10 Reasons You Should Join a Small Boat Cruising Holiday

There’s so much to love about small boat cruising – if we do say so ourselves. In our opinion there’s no better way to explore the beautiful west coast of Scotland than from the water, and there’s no better vessel to do that on than Splendour. Here are just a few of the things a small boat cruising holiday with Argyll Cruising can offer.

1. A personal service and a family run business

Argyll Cruising is owned and run by Skipper Ted, an experienced skipper and wildlife guide who has worked all over the world. He’s joined on board by a private chef and supported shore side by his sister Claire, who handles bookings and queries, and his mum Gilly and partner Laura, who can all often be found on the pontoon welcoming guests – as well as Ted’s nephew (and self-proclaimed business partner) Felix, and his niece Posy. With such a small team, and with only 2 crew on board each cruise, our guests have a truly personal service and get to know the whole team during their small boat cruising holiday.

2. A room with a view

During a cruise with us you’ll move every day, giving you an ever-changing view – all of which are stunning. Take in the scenery from the comfort of your private room, the saloon or one of our outside decks. Or even join the skipper in the wheelhouse where he can give you a run down of what you’re seeing – and help you spot the local wildlife. There’s always something amazing to see!

3. Making new friends

With a maximum of 8 guests on board, guests have the opportunity to really get to know their fellow travellers. We often have guests arriving as strangers but leaving as friends.

4. No single person supplement

At Argyll Cruising we welcome solo travellers and don’t charge a single person supplement. We have space for 2 solo travellers per cruise in private en suite cabins.

5. A unique and beautiful vessel

Splendour is a beautifully converted Scottish wooden fishing vessel who is over 60 years old. She really is a stunning vessel and the opportunity to sail on a boat with such a history is a special one for many. If you’d like to see photos of her before the conversion you can check them out on our socials @ArgyllCruising.

7. A menu like no other

Food on board Splendour is always a talking point and we pride ourselves on feeding our guests well with 3 meals a day, as well as morning coffee and afternoon tea. You won’t go hungry here at Argyll Cruising!

8. Locally sourced ingredients

Our chef cooks all of the meals from the galley kitchen with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. We love supporting local businesses in particular.

9. Freedom

One of the benefits of small boat cruising is the sense of freedom. The skipper will always talk through the day’s itinerary and options with guests to make sure everyone gets the holiday they want as well as altering plans as weather conditions require. There’s also never any hurry, giving guests time to watch the local dolphin pod as they surf Splendour’s waves or stopping to watch nesting sea eagles.

10. Family holidays

Splendour is available for private charters, which can be the perfect holiday for family groups or friends. You can explore the west coast at your pace and have a say in setting the itinerary, whilst enjoying having Splendour to yourselves.