St Kilda & the Hebrides - Islands on the Edge of the Atlantic

I think this is the best group holiday (with people we didn't know beforehand) we have ever been on. I enjoyed the mix of scenery, wildlife (including flowers) and culture associated with abandoned villages and the remote rural life of the islands. The itinerary was flexible, and full use was made of this to accommodate the wishes of the party. Getting to St Kilda was important to me - it is the headline in the title of the trip, and would have been an anti-climax to return having failed to visit the islands. I also very much enjoyed visiting some of the smaller uninhabited islands which it would have been less easy to do on our own. I enjoyed watching the gannets and fulmars from the boat, swimming off white sandy beaches, wonderful scenery especially the evening light and sunsets, the laughter among the group, dolphins swimming on the bow wave, the food, and to round it all off an otter by the boat on the last morning before motoring back to Oban in perfect weather.

J.G. Hertfordshire, Jun 24

The most satisfying endeavour was reaching to St Kilda (all the more satisfying as we were the first boat in for 9 days - due to the poor weather). The most magical moment was watching dolphins riding the bow-wave, with sunlight reflecting off the water. The most enjoyable time was sitting amongst the puffins in warm afternoon sunshine on Mingulay, and being able to sketch them at close quarters.

D.G. Hertfordshire, Jun 24

  There were many highlights; the views of the otter on the last day, being up close and personal with the puffins on Vatersay, seeing 11 white eagles in a day, the sea stacks around St Kilda, the atmospheric walk on St Kilda. The itinerary was in general keeping with the Tour described but adapted for the sea conditions. Our leader, Sara was extremely motivated, knowledgeable and friendly. Captain David, was outstanding, able to judge the seas and the capability of the boat enabling the Hjalmar Bjorge to be the first boat to land at St Kilda for nine days. Great sense of humour. Chef Steve did an amazing job preparing the meals in a very small galley whatever the sea state. Boson Colin provided a great service, sense of humour and he was very helpful operating the rib and getting people in/off safely.

A.R. Cambridgeshire, Jun 24

We achieved our aim of getting to St Kilda (very weather dependent) and of viewing all of the wildlife there and en route - seabirds and cetaceans. We travelled in excellent company and were extraordinarily well treated by the skipper, chef and extra help - Jess. The meals were exemplary, the skipper, Tony Morrison, was keen to show us the workings of the vessel when safe to do so and Jess ably assisted with launch work, sightings and all preparations from the meal service to the anchoring of the vessel and boat handling. The skipper made sure that the vessel was in good, quiet anchorages each night readily able to make the following day's planned itinerary. David Spivack had a broad range of knowledge and interest in natural history. His ornithological knowledge was outstanding. He showed great empathy with fellow travellers and was always patient and helpful. He was attentive to all abilities and made great effort to share his time, knowledge and observations so as to ensure that no party was ever able to feel left out. The highlight was the calm return passage from St Kilda through the Sound of Harris where we were able to view several Minke Whales and other cetaceans, the gannet colonies of Stac Armain and Boreray and eagles at close quarters. A stop at Lunga was also unhurried and made in calm conditions where sea bird life could be viewed at very close quarters.

R.M. Dorset, May 24

It was an eye opening trip and we loved it. Getting to St Kilda was a hoped for but not expected highlight. David was a super guide - always out on deck and ready to rush to gather everyone whenever there was something interesting to see.

J.B. Suffolk, May 24

A fabulous cruise of the Hebrides. The crew were exceptional. Their attention to our comfort was beyond expectation and their enthusiasm and humour added to our experience. Our guide Rob was extremely knowledgeable and never missed an opportunity to allow us to view the magnificent nature we were immersed in. He also had a wonderful sense of humour and was fun to be with. Our sightings were incredible, numerous sea birds, dolphins, sea eagles and a humpback whale not to forget the fantastic botany.

S.R. North Yorkshire

In May my husband and I joined Naturetrek's tour on the Sea Horse 2 together with 8 other guests, 3 crew and our naturalist leader. The crew, captain, bosun and chef could not do enough to make us comfortable. Each evening the Captain explained our forthcoming sea routes, weather patterns and islands to be passed and visited and hoped for wildlife sightings. He also sought out the calmest anchorages for mooring up at night. The bosun was a multi talented seaman and keen naturalist, one minute launching the zodiac for an island visit and another attending to the housekeeping of the cabins so that everywhere was spick and span. Also he was wonderfully kind to those who felt queasy on the occasion when the sea was "lumpy" and helping those who were less agile in and out of the landing craft. Our chef was amazing and produced the most delicious and varied meals out of a tiny galley. The food was outstanding. Our Naturalist was tireless in his bird spotting from the deck in all weathers and very encouraging in helping everyone to identify the many sea birds. More details of wildlife spotted was discussed over with him over coffee. All had a fun sense of humour. The island visits and walks were varied and beautiful with carpets of spring flowers and many other birds to identify, eg Cuckoo, Wren. Highlights were the huge rafts of auks on the water and clouds of Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills circling in the sunshine above us on the Shiants together with White Tailed Eagles soaring over the nearby cliffs. Great Northern Diver and Gannets also sighted later on Staffin Bay, Skye. The Puffins on the island of Lunga towards the end of the cruise were a delight as they took nesting materials to their burrows and interacted with each and seemed unworried by our respectful presence. Nesting Shags sat on their nests by the path and only rattled a warning if one was too near. The wonderful tightly packed Guillemot and Razorbill colony on the sea cliff was an incredible sight. These were only two of the highlights on a truly wonderful cruise which I would happily repeat. The detailed information about the holiday, the requirements and likely deviations in the holiday itinerary were very helpful. Staff were very helpful on the telephone in answering any questions. The outline of one of the previous years cruises was helpful and the conditions that would be necessary to sail to St Kilda. The cruise round the "The Islands at the Edge of the Atlantic" proved to be a wonderful experience.  

L.M. Surrey, May 23

This small boat cruise 10 guests, 3 crew plus Naturetrek guide Tim Melling - was great. Visited lots of islands including St Kilda, good food, very knowledgeable and engaging guide, learnt a lot as well as enjoying myself. This was my first trip with Naturetrek and will definitely not be my last. Well organised, good info, no complaints.

V.A. Kent, July 22

Nine day trip aboard a small, but comfortable boat around the Hebrides. Unfortunately, did not make it to St Kilda, as too windy, but this was soon forgotten upon seeing a pod of Orca and all the wonderful islands we visited. The crew looked after us so well, keeping us comfortable and safe. Our Tour Leader was amazing - she really made the Trip with her knowledge and flexibility, really making it relaxing and fun. Our other travellers really added to the experience too and their was a real feeling of comradeship. Just WOW scenery and wildlife, so much so, we’ve booked again to go next year. Naturetrek ensure you get the best wildlife experiences, while ensuring the wildlife’s welfare is not compromised. Staff in the office are always very friendly and helpful and pre-tour formation is always helpful and applicable. All the Tour Leaders we have travelled with have all been incredibly enthusiastic, patient and generous with their incredible knowledge and experience.

C.S. Herefordshire, May 22

Sara's infectious enthusiasm never flagged, her talks were good, her knowledge outstanding. Would love to travel with her again. There was obviously plenty of experience in the crew and leader to make this a very memorable short trip. They were all 4 good with people, doing their jobs effectively and quietly. The highlight for me was the walk on Hirta, well guided by Skipper Rob. On the other hand there were the two basking sharks coming to inspect us… Our overnight anchorages were delightful.

J.S. Devon

I thought that the crew on the boat were excellent. In particular, Stevie the chef did a great job. Our guide, Sara Frost was tireless and worked hard to ensure that everyone was catered for; her knowledge of cetaceans and finding them was exceptional. The trip met my expectations and we were especially fortunate to have very good weather.

C.V. Italy

I had been wanting to get to St Kilda for a very long time - so this holiday fitted the bill. What I wasn't expecting was it to be so good in so many ways. The food was outstanding - as a veggie I have, on other holidays, often felt my food was poor by comparison to the carnivores - not here - Steve is an excellent cook. The crew were so helpful and the weather and wildlife performed brilliantly. Sara was tireless in her quest to give us the best experience possible, and on the lookout for wildlife all the time- and her talks were informative. As a person with limited knowledge of birds and with only a small camera I was not made to feel intimidated as can sometimes happen. For me the main event was getting to St Kilda - so I was well satisfied! It was quite simply the best holiday I have been on.

A.T. Cumbria

The highlight was getting to St Kilda. We were blessed with the amazing weather. The group all got on and the crew were super. Sara was wonderful. To keep her enthusiasm going in a small boat for a week was something special. Her knowledge was excellent and her spotting skills awesome. She made the trip.

J.W. Cambridgeshire