A cruise around the sea lochs of the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles (Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna) has to be one of the best ways to visit Scotland's Wild Isles. Extraordinary Scottish wildlife is everywhere from minke and occasional killer and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters to many species of rare sea birds, especially sea and golden eagles.
Throughout this Wild Isles cruise you will anchor in secluded sea lochs and sail against a spectacular backdrop of dramatic, pristine island coastlines, high sea cliffs, wild mountains and forests. Don't forget your walking boots for stunning island walks and your swimwear for some tranquil wild swimming.
You start your cruise from Oban (Dunstaffnage marina) and visit the stunning Small Isles and the west coast of Skye, which in Loch Scavaig has the most spectacular wilderness anchorage in the whole of Scotland. We travel along the west coast of Skye and at the next anchorage you can even visit Skye's famous Talisker malt whisky distillery.
This cruise can be a seven or eight night itinerary depending on the dates you choose to travel.
20 May, 2025 to 28 May, 2025
Twin Cabin
£1,560 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,120 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,480 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
15 June, 2025 to 23 June, 2025
Twin Cabin
£1,560 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,120 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,480 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
31 July, 2025 to 08 August, 2025
Twin Cabin
£1,560 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,120 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,480 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
18 August, 2025 to 26 August, 2025
Single Cabin
£1,960 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Single Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
19 August, 2025 to 27 August, 2025
Twin Cabin
£1,560 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,120 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,480 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
22 August, 2025 to 30 August, 2025
Single Cabin
£2,560 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,720 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
05 September, 2025 to 13 September, 2025
Single Cabin
£1,960 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Single Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
07 September, 2025 to 15 September, 2025
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£3,240 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
09 September, 2025 to 17 September, 2025
Single Cabin
£2,560 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,720 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
30 April, 2026 to 08 May, 2026
Single Cabin
£2,600 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,800 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
10 May, 2026 to 18 May, 2026
Twin Cabin
£1,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
14 June, 2026 to 22 June, 2026
Twin Cabin
£1,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
30 July, 2026 to 07 August, 2026
Twin Cabin
£1,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
14 August, 2026 to 22 August, 2026
Single Cabin
£2,600 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,800 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
18 August, 2026 to 26 August, 2026
Twin Cabin
£1,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,600 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
26 August, 2026 to 03 September, 2026
Single Cabin
£2,000 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin
£2,200 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Single Cabin En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
29 August, 2026 to 06 September, 2026
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£3,200 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
09 September, 2026 to 17 September, 2026
Single Cabin
£2,600 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,800 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
view cabin photo
13 September, 2026 to 21 September, 2026
Single Cabin
£2,000 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin Cabin
£2,200 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Single Cabin En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£3,040 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
view cabin photo
16 September, 2026 to 24 September, 2026
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£2,880 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£3,200 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Gemini Explorer
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 72 feet / 21.9 meters
Passenger Capacity: 8
Built / refurbished: 1974 / 2020
The new mini cruise ship is a historic, converted cruising lifeboat that once roamed the Western Approaches and was involved in the storm of the ill-fated 1979 Fastnet Race. Gemini Explorer was built in 1974 in Bideford Shipyard as the City of Bristol (70-003), one of three, Clyde class, cruising lifeboats with an extended offshore range of 1700 miles. She is powered by two powerful Gardner diesel engines and she will achieve speeds of up to twelve knots. The Gemini Explorer entered service at the Clovelly Lifeboat Station on the North Devonshire coast and, after saving 44 lives, was finally retired in 1989.
Since then, after extensive re-fits and modifications (including a new galley, high bulwarks, viewing top deck, en-suite accommodation and a well lit saloon), she has been converted to a mini cruise ship and today sails as the Gemini Explorer. However, there are parts of the insides of the vessel that have been kept in their original state to give an exciting insight in to role she once played as a cruising lifeboat.
As a mini cruise ship she has voyaged as far away as Greenland and, for the last 10 years, sailed as a charter vessel on the east coast of Scotland. In 2020 after a further refit and upgrade she will be sailing the beautiful islands and sea lochs of Scotland’s west coast as part of St Hilda Sea Adventures little fleet.
The deck saloon is where everyone dines and socialises and where everyone enjoys a convivial atmosphere that is encouraged by shipboard life aboard this ex-cruising lifeboat.
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. In the aft part of the vessel there is a cabin which has a one double bed and two single berths. We are happy to offer this cabin to two guests only, without supplement. This aft cabin shares the bathroom with the two crew.
All en-suites and the bathroom have a washbasin, toilet and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
There is an upper viewing deck complete with teak benches and perfect for spotting wildlife and relaxing. You also have some deck space to embark your own equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards. You will also be able to use the onboard two person sea kayak.