Expedition to St. Kilda & Outer Hebrides | Atlasail Atlasail Homepage

Expedition to St. Kilda & Outer Hebrides

Scotland

Oban > Canna > Lewis & Harris > Saint Kilda > Barra > Tobermory > Oban

St. Kilda is a world heritage island in the Atlantic. The history of the people, its inaccessibility and amazing wildlife make the islands an exceptionally desirable destination for anyone.St. Kilda is a world heritage island in the Atlantic, 45 miles west of the Outer Hebrides. This isolated archipelago was once home to Britain’s most isolated community.interested in natural history. The silence the indescribable views, the rugged coasts with hidden coves and the unique sight of the islands in the distance, is something that somebody has to see in his life. The Flying Dutchman will take you to these special islands, which can only be reached by ship.


Gesproken talen aan boord: Dutch, German, English

 

Embark: 18.00 pm in Oban
Disembark: 10.00 am in Oban

To get to Oban, the bus is the best means of transport, whether you’re flying to Edinburgh or Glasgow (15 minutes difference). From both airports there is a transfer bus every 30 minutes to Buchanan (Glasgow) Bus Station, from where the bus to Oban departs.
For more information: Citylink.co.uk
If you wish to travel by train, first take the bus to Glasgow. Then you can take the train from Glasgow:
Scotrail.comKlm flies to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
EasyJet flies to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.
Flybe flies to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.Ryanair flies alone to Edinburgh.

We are happy to advise you personally about the arrival and departure of the ship.

Pricing

We have divided the prices into two categories because our double cabins are different in size. All prices are per person when staying in:

  • Standard cabin ………………………………………€  1425, –
  • Standard plus cabin ……………………………….€  1585, –
  • Individual use of the cabin ………………………€  2095,-

Included:

  • Cabin (shared) with shower and toilet
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Crew, consisting of Captain, Mate and Cook
  • Zodiac to go ashore
  • Full board : except 3 x dinner on shore so you will also be able to discover local specialties on land, in addition to the catering on board.

Not included:

  • Arrival and departure to / from the ship
  • Personal expenses
  • Possible additional entrance fees and drinks
  • Drinks on board

Language

Our voyages attract travellers from all over the world, which has been an important factor in establishing an open-minded atmosphere on board. The crew of the ship is most of the time from Dutch origin, but speaks and understands English very well.

Possible itinerary

The specified program is a guide. Changes due to the effects of weather, currents and wind are possible. Flexibility is required for this trip. The Focus point of this voyage will be reach St. Kilda.

Day 1: Oban

Our Sailing trip to St. Kilda and Hebrides starts in Oban, a cozy fishing place with lots of things to do. You are welcomed on board at 18.00 and have the opportunity to meet the crew and the other guests. If everyone is settled we’ll have a welcome dinner and raise a glass to a wonderful trip.

Day 2: The Isle of CannaVery early we start for our sailing trip to Canna. Known as ‘the garden of the Hebrides’, Canna has fertile soils, green meadows and abundant wildlife. It has been recognised as a bird sanctuary since 1938, and supports over 20,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots. On our way we pass the impressive Duart Castle, which is a beautiful sight from the water.

Day 3 : Lewis and Harris

Our Sailing to St. Kilda & Hebrides continues with a visit to the outer Hebrides Harris and Lewis.  We go to the southern part with deep bays and high mountains. Here you can see the landscape, where the inspiration for the beautiful Harris Tweed comes from. The west coast of the island of Harrihas stunning beaches, all flanked by dunes and Machair (a unique plant). The islands are so remote that only a few tourists bother to come here.

Day 4 & 5 St.Kilda

At first light we start our sailing tour to St. Kilda. This volcanic archipelago, with its spectacular landscapes, is situated off the coast of the Hebrides and comprises the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray. It has some of the highest cliffs in Europe, which have large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets. The archipelago, uninhabited since 1930, bears the evidence of more than 2,000 years of human occupation in the extreme conditions prevalent in the Hebrides. Human vestiges include built structures and field systems, the cleits and the traditional Highland stone houses. They feature the vulnerable remains of a subsistence economy based on the products of birds, agriculture and sheep farming. On landing, guests will be able to walk around the abandoned village before taking a more energetic climb to the edge of the steepest cliffs in Britain, passing hundreds of small stone huts known as cleits used for storing the Guga. Rare Soay sheep roam here, a primitive breed of today’s domestic sheep. Before returning aboard make sure you get a St. Kilda stamp in your passport!

We will make a tour to the archipelago, heading for Stac Lee and Boreray to visit the largest gannet colony in the world. This majestic sight will entrance you, millions of sea birds circling the cliffs coming in to nest on the sheer rock face.

Puffins, guillemots and razorbills are all breeding at this time of year. Get close up to the burrows and capture images like this! Seals are a common sight, either sunning on rocks or out fishing in the sound. Keen eyes may spot basking sharks and Minke whales who come to feed in the plankton-rich waters of the Western Isles. Not forgetting the eagles and deer, roaming the sky and land.

Day 6: Barra

Today on our Sailing trip we go to Barra, where we moor in Castlebay. Here we visit Kisimul Castle, what is located in the bay. The stronghold of the MacNeils is the only surviving medieval castle of Barra.

Day 7 : Tobermory

Our daily destination is the main town of Mull, the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory with its sociable center and its beautiful pubs and restaurants. The lively port is the starting point for a small fishing fleet. If time permits, there is an opportunity to visit the local distillery.

Day 8: Scottish west coast and Oban

After a nice breakfast, we sail back to Oban. During the trip, we see the rugged coast of Mull with his pristine beauty, the mountains in the distance. In the evening, when we arrive in Oban, were we will have a nice dinner together and maybe you feel like going to a pub and enjoy some traditional live music.

Day 9 : Oban

Unfortunately, the beautiful Sailing trip Skye / Hebrides has come to an end. After a good breakfast it is time to say goodbye to the Flying Dutchman and its crew.


Flying Dutchman

Year of Construction 1903

Sailing vessel The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman is built in 1903. In 2004 Klaas bought this ship and reconstructed it in order to serve as a passengers’ ship that is able to sail the international waters. The ship has a worldwide license according to international safety rules and the ship has been outfitted with the latest navigation and communication systems.

The interior is warm and cosy. The mahogany wood adds to the maritime atmosphere. Refreshments can be found at the bar which is provided with a beer tab. Each cabin has its own bathroom with toilet and shower. Outside you will find plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the passing scenery.