36 years experienced skipper/wildlife guide Lindsay Johnston invites you aboard to view the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery of the Sound of Jura and the Firth of Lorn or for a Whirlpool Experience to see the maelstrom in action.
See our news for latest trip departure times and any special offers.
We operate 7 days 1st April to 31st October subject to weather and demand. November to March by arrangement.
For the best dates to see Corryvreckan in action see www.whirlpool-scotland.co.uk
For a superb slide show taken from Sea Leopard visit www.hebridean-wild.co.uk
Our Cruises
2¼ hour Whirlpool Experience
Departure times will vary depending on the tides. This trip will only run on days when there is sufficient tidal movement. Please enquire.
Although we can usually get close to and sometimes into the maelstrom, the boat is always kept in safe water - this is not a white knuckle ride.
Learn how the whirlpool works and hear tales of Prince Breckan and the Calliach (hag) of the whirlpool.
Please note that the strength of tide, wind strength and atmospheric pressure will effect what you see in the Gulf.
2 hour Wildlife Boat Trip
Depart 11am Monday to Friday. This trip will only run when we are not running the Whirlpool Experience trip. Please Enquire.
Sail down Loch Craignish and out to the north end of Jura, passing a seal haul out and a sea eagle's nest. Look out for eagles, other raptors, red deer and otter then return past the entrance to Corryvreckan while looking out for porpoise and a multitude of sea birds.
3 hour Islands, History and Wildlife Boat Trip
Depart usually at 2pm most afternoons.
Sail past Craignish Castle and out to the north end of Scarba and the Grey Dogs. Cruise down the east coast of Scarba looking out for red and fallow deer, golden eagles, sea eagles and other raptors. Go across the entrance to Corryvreckan and on down the Jura coast past a seal haul out and a sea eagle's nest then to Barnhill (George Orwell's House) or over to Duntrune Castle while looking out for porpoise and if lucky, dolphin, basking shark and minke whale. Return taking in the historic islands in Loch Craignish.
4 hour trip to the Garvellach Isles and Wildlife Boat Trip
Depart usually at 1.30pm Thursdays subject to weather and demand.
Sail past Fladda lighthouse and Belnahua slate island and on to the spectacular Garvellach Isles, the site of a monastery founded by St. Brendan in the 6th century. Land to see the ruins if conditions permit. Landing is by rubber dinghy so passengers must be reasonably fit and mobile. Sensible footwear and clothing essential. Time ashore approximately 1 hour. Your guide will give a short informative tour of the ruins. Those not wishing to land will be taken on a short trip round the island.
Return looking out for sea and golden eagles soaring above the cliffs and seaward for porpoise, seals, sea birds and sometimes dolphin, basking shark and minke whale.
Please note this trip may take longer than 4 hours and is not suitable for young children or dogs. You may wish to bring a picnic in case we are late back.
Advance booking essential.
Whale Watching / Wildlife Watching 4 hour trip and day trip
Departure times will depend on the tide (for dates see our news page, call us on 07747 023038, or email us).
We will take in a seal haul out, a sea eagles nest, while searching for golden eagle, other raptors and out to sea for whales, dolphin, porpoise and basking shark.
We constantly monitor whale movements and only run this trip when whales are in our area usually June to September, even so sightings cannot be guaranteed. All sightings are reported to the relevant organisations.
Bring your lunch (hot and cold drinks available on board) sun block, warm/waterproof clothing. Sea Leopard 11 is a remarkably stable vessel and is ideal for whale watching and photography.
Trip is subject to weather and demand
This trip is not suitable for children. Advance booking essential.
Minke Whale from Sea Leopard on east side of Corryvreckan Gulf
DON'T FORGET
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, even on cool days the reflected rays of the sun can cause sunburn.
- Bring warm and waterproof clothing; it is colder at sea than on land and our weather can be changeable.
- Bring your camera; there will be ample photo opportunities.
- Bring your binoculars. We have some on board but best to use your own.
Sea Eagles
Private Charter
Sea Leopard 11 is available for private charter by the hour, half day, or day by Tour Companies for anniversaries, corporate days out, weddings, scattering of ashes etc. Evening charters by arrangement.
Please call to discuss your requirements.
Water Taxi
We can take walkers, cyclists, kayakers etc to many locations, please enquire.