Well here we are two and a half months into our 2024 cruising season and it’s all go. After a very busy winter getting things ready for the season, we were pleased to be awarded a Green Tourism gold award in recognition of our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, a journey we are proud to continue on.
We’re now twelve trips in, including three private charters, a few Kyles and the Isles cruises, some Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll, a couple of Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorers and the epic Hebridean Odyssey, where we move from our base in the Firth of Clyde. We’d already covered 1425 miles before we even set out on the Hebridean Odyssey, and following two weeks out at sea, and another 477 miles travelled, on Monday we arrived in Oban, gateway to the islands, where we cruise from from half of June, July and August.
We love both of our cruising areas, but there’s something so special about the Hebridean Odyssey cruise. It’s a true Scottish island hopping adventure. This year, despite some unfavourable weather (hello, Scotland), we made it to thirteen islands, including Jura, the Shiants and Rona, and our regular guest, Elizabeth, counted seventy-one bird species during the two weeks, which is a new record on her previous of sixty-four.
It’s been a great season so far, made extra special by the animal visitors to Splendour and her surrounds. We’ve been lucky enough to spot eagles, a basking shark, porpoises, dolphins (including some who kindly escorted Splendour back home to Holy Loch), minke whales, seals, countless seabirds, including gannets, razorbills and, of course fan-favourite, puffins. Skipper Ted is currently out on the three night Magic of Mull cruise from Oban with his guests and has seen the first fledgling white-tailed sea eagles of the year at the north end of Mull.
We have space on just two of our cruises out of Oban this year – the Skye and the Small Isles cruise from the 13th of July and the Corryvreckan to the Shiants cruise from the 20th of July. If you like beautiful scenery, breath-taking wildlife, a bit of adventure and amazing locally sourced food cooked by a private chef, then Argyll Cruising might just be for you. From the end of August we’ll be back in Holy Loch and would love you to join us on one of our cruises exploring the very special Firth of Clyde. Please do get in touch if you’d like any information about any of the cruises. And as always, fingers crossed for the weather!
“Everything was as splendid as the ship’s name.” Geoff and Sue Crowley
Kyles and the Isles | 2022
“Everything we’d hoped for and more. We so enjoyed the walks, food, company, scenery and laughter.” Denise and Allan
Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll | May 2022
“Words fail. Our hearts are full and our souls are refreshed. The trip was amazing.” Bud and Gayle Harris
Private charter | May 2023
“One of my very favourite adventures.” Ron Domin
Private charter | May 2023
“Lovely trip with perfect weather and great company. Thanks to Ted and Iggy.” Gail and Paul
Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | April 2022