HEBRIDEAN CRUISE: THE SOUNDS OF MULL, LUING, SHUNA AND JURA

Travel along these world famous Sounds that separate some of the most famous islands of the Inner and listen to the myriad sounds of the sea. Whichever Sounds we discover, they have one glorious thing in common. They are all the Sounds of Silence. Sail by the spectacular islands of the Inner Hebridean isles: Mull, Luing, Shuna, Jura and Lismore. Anchor in tranquil, remote bays. See the incredible wildlife - soaring sea and golden eagles, basking sharks, orca and minke whales, porpoises, dolphins, seabirds and seals. On some of the Hebridean cruises we look at nature through the eyes of a marine biologist and even get out the plankton nets and ITINERARY microscopes. Do as little or as much as you want. Sit back and Days 1 - 7 The Sounds of Mull, Luing, Shuna and Jura enjoy the trip as you travel through the Sounds and sea lochs; view the spectacular mountains and fast running that Some of the places we may visit are: : Your departure point will be Oban (Dunstaffnage Marina), the gateway to the Hebridean isles. After a short make extraordinary spiral patterns and glassy runs in the sea; introduction to life on board our small ship we lift anchor and set sail to our marvel at the headland lighthouses and castles and all the first destination. Loch Spelve: Loch Spelve is on the south side of Mull. To enter we have to negotiate the narrow entrance. The anchorage in this wildlife and, if you want, become involved in working the ex-tall sheltered loch, which is surrounded by an ancient oak forest, gives us ship St Hilda or our wee ship Seahorse II. The sheltered waters unparalleled views of the mountains of Mull. There are resident otters along its are perfect for learning to sail against a spectacular backdrop of shoreline. Isle of Shuna: Sail along the Isle of Lismore and into the and then, with the in our favour, (a must as the currents can run at pristine coastline, mountains and forests. For extra fun, bring five knots in these parts) we enter the Sound of Luing. We shoot past the your kayak and windsurfer, swim from the boat or go ashore on famous Fladda lighthouse, the over falls and eddies of these fast running remote islands to explore. Also don't forget your walking boots waters make extraordinary spiral patterns and glassy runs in the sea. The waters calm as we pass the southern tip of Luing Island and enter Shuna for spectacular island walks with wonderful views of the Sounds. Sound. Our quiet anchorage off the North coast of the Isle of Shuna is a spot This cruise can be a five or six night itinerary depending on the where otters frequently play along the shoreline. On the way to the remote island of Shuna, and at anytime during the trip, we may see soaring sea or dates you choose to travel. golden eagles, basking sharks, whales, porpoises and dolphins, as well as many types of seabirds. Loch Sween: Tidal planning is very important as we will pass the notorious Gulf of Corryvreckan with its six knot tides which can be heard roaring 30 miles inland when there is a storm of wind against them. Then passing the northern headland of Jura, where George Orwell’s cottage can still be seen where he wrote 1984, to sail down the . The magnificent Munro mountains, the three “Paps of Jura”, can be seen rising

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com over Jura to dominate the southern end of the Sound of . Our destination is an anchorage in the upper reaches of beautiful Loch Sween - its seal population lining its banks to watch us as we pass by. We will pass the natural anchorage of Tayvallich, once a famous Viking harbor. Crinan Canal: We can anchor just outside the Crinan Canal which has truly magnificent scenery and is rich in history, with many world-class heritage sites. It is a designated wildlife reserve with miles of forest walks and cycle ways. Guests can choose to do a three hour walk from Tayvallich to the Crinan Canal. Isle of Luing: Guests can be dropped off at the little village of Toberonochy and do the lovely walk to the Atlantic Islands Centre. Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Hebrides. If you wish, we can make time to visit the local distillery or visit eagles (Mull is the best place in the UK to see eagles). Loch Aline: In the picturesque Loch Aline there are woodland walks and, at the head of the loch, is ancient Ardtornish estate and woodland gardens.

Please Note: Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch. If you wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such as fly fishing, sea eagle tours, whisky tasting, then please do let your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: SEAHORSE II

YOUR SHIP: Seahorse II wildlife. A bridge

VESSEL TYPE: Small Ship

LENGTH: 24.9 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY: 11

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

Seahorse II (82 feet long and a beamy 23 feet) was built to the highest standard for the Norwegian fjords and life in the high full of the best navigational aids, a high foredeck for wildlife northern latitudes. A 10mm Swedish steel hull, air conditioned spotting and a boat deck for lounging, she is the perfect vessel and heated throughout, and winter sailing for the British Royal for your life afloat. On the spacious aft deck (ideal for alfresco Navy for months at a time in the western approaches means dining when the boat is at anchor or under way) we have a that this wee cruise ship is more than enough for these summer powerful little crane for launching Seahorse's two dinghies, two adventures in the Gulf Stream warmed waters of the west coast sea kayaks and paddle board. Here there is also plenty of room of . Powerful enough to cruise the many spectacular for your windsurf and kitesurf gears, diving gear, sailing dinghies islands and lochs of the and , yet and anything else you need for a great Scottish sea adventure. small enough to anchor in remote and hauntingly beautiful Your Crew You will have a crew of three taking you on your places that the larger passenger ships are unable to visit. With a Scottish mini cruise. Your professional skipper is passionate maximum speed of 11 knots (from a 350 hp Volvo diesel) about boats, sailing, and the natural environment of the islands Seahorse II is a sturdy, go-anywhere, yet comfortable and sea lochs of the Hebrides and . He is more than adventurer. happy to share his knowledge of the area to those on board Accommodation Seahorse II takes a maximum of eleven guests. while ensuring his shipmates have as much fun as possible. You There are two NEW double (or twin) en-suites and two twins, will have your own on board chef who provides wonderful three single cabins, one with a 105 cm wide bed, all meals, locally-sourced and freshly prepared from the galley and temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and a bosun/crewmember who will be there to provide assistance towels are supplied including luxurious towelling dressing gowns whenever you will need it. for the cabins with no en-suite. There is a wonderful deck saloon where we dine and view the spectacular Hebridean

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

Double / Twin Cabin En-suite Single Cabin

Twin Cabin Semi En-suite

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com PRICING

03-Nov-2021 to 09-Nov-2021 Single Cabin 1680 GBP pp Twin Cabin Semi En-suite 1800 GBP pp Double / Twin Cabin En-suite 1920 GBP pp

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com