There’s no better way of exploring the Inner Hebrides than by boat.
And there’s no better boat than our very own Shannick of Islay!
Fast, safe and comfortable, whether you choose to join us on one of our island trips, for a private charter or a commercial job, you’ll discover that island hopping has
never been such fun.
Islay
Craighouse – Port Ellen 30mins*
Tayvallich – Port Ellen 75mins*
Islay is the fifth largest Scottish island and the sixth largest island surrounding Britain with just over three thousand inhabitants. Its main industries are malt whisky distilling, and tourism largely based on whisky and birdwatching.
The island has the highest proportion of Malt Whisky Distilleries per head of population in the world. And because the traditional way of getting ingredients in and whisky out of each distillery was by puffer, with the exception of Islay's newest distillery at Kilchoman, all the distilleries are sighted at the water's edge. This means that you can enjoy a tour of the islands' distilleries, including Jura without ever setting foot on land.
Thanks to the Gulf stream, the climate on Islay is often more clement than the Scottish mainland and as home to many bird species, the island is a popular destination throughout the year with bird watchers. Resident birds include chough, hen harrier, sea eagle, oystercatcher, cormorant and many wading birds.
*Approximate time
Jura
Port Ellen – Craighouse – 30mins*
Tayvallich – Craghouse – 45mins*
The Isle of Jura has plenty to offer for visitors. Craighouse is the main village on the island with a shop, bistro, hotel and distillery. The island is a paradise for walkers with the Paps of Jura being the main destination with breathtaking views of nearby islands and the west coast of Scotland. There are many historical sites of interest, including Iron Age Forts, ancient burial grounds, standing stones and raised beaches. Also not to be missed is a visit to the stunning walled gardens at Jura House.
*Approximate time
Corryvreckan
Craighouse – Corryvreckan – 45mins*
The Gulf of Corryvreckan and its famous whirlpool/maelstrom lies off the west coast of Scotland, between Scarba and Jura. The maelstrom of water that lies 300 yards off the shore of Scarba on the north west side of the gulf is caused by an underwater ridge of rock, which rises to a pinnacle whose top reaches to within 30 metres of the surface; which is an effect of the tide race that causes the whirlpool when there are slack tides.
As well as seeing the wonder of the whirlpool, from Craighouse to the Corryvreckan the 27 mile coastline boasts a number of birds and mammals. Watch out for otters, seals, golden eagles, herons, oyster catchers, swans, hen harriers, buzzards, artic skuas, arctic terns and if you are very lucky - the amazing sea eagles and minke whales.
*Approximate time
Gigha
Craighouse – Gigha – 40mins*
Gigha is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and because it is low lying and influenced by the North Atlantic Drift the climate is drier and warmer than that normally associated with the west coast of Scotland. The island can boast beautiful bays, stunning views and breathtaking sunsets, lochs and gently sloping hillsides as well as a plentiful variety of wild and birdlife.
The climate directly influences the world famous Achamore Gardens - over 50 acres of rare and unusual plants surrounded by picturesque woodland. A nine-hole golf course is just a short stroll from the ferry and hotel, and to completely relax you can spend many uninterrupted hours watching seals and otters along the shores.
*Approximate time
Colonsay
Craighouse – Colonsay - 60mins*
The island of Colonsay lies in the Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. Fifteen miles to the north lies the island of Mull; the eastern and southern horizons are bounded by the islands of Jura and Islay; and to the south west, just visible from a high point on a clear day, is the coast of Donegal in Ireland. To the west lies the Atlantic, with only the Du Hirteach lighthouse standing between Colonsay and Canada.
Most visitors are attracted to Colonsay for its tranquility and unspoilt natural beauty. Although it is one of the smallest of the inhabited Hebridean islands, Colonsay offers the visitor a very wide variety of natural attractions in its varied habitats.
*Approximate time
Staffa
Craighouse – Staffa - 135mins*
Seven miles off the west coast of Mull, Staffa is the most romantic and dramatic of Scotland's many uninhabited islands. On its south side, the perpendicular rockface features an imposing series of black basalt columns, known as the Colonnade, which have been cut by the sea into cathedralesque caverns, most notably Fingal's Cave. The Vikings knew about the island - the name derives from their word for "Island of Pillars" - but it wasn't until 1772 that it was "discovered" by the world. Turner painted it, Wordsworth explored it, but Mendelssohn's Die Fingalshöhle, inspired by the sounds of the sea-wracked caves he heard on a visit here in 1829, did most to popularize the place - after which Queen Victoria gave her blessing, too.
*Approximate time
Iona
Craighouse – Iona - 120mins*
Iona is home to the ruins of an ancient nunnery, a medieval abbey, and the burial ground of 48 Scottish kings. It is three miles long and one and a half miles wide so it is possible to walk around Iona in a day with plenty of time to spend in the Abbey and Nunnery. The coast is more rugged in the south but has dazzling white shell sand beaches and secluded coves around the rest of the coastline.
Iona has attractions for all the family, great walking, beautiful beaches and offers a peaceful holiday for the whole family to live a lifestyle far removed from the hectic urban pressurised existence. The residents of Iona are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and many will go out of their way to help you get where you want to be. The local insight can be fascinating so stop and pass the time of day with the islanders.
*Approximate time
Tiree
Craighouse – Tiree – 120mins*
The Isle of Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides. It is relatively small - about twelve miles long and three miles wide - and very flat. Although the name means 'the land of corn' it has been described variously as 'a raised beach' and 'the land below the waves'.
The island has a mild climate with some of the highest levels of sunshine recorded anywhere in the British Isles. There is something of fascination for all visitors, young and old. The beautiful beaches provide miles of potential sandcastles, gently sloping paddling pools, and windsurfing for the more adventurous.
*Approximate time
Ireland
Craighouse – Ballycastle – 90mins*
Ballycastle is a small rural seaside town placed on the most north-easterly tip of county Antrim, Northern Ireland surrounded with breath-taking beauty and steeped in cultural history. Ballycastle is best known for the 'Ould Lammas Fair', probably the largest of its kind in Ireland with its 'dulse' and 'yellowman'. Ballycastle is the perfect central location from which to organise day trips. Go west along the Causeway coast to Kinbane, Carrickarede Ropebridge, Ballintoy, Dunseverick, Portbraddon, the Giant's Causeway, the Bushmills Distillery. Go east through the Glens of Antrim to Cushendall, Cushendun, Glenariff, Glenann, Glencorp, Glenballyeamon, Glendun, Glenarm. Go north to Mull of Kintyre, Fairhead, Murlough Bay, Rathlin Island to enjoy some true wildlife, fishing and diving or just enjoy the warmth of the town and its people. Ballycastle is the ideal holiday destination for the family or explorer with a variety of activities and accommodation to suit the weekend break or summer holiday.
*Approximate time
Islay Sea Safaris can also offer whole boat charters.
Whether you’re looking for a day out diving or to do some Island hopping and visit all the nearby islands in the same day, let us know what you’d like to see and we’ll come up with an itinerary to suit.
When you request the boat you can have up to 12 passengers on board. The price will include the boat, fuel, mooring fees and a fully qualified skipper.
Whether you’re looking to spoil your staff, entertain your clients or simply need to get from A to B in the quickest possible time for your work, here’s just some of the corporate work we have been involved with:
- Corporate Entertainment
- Private ferry service for construction, estate agents and other professions
- Inter Island courier service
- Filming and media support
- Safety boat
- Survey services
