where you can bask in those tranquility and attractiveness.

4. Go Sea Kayaking: Sea Kayak Tours around Harris

Ok, so Go Sea Kayaking might offer another viewpoint by offering sea kayak excursions round Harris. That are really designed for small groups, these tours give opportunities for experiencing the coastline really up close, plus exploring hidden coves and bays. Now, this is one you’d get the opportunity to come face-to-face with marine wildlife, too, with chances to watch seals, otters, plus several seabirds in their habitat. Tours usually vary in length, anywhere from a few hours to complete multi-day expeditions, that should be based on skill level plus desire. Guides are well-informed about the region’s ecology and geography. Safety gear plus directions are normally provided, so those with, say, little to no kayaking experience are taken care of well!

5. Wilderness Scotland: Small Group Cruises and Wildlife Tours

Wilderness Scotland, very, very well-known for their dedication to ethical travel and natural world preservation, too, arrange small group cruises which incorporate wildlife watching plus walking excursions, especially made to appreciate that raw magnificence of destinations, such as Lewis plus Harris. So, in some respects, anticipate that on their cruises that there might be expert local guides providing insight into the islands’ natural past, geology, plus cultural history. They usually focus upon wildlife spotting, giving opportunities to spot white-tailed eagles, red deer, and a lot of seabirds. That makes them ideal if one is seeking something education and engaging. They could be perfect for natural world lovers because of their itineraries that blend sailing with ashore expeditions, really! So, if you were considering seeing these islands then Wilderness Scotland might have the trip for you.