This 7-day sailing adventure offers an unforgettable exploration of Scotland's beautiful west coast, venturing to some of the most scenic islands and anchorages in the Inner Hebrides. Perfect for both seasoned sailors and beginners, this trip combines the excitement of sailing with the comfort of fully catered, all-inclusive service. With no two trips alike, each experience is tailored to your preferences, ensuring a unique journey through this amazing landscape.
Begin your journey in Oban, a vibrant harbour town known as the gateway to the Hebrides. We gather at 3pm at the new marina development, ready to set sail towards the Isle of Seil. This charming island, linked to the mainland by the historic 'Bridge over the Atlantic,' will be our first stop. Explore Ellenabeich, a village rich in history and cinematic fame, before we navigate the Sound of Luing to reach Jura.
Jura, with its iconic Paps and abundant wildlife, is a must-see. The island's rugged beauty is complemented by its literary history, having been home to George Orwell. The next day, we sail south to Islay, renowned for its world-famous whisky distilleries and serene landscapes. Here, we’ll savour the island's offerings, from bird reserves to unspoilt beaches.
Weather permitting, our voyage continues to the Isle of Gigha, a community-owned island known for its sustainable practices, beautiful gardens, and sandy shores. Returning north through the Sound of Islay, we anchor in West Loch Tarbert on Jura, a spot beloved by the skipper. Here, you might witness stags roaring, otters fishing, or seals calling, depending on the season.
As we head further north, we'll visit the Isle of Colonsay, with its pristine beaches and invigorating air. A stop at Oronsay offers a peaceful lunch before we continue to Kiloran Bay. The final leg of our journey takes us past the Garvellachs and Insh Island to anchor beneath Gylen Castle on the Isle of Kerrera, a small island with a rich history and varied coastline. Our trip concludes in Oban, allowing ample time for onward travel.
Our journey centres around the west coast of Scotland, specifically the Inner Hebrides. Starting from Oban, we'll explore a variety of islands, each offering its own unique charm.
From the whisky-rich shores of Islay to the wildlife-filled landscapes of Jura and the community spirit of Gigha, this region showcases the best of Scotland's coastal beauty.
Your accommodation will be aboard a comfortable and well-equipped sailing vessel. Each night, you'll rest in cosy, shared cabins with all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay.
The boat serves as both your home and your means of exploring the amazing scenery of the Inner Hebrides, providing a unique and immersive experience.
No prior sailing experience is required for this trip, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned sailors alike.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as some activities, such as exploring on foot, may require light physical effort.
Choosing this sailing adventure means more than just a holiday; it’s about joining a community. Our crew brings a wealth of local knowledge, a deep respect for the environment, and a genuine passion for sharing the beauty of Scotland’s west coast.
With decades of sailing experience, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you’ll feel like part of the family. We believe in sustainable practices, supporting local communities, and offering authentic experiences that reflect our Highland heritage.
Given the variable weather in Scotland, it's important to pack layers. We recommend bringing:
Bedding and towels will be provided, so no need to pack these.
No experience is necessary! We welcome guests of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned sailors. Our fully-qualified skipper is also a sailing instructor who enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge. Many guests like to get involved in the sailing activities, learning in a relaxed and informal environment without the pressure of a formal course.
However, if you prefer to relax, you’re welcome to simply sit back and enjoy the scenery while the fully crewed boat handles everything.
Certainly! We’re happy to offer informal training and the opportunity to practice everything from chart work and calculations to advanced sailing techniques. Our qualified skipper is always available to provide guidance and instruction.
Although the trip is not a formal course, we encourage you to enhance or refresh your skills. Your miles and experiences can be recorded in your logbook, and our skipper can sign it for you.
Yes, we do our best to ensure that couples can share a cabin whenever possible.
There is no upper age limit. We simply ask that you consider your physical capabilities. Agility tends to be more important than physical strength.
All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The boat accommodates up to 6 guests, along with 1 skipper and 1 crew member.
Our holidays are fully catered, so you’re not required to cook unless you’d like to try your hand at it. Cooking onboard can be a unique experience, especially at sea, and some guests enjoy participating.
The skipper and crew prepare all meals, but you’re welcome to join in if you wish. Otherwise, just relax and take in the views with a glass of wine.
Please note, we do operate a rota for washing up, so everyone is expected to pitch in as part of the team experience.
We strongly recommend taking out holiday insurance that covers all eventualities, including sailing.
We’ll provide you with a kit list once you’ve booked. Essential items include layers, hats, and waterproof footwear with good grip. Beach landings may require wellies or waterproof shoes.
High-quality sailing waterproofs are not necessary; a standard waterproof jacket and trousers will suffice.
Please pack your items in soft, foldable bags, as storage space is limited and cannot accommodate hard cases. All safety equipment, including lifejackets and safety lines, is provided.
Seasickness can occur, especially on the first day or in rough conditions. If you start to feel unwell, inform a crew member so we can assist you, particularly if you are taking medication.
Steering the boat often helps, as it allows your eyes and inner ear to sync, similar to how driving a car prevents motion sickness. For most people, the sensation passes within a few hours, aided by a hot drink, a ginger biscuit, and some rest.
We cater for both meat-eating and vegetarian diets. For other dietary needs, such as vegan or gluten-free options, please check with us before booking.
If you have food allergies, be sure to include these on your medical form. We’ll do our best to accommodate food preferences, but please understand that space on board is limited.
While we can prepare nut-free or gluten-free meals, the boat itself is not a nut-free or gluten-free zone.
About the centre
Oban
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Stravaigin Sailing, a partner of adventuro.
