Various dates available
Tall Ship: St. Kilda and Outer Hebrides Expedition
From £1120 per person
Deposit Normal deposit 20%. Balance due 12 weeks before departure.
The history of the people, its inaccessibility and amazing wildlife make the islands an exceptionally desirable destination for anyone
Suited to
Families, Couples, Individuals, Groups
Difficulty
Open to beginner sailors
Nights onboard
8
Vessel type
“T/S Flying Dutchman” Tall Ship, built in 1903 Read more about this ship here
Vessel length
39.5 meters
Skipper
Yes
Berth Style
twin or quad cabins
Insurance Required
Yes
Book with confidence - see our COVID-19 policy.
Explore the remote and magical island of St Kilda on this unforgettable adventure
8 Nights: July 21- 29 2022
Standard Cabin: €1,285 / £1,120 per person*
Standard Plus Cabin: €1,425 / £1,245 per person*
Single Cabin: €1,885 / £1,645 per person*
* Trips are priced in the operator’s local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.
The history of the people, its inaccessibility, and fantastic wildlife make the islands an exceptionally desirable destination for anyone. St. Kilda is a world heritage island in the Atlantic, 45 miles west of the Outer Hebrides. This isolated archipelago was once home to Britain’s most isolated community interested in natural history. The silence, the incredible views, the rugged coasts with hidden coves, and the unique sight of the islands in the distance, is something that somebody has to see in their life. The Flying Dutchman will take you to these unique islands, which can only be reached by ship.
Possible itinerary
The specified program is a guide. Changes due to the effects of weather, currents, and wind are possible. Flexibility is required for this trip. The Focus point of this voyage will reach St. Kilda.
Day 1: Oban
Our Sailing trip to St. Kilda and Hebrides starts in Oban, a cosy fishing place with lots of things to do. You are welcomed on board at 18.00 and have the opportunity to meet the crew and the other guests. If everyone is settled, we’ll have a welcome dinner and raise a glass to a beautiful trip.
Day 2: The Isle of Canna
Very early, we start on our sailing trip to Canna. Known as ‘the garden of the Hebrides’, Canna has fertile soils, green meadows, and abundant wildlife. It has been recognised as a bird sanctuary since 1938 and supports over 20,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. On our way, we pass the impressive Duart Castle, which is a beautiful sight from the water.
Day 3: Lewis and Harris
Our Sailing to St. Kilda & the Hebrides continues with a visit to the outer Hebrides Harris and Lewis. We go to the southern part with deep bays and high mountains. Here you can see the landscape, where the inspiration for the beautiful Harris Tweed comes from. The west coast of the island of Harris has stunning beaches, all flanked by dunes and Machair (a unique plant). The islands are so remote that only a few tourists bother to come here.
Day 4 & 5 St.Kilda
At first light, we start our sailing tour to St. Kilda. This volcanic archipelago, with its spectacular landscapes, is situated off the coast of the Hebrides and comprises the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray. It has some of the highest cliffs in Europe, which have large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets. The archipelago, uninhabited since 1930, bears the evidence of more than 2,000 years of human occupation in the extreme conditions prevalent in the Hebrides. Human vestiges include built structures and field systems, the cleits and the traditional Highland stone houses. They feature the vulnerable remains of a subsistence economy based on the products of birds, agriculture and sheep farming. On landing, guests will be able to walk around the abandoned village before taking a more energetic climb to the edge of the steepest cliffs in Britain, passing hundreds of small stone huts known as cleits used for storing the Guga. Rare Soay sheep roam here, a primitive breed of today’s domestic sheep. Before returning aboard, make sure you get a St. Kilda stamp in your passport!
We will make a tour to the archipelago, heading for Stac Lee and Boreray to visit the largest gannet colony in the world. This majestic sight will entrance you, millions of sea birds circling the cliffs coming in to nest on the sheer rock face.
Puffins, guillemots, and razorbills are all breeding at this time of year. Get close up to the tunnels and capture images like this! Seals are a common sight, either sunning on rocks or out fishing in the sound. Keen eyes may spot basking sharks and Minke whales who come to feed in the plankton-rich waters of the Western Isles—not forgetting the eagles and deer, roaming the sky and land.
Day 6: Barra
Today on our Sailing trip we go to Barra, where we moor in Castlebay. Here we visit Kisimul Castle, located in the bay. The stronghold of the MacNeils is the only surviving medieval castle of Barra.
Day 7: Tobermory
Our daily destination is the main town of Mull, the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory with its sociable centre and its beautiful pubs and restaurants. The lively port is the starting point for a small fishing fleet. If time permits, there is an opportunity to visit the local distillery.
Day 8: Scottish west coast and Oban
After an excellent breakfast, we sail back to Oban. During the trip, we see the rugged coast of Mull with its pristine beauty, the mountains in the distance. In the evening, when we arrive in Oban, where we will have a nice dinner together, and maybe you feel like going to a pub and enjoy some traditional live music.
Day 9: Oban
Unfortunately, the beautiful Sailing trip Skye / Hebrides has come to an end. After a good breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Flying Dutchman and its crew.
- All charges regarding port fees, tourists fees and fuel expenses.
- Bed linen and towels
- Full board, including coffee, tea, milk and juice at all meals.
- The use of a zodiac for landings when we visit places without a harbour.
- The crew: captain, cook and first mate.
- Transport to and from the vessel
- Personal expenses ashore
- Food ashore
- Fees for events that take place outside the ship.
- Beverages besides the included drinks during the meals.
Oban, Scotland
Oban, Scotland
Possible itinerary
The specified program is a guide. Changes due to the effects of weather, currents, and wind are possible. Flexibility is required for this trip. The Focus point of this voyage will reach St. Kilda.
Day 1: Oban
Our Sailing trip to St. Kilda and Hebrides starts in Oban, a cosy fishing place with lots of things to do. You are welcomed on board at 18.00 and have the opportunity to meet the crew and the other guests. If everyone is settled, we’ll have a welcome dinner and raise a glass to a beautiful trip.
Day 2: The Isle of Canna
Very early, we start on our sailing trip to Canna. Known as ‘the garden of the Hebrides’, Canna has fertile soils, green meadows, and abundant wildlife. It has been recognised as a bird sanctuary since 1938 and supports over 20,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. On our way, we pass the impressive Duart Castle, which is a beautiful sight from the water.
Day 3: Lewis and Harris
Our Sailing to St. Kilda & the Hebrides continues with a visit to the outer Hebrides Harris and Lewis. We go to the southern part with deep bays and high mountains. Here you can see the landscape, where the inspiration for the beautiful Harris Tweed comes from. The west coast of the island of Harris has stunning beaches, all flanked by dunes and Machair (a unique plant). The islands are so remote that only a few tourists bother to come here.
Day 4 & 5 St.Kilda
At first light, we start our sailing tour to St. Kilda. This volcanic archipelago, with its spectacular landscapes, is situated off the coast of the Hebrides and comprises the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray. It has some of the highest cliffs in Europe, which have large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets. The archipelago, uninhabited since 1930, bears the evidence of more than 2,000 years of human occupation in the extreme conditions prevalent in the Hebrides. Human vestiges include built structures and field systems, the cleits and the traditional Highland stone houses. They feature the vulnerable remains of a subsistence economy based on the products of birds, agriculture and sheep farming. On landing, guests will be able to walk around the abandoned village before taking a more energetic climb to the edge of the steepest cliffs in Britain, passing hundreds of small stone huts known as cleits used for storing the Guga. Rare Soay sheep roam here, a primitive breed of today’s domestic sheep. Before returning aboard, make sure you get a St. Kilda stamp in your passport!
We will make a tour to the archipelago, heading for Stac Lee and Boreray to visit the largest gannet colony in the world. This majestic sight will entrance you, millions of sea birds circling the cliffs coming in to nest on the sheer rock face.
Puffins, guillemots, and razorbills are all breeding at this time of year. Get close up to the tunnels and capture images like this! Seals are a common sight, either sunning on rocks or out fishing in the sound. Keen eyes may spot basking sharks and Minke whales who come to feed in the plankton-rich waters of the Western Isles—not forgetting the eagles and deer, roaming the sky and land.
Day 6: Barra
Today on our Sailing trip we go to Barra, where we moor in Castlebay. Here we visit Kisimul Castle, located in the bay. The stronghold of the MacNeils is the only surviving medieval castle of Barra.
Day 7: Tobermory
Our daily destination is the main town of Mull, the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory with its sociable centre and its beautiful pubs and restaurants. The lively port is the starting point for a small fishing fleet. If time permits, there is an opportunity to visit the local distillery.
Day 8: Scottish west coast and Oban
After an excellent breakfast, we sail back to Oban. During the trip, we see the rugged coast of Mull with its pristine beauty, the mountains in the distance. In the evening, when we arrive in Oban, where we will have a nice dinner together, and maybe you feel like going to a pub and enjoy some traditional live music.
Day 9: Oban
Unfortunately, the beautiful Sailing trip Skye / Hebrides has come to an end. After a good breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Flying Dutchman and its crew.
Base layer – 2x warm thermal tops + thermal leggings
Mid layer – 2x fleece type mid layers + mid layer trousers
Light waterproof shell (waterproof hiking type jacket and trousers) – for exploring ashore
Down jacket – a down (or synthetic alternative) jacket, the warmer the better
Gillet – optional but a really versatile mid layer, down or synthetic down are great
Hats – 2x warm wool hats, ear flaps are great
Waterproof hat – a waterproof hat or cap (eg Sealskins)
Neck warmer – 2x ‘Buff’ style neck warmers
Gloves – one waterproof pair (ski or fishing type) + 2x thinner fleece liner / spare pairs
Socks – 2x pairs of warm socks for sailing + hiking socks for exploring ashore
Boots – Wellington type boots. These are needed not just for sailing but also for getting ashore from the rib where you may need to stop into mid-calf depth water. They don’t need to be expensive or sailing specific, but they should be waterproof with good grip
Hiking shoes / boots – suitable for exploring on rough or wet terrain ashore
Rucsac – for on land exploring
Underwear – a couple of sets of comfortable underwear
Swimwear –
Camera, batteries, memory cards etc – it is possible to charge camera batteries onboard but it is a good idea to bring spare batteries and lots of memory card space
Entertainment – books, music etc for rest time
Toiletries – basic wash kit with travel-sized bottles
Eye mask and earplugs – can make sleeping easier in the midnight sun
Any personal medications that you need – ensure you have enough to last the whole trip
Dry bags – recommended for keeping any electrical kit in and for taking things ashore
Head torch – ideally with a red light function
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A set of ‘shore clothes’ for travelling in / rest days in town
Passport / visas
Credit/debit card for shore-based activities or travel emergencies
Kitbag – this must be squashy type (not a suitcase) a large barrel type bag is ideal
