Various dates available
Tall Ship: Discover the Hebrides
From £815 per person
Deposit 25%. Trip balance due 12 weeks before departure.
Traditional tall ship Florette is coming to the West coast of Scotland! Enjoy hands-on sailing while island hopping around the remote wilderness of the Hebrides
7 Nights: Various dates available in July 2024
Price: From £815 Per Person
Join the magnificent tall ship Florette in the Scottish harbour of Oban, located on the West Coast of Scotland. Oban is a great starting location for your Hebridean sailing adventure as you make the most of the wind and sail to discover the islands and miles of coastline that make up these remote islands.
This voyage is perfect for adventurers, couples and solo travellers looking for a hands-on tall ship sailing experience. Explore sheltered anchorages and if we are blessed with dark skies, the stargazing from the deck is breathtaking. With little pollution, sailing in the Hebrides has some of the best opportunities for star gazing in the country.
YOUR SAILING AREA
THE HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND
Sailing in the Hebrides boasts some of the most scenic and atmospheric landscapes for sailing in the UK and you’ll quickly see why our guests return here year on year.
From panoramic mountain landscapes to ancient castle ruins on the waters edge and sea eagles soaring the coastline, sailing in the Hebrides has something to offer everyone. Anchor on remote islands, moor up in quaint harbour towns, swim from the boat and keep a look out for the wildlife that the West coast of Scotland is well known for.
There is just so much to take in and experience with a sailing holiday in the Hebrides that Florette does not run to specific itineraries. Florette will sail with the wind so your exact route won’t be know until you board.
Sailing with the wind out of Oban Florette could sail North-west to explore the coasts of Skye and The Small Isles, sailing West to discover Mull and Treshnish Isles or set the sails South to the islands of Jura, Colonsay and Islay.
MULL AND THE TRESHNISH ISLES
Mull is the second largest island in the inner Hebrides renowned for its abundant wildlife. From dolphins to whales, to sea eagles and puffins, there is plenty to watch both from the water and on the land. Mull is home to the iconic harbour side village of Tobermory where colourful houses line the waterfront.
The Treshnish Isles are a small cluster of islands and skerries nestled off the West coast of Mull. An important area for marine animals and seabirds, the islands are part of a Special Area of Conservation. The island of Lunga is home to a large puffin colony, where you can sit ashore within metres of the friendly faced creatures. The island of Staffa is home of the famous geological wonder of Fingal’s cave where guests can take the tender to get off, explore the impressive basalt columns and practice their best singing voices!
THE SMALL ISLES
A small archipelago with the islands of Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck. Despite their closeness, each island offers a fascinating different geological landscape. Rum is a National Nature Reserve, home to the architecturally remarkable Kinloch Castle, and of course some wonderful wildlife. The island’s most famous residents are sea eagles (re-introduced in the 1980s), red deer and the hardy Rum ponies. Eigg offers Britain’s largest pitchstone ridge, eagles soaring over stunning white beaches and the worlds first fully renewably powered electricity grid. Canna, looked after by the National Trust since 1981, is one of the prettier islands. With its high basalt cliffs and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the views here are breathtaking.
SKYE
With its rugged landscapes, fairy tale castles, and picturesque fishing villages, the Isle of Skye is a popular destination for the adventure traveller. Admire the majestic Cuillins mountain range and the impressive Storr outcrop. Anchoring against the breathtaking backdrop of Loch Scavaig, nestled at the foot of the Cuillins, is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
JURA, COLONSAY & ISLAY
Jura was once the hideout for George Orwell as he wrote 1984 and it’s easy to see how he was inspired by the paradise of untouched nature and natural beauty that the island has to offer. The name Jura comes from Norway and it means “Deer Island” and this still applies today with an estimated 5,500 deer and only around 180 human inhabitants!
The island of Colonsay has a varied landscape with some beautiful sandy beaches. From otters to seals to wild goats and a plethora of wild plants; Colonsay is rich in wild and unspoilt nature and a variety of destroyed ruins and fortresses lie scattered across the island perfect for some onshore exploring.
Islay is probably best known for its many independent whisky breweries and if guests would like, it may be possible to explore these ashore. With many secluded anchorages, Islay provides ultimate tranquillity.
EXPERIENCE INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE WATCHING IN THE HEBRIDES.
Along the rugged coastline, witness the majestic flight of white-tailed eagles, while flocks of Black Guillemots adorn the skies. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot an array of birds of prey, including Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow-hawks, and the elusive Merlin – so keep your binoculars at the ready!
Delight in the graceful movements of Fulmars and Hooded Crows as they navigate the air, while Gannets create a mesmerising spectacle as they plunge into the open sea. During our sailing holidays, you’ll frequently encounter the playful Common, Bottlenose, and White beak dolphins, and if luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Risso and White-sided dolphins.
Although basking sharks have been less prevalent in recent years, their return to Scotland brings renewed excitement to our voyages. The waters of the Hebrides are home to a variety of marine species including whales. The most common sightings include the graceful Minke whales, with occasional appearances by the majestic Humpbacks. However, the true stars of the show are the resident pod of Orca, their presence in the water an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
- HALF BOARD – All breakfast (includes tea and coffee), six meals (combination of lunch or dinner)
- Use of all facilities on board including snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
- All bedding (pillow, duvet, bedding)
- All tender trips during the voyage, to and fro the boat
- Full crew, plus tuition
- 6-7 meals ashore (at guests expense)
- Tea/Coffee/Alcohol (cash honesty bar)
- Wash or swim towels
- Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck (only if you want!)
- Domestic flights
- Insurance
- Crew and tour leader tips
LIFE ON BOARD
AUTHENTIC TALL SHIP SAILING
Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore; volcanoes, ancient culture and the specialties of the regional Italian cuisine. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands on deck approach – which is surely part of the magic to this adventure sailing holiday.
Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boats chef, cooking up fabulous Mediterranean cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.
HAVE FUN!
Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. She also has sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling gear for guests to use at no extra cost. There is also fishing gear available which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!
SLEEPING AND RELAXATION
Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming! A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish. Above decks there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset.
EATING
Nicole prepares meals using local fresh ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish to make excellent, healthy Mediterranean dishes. Breakfast onboard everyday and six meals are included in the ticket price. These six meals can be a combination of lunches or dinners with the rest of guest meals eaten ashore at guests expense. The ticket price reflects this and gives guests the opportunity to sample and enjoy the local cuisine. If for some reason, Florette cannot get guests ashore, meals will be offered from the boat at a reasonable price.
Please check the What’s Included tab for a breakdown of the ticket price and the board cash.
OBAN, SCOTLAND
BY RAIL: Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.
BY AIR: Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.
OBAN, SCOTLAND
BY RAIL: Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.
BY AIR: Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.
YOUR SAILING AREA
THE HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND
Sailing in the Hebrides boasts some of the most scenic and atmospheric landscapes for sailing in the UK and you’ll quickly see why our guests return here year on year.
From panoramic mountain landscapes to ancient castle ruins on the waters edge and sea eagles soaring the coastline, sailing in the Hebrides has something to offer everyone. Anchor on remote islands, moor up in quaint harbour towns, swim from the boat and keep a look out for the wildlife that the West coast of Scotland is well known for.
There is just so much to take in and experience with a sailing holiday in the Hebrides that Florette does not run to specific itineraries. Florette will sail with the wind so your exact route won’t be know until you board.
Sailing with the wind out of Oban Florette could sail North-west to explore the coasts of Skye and The Small Isles, sailing West to discover Mull and Treshnish Isles or set the sails South to the islands of Jura, Colonsay and Islay.
MULL AND THE TRESHNISH ISLES
Mull is the second largest island in the inner Hebrides renowned for its abundant wildlife. From dolphins to whales, to sea eagles and puffins, there is plenty to watch both from the water and on the land. Mull is home to the iconic harbour side village of Tobermory where colourful houses line the waterfront.
The Treshnish Isles are a small cluster of islands and skerries nestled off the West coast of Mull. An important area for marine animals and seabirds, the islands are part of a Special Area of Conservation. The island of Lunga is home to a large puffin colony, where you can sit ashore within metres of the friendly faced creatures. The island of Staffa is home of the famous geological wonder of Fingal’s cave where guests can take the tender to get off, explore the impressive basalt columns and practice their best singing voices!
THE SMALL ISLES
A small archipelago with the islands of Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck. Despite their closeness, each island offers a fascinating different geological landscape. Rum is a National Nature Reserve, home to the architecturally remarkable Kinloch Castle, and of course some wonderful wildlife. The island’s most famous residents are sea eagles (re-introduced in the 1980s), red deer and the hardy Rum ponies. Eigg offers Britain’s largest pitchstone ridge, eagles soaring over stunning white beaches and the worlds first fully renewably powered electricity grid. Canna, looked after by the National Trust since 1981, is one of the prettier islands. With its high basalt cliffs and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the views here are breathtaking.
SKYE
With its rugged landscapes, fairy tale castles, and picturesque fishing villages, the Isle of Skye is a popular destination for the adventure traveller. Admire the majestic Cuillins mountain range and the impressive Storr outcrop. Anchoring against the breathtaking backdrop of Loch Scavaig, nestled at the foot of the Cuillins, is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
JURA, COLONSAY & ISLAY
Jura was once the hideout for George Orwell as he wrote 1984 and it’s easy to see how he was inspired by the paradise of untouched nature and natural beauty that the island has to offer. The name Jura comes from Norway and it means “Deer Island” and this still applies today with an estimated 5,500 deer and only around 180 human inhabitants!
The island of Colonsay has a varied landscape with some beautiful sandy beaches. From otters to seals to wild goats and a plethora of wild plants; Colonsay is rich in wild and unspoilt nature and a variety of destroyed ruins and fortresses lie scattered across the island perfect for some onshore exploring.
Islay is probably best known for its many independent whisky breweries and if guests would like, it may be possible to explore these ashore. With many secluded anchorages, Islay provides ultimate tranquillity.
EXPERIENCE INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE WATCHING IN THE HEBRIDES.
Along the rugged coastline, witness the majestic flight of white-tailed eagles, while flocks of Black Guillemots adorn the skies. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot an array of birds of prey, including Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow-hawks, and the elusive Merlin – so keep your binoculars at the ready!
Delight in the graceful movements of Fulmars and Hooded Crows as they navigate the air, while Gannets create a mesmerising spectacle as they plunge into the open sea. During our sailing holidays, you’ll frequently encounter the playful Common, Bottlenose, and White beak dolphins, and if luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Risso and White-sided dolphins.
Although basking sharks have been less prevalent in recent years, their return to Scotland brings renewed excitement to our voyages. The waters of the Hebrides are home to a variety of marine species including whales. The most common sightings include the graceful Minke whales, with occasional appearances by the majestic Humpbacks. However, the true stars of the show are the resident pod of Orca, their presence in the water an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
