Hebrides Cruises, a company specialising in luxury wildlife and wellness small cruise experiences around Scotland’s West Coast, has announced its private charter 2024 dates for the latest addition to its fleet, super yacht Lucy Mary.

Hebrides Cruises, based in Oban on the west coast of Scotland, has been offering wildlife cruises to the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda since 1996. The family-owned company, headed by Rob Barlow, his daughter Emma Fairbairn and son-in-law James Fairbairns, spent three years searching for the perfect vessel.

The family and their colleagues wanted a boat with luxurious accommodation, ocean-going endurance, excellent facilities and sustainable credentials. They found what they wanted in Lucy Mary, a classic, 23-metre-long motor yacht of contemporary design built by the renowned Lowland Yachts in Holland, which is now in Oban, after a 3,800 nautical mile journey from Beirut.

Private charter guests on Lucy Mary will be taken to far-flung destinations to experience unique sightings of minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters and many bird species on the four or six-night cruise, with shore visits to some of the Hebrides’ most iconic locations.

Hebrides Cruises has an unrivalled understanding and experience of the waters, wildlife and environment of Scotland’s Inner and Outer Hebrides, which, coupled with the maritime knowledge and exceptional skills of the crew, enable the cruises to drop anchor at some of Scotland’s hidden coastal gems, secret anchorages and famous landmarks, such as The Stacs at St Kilda.

About Lucy Mary
Lucy Mary is designed for ocean cruising with a specially built, strengthened hull, stabilisers and five-bladed propellers to ensure a comfortable and safe cruising experience, offering cruises to further flung iconic landmarks and locations in The Hebrides.

The vessel carries ten guests for private charter in four ensuite cabins, including a master cabin suite. The tender is also carried on board for a safe and fast voyage.

Lucy Mary’s fittings and finishes are impeccable and elegant, from the custom-designed mahogany dining table, stylish bar area and original artwork to a stunning rear deck for alfresco dining and sunset drams.

The Master Cabin Suite is spacious and light, with a large dressing room, desk and seating area. Mahogany flooring covers the main saloon inside the deck, while exterior decks are finished in teak.

Guests are given the warmest of Highland hospitality and treated to the finest produce from the West Coast, cooked by a gourmet chef. The crew pick up the ‘catch of the day’ from passing fishing boats, and a particular treat is when the Skipper goes over the side of the yacht to hand-dive for scallops before inviting guests to help prepare them for dinner.

Paddle boards and day kayaks are available on board, allowing guests to take to the waters themselves.

Being environmentally friendly is important to the family-owned company. Lucy Mary is fitted with Caterpillar engines which are recognised for reliability and fuel efficiency, three super-quiet generators with low fuel consumption, and an air conditioning system that allows for cool and hot air, which means no need for a boiler; therefore, fuel consumption is less. In addition, there is also a water maker on board.

Rob Barlow, Owner of Hebrides Cruises, said, “We create truly unforgettable, flexible experiences for our private charter guests according to their wishes; our crew know exactly where to go at specific times of the year to see the best examples of wildlife in their natural settings.”

“We take guests to destinations such as St Kilda, Mingulay, the Monachs, the Shiants and the Summer Isles. Our cruise itineraries also call in at stunning locations such as Barra, Vatersay, the Uists, Lewis, and Harris, and we island-hop to the idyllic inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Iona, Skye, Eigg, Muck, Rum, and Canna.”

“We have a policy of four crew to eight guests, the highest ratio in small-ship cruising in Scotland, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really experience and understand wildlife. A private charter offers guests an exclusive, luxurious, uniquely memorable and personalised experience on Scotland’s waters.”

Dates for either four or six-night private charters for up to 10 people are below.

  • 16 April
  • 17 June
  • 17 August
  • 24 August
  • 4 October

The private charter for six nights costs £25,000, and for four nights, £18,500.

Read more boating news and features here.