28 August 2023
We set off from Oban in the Elizabeth G under the expert skippering (is that a word ?) of Alistair, Bosun Craig was ever attentive providing drinks and excellenttable service, Zoe our guide pointing out various wildlife species and Charle our Chef providing delicious meals and snacks all throughout the cruise. I would nominate Charlie for Master Chef. Alistair plotted our course northwards, we saw Dolphins on our first day, poor Zoe couldn't get me to say pods, "herds of them" was my cry, it was amazing that these highly intelligent creatures would actively go out of their way to interact with us, it happened every day and our faces ached with the smiles these fantastic animals generated. We saw Minke whales almost every day as well The Elizabth G may be 60 years old but she is in excellent condition, strong, reliable, steady in a strong wind and swell because of her stabilisers, she has character and a beauty all of her own. She is big enough to give you confidence that she can tackle what mother nature throws at her but small enough to anchor in some truly amazing places. Every day you go ashore and explore another new location. (Weather permitting) Every member of the crew is dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your cruise, excellent food, excellent care, super knowledge of the flora and fauna. You go to bed every evening with your knowledge expanded, your spirits lifted. If you want to see Dolphins, Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Eagles, Shags, Gannets, Manx Shearwater, Gulls of every type, the list of encounters is limited only by the time/length of your cruise, sign up for a cruise as soon as you can. Alistair, the skipper has the utmost respect for the wildlife you encounter, every encounter is on the animals terms, their safety takes priority, he lets the wildlife come to the boat rather than pursuing it. His storytelling is wonderful, every evening he and Zoe join you and he shows you where you have been, where you are going and what weather to expect, there is even a knowledge test at the end of the cruise. Zoe goes through every wildlife encounter, she shares her knowledge enthusiastically. We have seen so much that has enthralled is we have walked in beautiful locations, we have been cared for by the crew, we have had a brilliant holiday. Thanks to Emma and everyone at Hebrides Cruises. David and Tracy
David and Tracy Woods-Thomas
We had never been on a holiday like this before but we had an amazing time We were blessed with the weather and calm seas ! The crew were very professional and great fun to be with Chris the captain was obviously very knowledgable and instilled a deal of confidence . Craig the bosun was very attentive and very professional ,quietly going about his duties and had a lovely sense of humour Alexa was our guide and her knowledge of the wild life was amazing .she was attentive and caring always making sure everyone was ok . Finally Maggs the chef was amazing .what she was able to cook up in that small compact galley was wonderful Every meal was beautifully prepared and presented So much so my wife and I have had 3 meals from her website since we have returned home! I would definitely recommend Hedrides Cruises It is such a wonderful way to see the islands and if your lucky like we were you might just be entertained for 2 hours of dolphin dancing around the boat ! That was a memory that will be with me for ever .
Martin and Ruth Taylor: 4 May 2019The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens