9-26. Adventure Sailing: from Stornoway to Oban

Discover The Outer Hebrides :

A Sailing Adventure from Stornoway to Oban 2026

Embark: Monday, 6 July 2026, at 17:00 in Stornoway

Disembark: Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 10:00 in Oban

Duration: 11 days

Prepare for an adventure you won’t forget! This 11-day sailing trip takes you on a voyage through the breathtaking islands of the Scottish West Coast. From Ullapool, nestled in Loch Broom, to the lively Oban, this trip offers the perfect route for adventurous sailors looking to enjoy nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Highlights of this Voyage:

Wildlife in the Outer Hebrides – Spot dolphins, seals, and maybe even orcas
The Shiant Islands – Famous for their impressive bird populations
Spectacular views from the Sound of Sleat – Sail along the stunning coastline of Skye and enjoy the beauty of Loch Nevis
Hike to An Sgurr on Eigg – Climb this rock formation and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Small Isles and beyond
Visit to Plockton – Explore this picturesque village with its palm trees, cozy pubs, and unique Scottish charm

From Stornoway to Oban: Possible Route

Day 1. Stornoway – Start of Your Adventure
Your voyage begins in the heart of Stornoway. At 17:00, we’ll welcome you aboard, where you’ll have time to settle in, explore the ship, and meet your fellow travelers. It’s the perfect opportunity to get comfortable and start soaking in the excitement of the adventure ahead.

After a relaxed introduction, we’ll enjoy a shared dinner on board, discussing the exciting voyage ahead, the incredible places we’ll visit, and the nature we’ll encounter. Jan-Willem and Mariëlle will guide you through what’s to come, making sure you’re prepared for an unforgettable experience. We’ll raise a toast to the start of a truly memorable 11-day voyage!

Day 2. To the Bird Paradise: The Shiants
On day two, we head out early towards one of the most unique spots on this trip: the Shiant Islands. After a 20-nautical-mile sail, keeping an eye out for dolphins, seabirds, and perhaps even a whale, we reach this remote archipelago in the heart of the Minch. The Shiants are known as a bird paradise, home to thousands of puffins, guillemots, and gannets that nest on the steep cliffs.

With plenty of time to explore ashore, we’ll take in the rugged, untouched beauty of these islands, surrounded by nature and tranquility. The views over the shimmering sea, along with the constant motion of birds in the air, make this place unforgettable. We’ll spend the night anchored off these unique islands, at the heart of nature.

Day 3. Tarbert: Harris Tweed and Whisky
Today, we sail to Tarbert, a charming harbor on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Tarbert is famous for its scenic location and cozy atmosphere. We’ll overnight at the marina and you’ll have the chance to explore the local sights. Visit the distillery to taste some fine Scotch whisky, or learn about the history of Harris Tweed, which has its origins here. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture and artisanal traditions of the islands.

Day 4. Duntulm, Skye: Castle Ruins and Breathtaking Views
Duntulm, located at the northern tip of the Isle of Skye, is a place steeped in history and natural beauty. Here, you’ll find the ruins of Duntulm Castle, once home to the powerful MacDonald clan. Perched on a cliff, the castle offers spectacular views over the Minch and the Outer Hebrides.

The area is perfect for spotting seabirds, seals, and, with a bit of luck, even dolphins. With its serene bay and rugged coastline, Duntulm is a special stop for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Day 5. Rona: Hidden Gem of the Inner Hebrides
We sail to the remote island of Rona, located on the west side of Skye. This island offers a unique combination of peace and untouched nature. Rona has a permanent resident: the island keeper, who oversees the island and ensures its maintenance and sustainability. Enjoy walks along the narrow paths, and you’ll likely encounter red deer roaming freely across the island. Rona is a picturesque island with breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and islands.

Day 6. Plockton: A Picturesque Village with a Tropical Feel
Plockton is a picturesque village on the shores of Loch Carron, famous for its charming atmosphere and the unique blend of mountains, palm trees, and calm waters. Its mild climate, courtesy of the Gulf Stream, allows tropical plants like palm trees to thrive. The village is known for its colorful fishermen’s cottages and scenic harbor, where you can enjoy the local ambiance.

Day 7. Through the Sound of Sleat to the Serenity of Loch Nevis
We sail through the stunning Sound of Sleat, a narrow strait that separates Skye from the mainland. It’s a spectacular stretch of water, surrounded by dramatic mountains and rolling hills. By the afternoon, we’ll reach Loch Nevis, a remote and serene place only accessible by boat. Here, we’ll drop anchor and enjoy the silence and pristine nature surrounding us – a perfect end to a beautiful sailing day.

Day 8. Eigg: Hike to the Top of An Sgurr
Today, we head to the Isle of Eigg, one of the Small Isles, where the striking rock formation of An Sgurr dominates the landscape. This unique peak, formed by an ancient lava flow, offers spectacular views of the other Small Isles, Skye, and Ardnamurchan. For those up for the challenge, there’s a hike to the summit, with a few steep sections rewarded by panoramic views of unparalleled beauty. After the exertion, you can relax in the cozy local pub. A day full of adventure, nature, and unforgettable vistas!

Day 9. Colorful Houses and Atmosphere in Tobermory
After leaving the Small Isles, we sail to the Isle of Mull, where we’ll dock in the fishing village of Tobermory. With its iconic colorful houses along the harbor, the village invites exploration. Tonight, you can enjoy authentic Scottish cuisine in one of the cozy pubs – the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and stunning views.

Day 10. Hike on Kerrera and Captain’s Dinner
On our last sailing day, we head to the idyllic Isle of Kerrera, a peaceful haven close to lively Oban. Here, the rural charm and breathtaking views of the surrounding coast are unparalleled. The absence of cars – except for the locals – makes Kerrera a true paradise for walkers. In the afternoon, there’s plenty of time to explore the island on foot and enjoy the serene nature. In the evening, we’ll conclude this wonderful journey in style with a cozy Captain’s Dinner aboard.

Day 11. End of a Remarkable Journey in Oban
After a delicious breakfast, we sail to Oban Marina for the final leg of our journey. After an adventurous and varied trip, we say our goodbyes at 10:00, taking with us memories of an unforgettable sailing experience.

Nature Sets the Course: “Nature and the weather shape every voyage, making each sailing adventure truly one of a kind. The proposed itinerary serves as a guideline and may be adjusted to match the conditions, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience. Your safety and happiness always come first.”

Wildlife

Sailing with Steady promises amazing wildlife encounters. You’ll often see seabirds like puffins, razorbills and guillemots, while sea eagles soar majestically along the rugged coastline. On land, keep an eye out for red deer, and with a bit of luck, you might spot an otter in the bay. The seabird colonies, especially during the breeding season, create a cacophony of sounds that echo off the cliffs. As we sail through Scottish waters, you may also spot seals curiously poking their heads above the water or sunbathing on rocks.

Dolphins are frequent visitors, with common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and white-beaked dolphins often playing alongside the boat. Occasionally, we spot Risso’s or white-sided dolphins, and Minke whales are common. On rare days, you might even see humpback whales. The real stars of the show, however, are the local pod of orcas — an unforgettable experience if you’re lucky enough to see them. Make sure to keep your binoculars handy!

Is This Adventure Calling You?

This voyage is perfect for those who enjoy an active and diverse holiday, exploring new destinations in the company of fellow travelers.

Looking for variety and adventure – Perfect for those who want to explore new destinations and experiences in the company of fellow travelers.
Passionate about nature and sailing – Ideal for sailors and nature enthusiasts who enjoy active holidays in unspoiled surroundings.
Wildlife lovers – A great choice for travelers eager to spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
Comfortable with active travel – Suitable for those with good energy and adaptability, as the trip includes longer sailing passages and extended time on the water. You’ll need to feel confident moving around on a ship in motion.
Age is just a number, but… – This voyage requires physical effort and balance at sea. Guests over 75 are encouraged to contact us beforehand to ensure this active and extended sailing trip is the right fit for them.

Hands on Deck!

This adventure is all about rolling up your sleeves and joining the action! Whether you’re hoisting the sails, lending a hand in the galley, or simply sharing a laugh with your fellow sailors, your involvement makes life onboard lively and unforgettable. Together, we’ll create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where teamwork and fun go hand in hand.

Onboard Catering

Enjoy healthy, varied, and most importantly, delicious meals prepared with care by Mariëlle. Whether you’re vegetarian or have other dietary needs, we’ll make sure each meal is flavorful and made with fresh, local ingredients. Although we can’t offer vegan meals, we’re happy to accommodate other dietary requests. All meals on board are included, along with drinks like tea, coffee, milk, and orange juice. A glass of wine is served with dinner. Other drinks are not included and will be settled at the end of the trip. For safety reasons, no alcohol is served before or during sailing.

Discover the Flavors of Scotland During one evening of your 11-day voyage, our cook takes a well-deserved break, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in Scotland’s culinary delights. Join your fellow travelers for a shared dining experience or venture out on your own to explore a local restaurant. The exact evening will be planned during the trip, based on the itinerary and weather conditions. Please note that this meal is not included in the trip price and will be at your own expense.

Price

• €2,350,- (shared cabin)
• €3,525,- (single use of a double cabin, 50% surcharge)

Included:
• Captain and mate/cook
• All meals and drinks (tea, coffee, etc.)
• Use of Musto BR1 sailing gear, bedding, towels
• Eco-friendly showergel and shampoo
• And more!

Excluded:
• Personal expenses, soft drinks, and alcohol
• Travel to and from the ship
• Travel and cancellation insurance

Getting to the Ship

You are responsible for arranging your travel to and from the ship.

Traveling to Stornoway:

By Ferry: Take a ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours, with two daily sailings (more on Sundays in peak season). Advance booking is recommended.
By Air: Flights to Stornoway Airport (SYY) are available from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness, with Loganair offering regular connections. Flight time is approximately 1 hour.

Traveling from Oban to Glasgow:

By Train: ScotRail operates direct trains from Oban to Glasgow Queen Street, with a journey time of around 3.5 hours.
By Bus: Scottish Citylink offers direct buses from Oban to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, taking approximately 3 hours.

For both routes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Click here for more info

Book Your Trip with Steady Sailing

Ready to book your sailing adventure with Steady Sailing? Simply complete our booking form, and we’ll send you a no-obligation quote. Once you confirm, we’ll follow up with a few additional questions and finalize your booking. This ensures we’ve got everything covered for your unforgettable journey along Scotland’s west coast and the Hebrides.

For questions or to book, click here – we’re happy to help!

Travel & Cancellation Insurance

We highly recommend that you secure your own travel and cancellation insurance for your sailing trip. This will ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected situations. Please make sure your insurance covers both the trip and the activities you plan to do with us.