Outer Hebrides Expedition Information
Dates: Sunday 1st June – Saturday 7th June 2025
Cost: £2,749 per person (single cabin; twin cabin with WC); £3,054 per person (cabin with en-suite bathroom) £1,180 deposit payable at time of booking; final payment is due 10 weeks before departure.
Travel Arrangements: Dunstaffnage Marina, Oban. Meet your guides near the pontoon gate between 12.30 and 1.00pm on Sunday 1st June. A member of the crew will then meet us and to take us to the Seahorse. The boat normally sets off about an hour after boarding. Please have your lunch before boarding. Afternoon tea will be provided as we depart the marina. We disembark at the end of the trip no later than 11.30am Saturday 7th June.
Accommodation: All cabins are temperature controlled with their own wash basin. There are a mixture of twin and single cabins. Two of the twin cabins have full ensuite bathrooms. Two twin cabins have toilets only. The single cabins share a communal bathroom. Bed linen, towels and bath robes are provided.
Meals: Dining is in the spacious deck saloon and weather permitting may take place alfresco on the aft deck. Our on board chef prepares freshly cooked meals from locally sourced produce. A sample of the meals can be found at this link. Complimentary pre-dinner aperitif and wine is served with with your meal and we can cater for any special dietary requirements. Coffee and tea are offered during the day. There is a fine (if limited) selection of single malts in the honesty bar. However, do feel free to bring your favourite tipple on board.
Kayaking: The aim of the expedition will be to paddle at Barra, Vatersay and some of some of the uninhabited islands to the south of Barra: Sandray, Pabbay and Mingulay. Our kayaking destinations will be determined by the suitability of the weather and will be decided by the skipper of the Seahorse in conjunction with the kayaking instructors.
The Outer Hebrides, by virtue of its location, is exposed to the full force of the weather and sea conditions. In view of this, reasonable weather and sea state are required to safely kayak at some locations. We do our best to reach Mingulay, but if the sea conditions are such that it isn’t safe to travel there, then we cruise and paddle other spectacular islands and coastlines on the Hebrides and west coast of Scotland.
What to bring:
- Sea kayaking equipment and clothing (we can arrange rental if you don’t have your own: cost £150)
- Kayak trolley – this is helpful when boarding the Seahorse at Dunstaffnage marina. We do have a trolleys you can borrow if you don’t have your own.
- Clothes, toiletries, sun cream, camera, phone, charger, headtorch and any other personal items
- A set of kayak straps to secure your kayak on deck (we provide these if we’re arranging your sea kayak rental)
- Lightweight outdoor waterproof jacket and trousers
- Footwear: A clean pair of shoes for inside the boat; Lightweight walking boots or wellingtons for trips in the tender and to go ashore
- Baggage: Storage space is limited on board so we advise soft bags for ease of stowing your luggage; A small day sack is useful for trips ashore
- Water bottle: A refillable water bottle is useful
Health & Medical Services:
Let us know if you have any special medical conditions e.g. allergies or need any medication refrigerated. If you have any medical devices that need charging let us know and their compatibility with the ship’s electrical system can be checked. The skipper and your guides are qualified first aiders and there is a comprehensive first aid kit on board. Guests should bring any medicines or pharmaceutical products they are likely to need during their time on board. If you think you may suffer from seasickness don’t forget Kwells or Stugeron!
Communications:
The cellular system in the Hebrides can be irregular, however during every day at some time you should be able to use your mobile phone and there are phones on shore. The boat has access to emergency services via VHF radio. It is possible to access the internet from local hotels or pubs, or you can use your mobile phone as a personal hotspot whenever your mobile phone network allows. During your stay on board you may be reached using the following mobile numbers: 07984 316178 and urgent messages can be sent via the office email: info@sthildaseaadventures marked for your attention.
Electricity supply:
The Seahorse’s electricity supply is 240V AC. All cabins have a power outlet for a UK plug. If you are coming from another country please organise an adaptor to fit a standard 3-pin UK socket.
Smoking:
No smoking is allowed anywhere on deck or down below including in all the cabins and deck saloon.
Outer Hebrides Expedition Booking form
All passengers must complete an online booking form for the expedition.
Insurance:
We appreciate that wholly unforseen events may result in cancellation. In view of this and for your piece of mind we therefore strongly advise you to take out appropriate accident and cancellation insurance at the time of your booking.
Terms and conditions:
Please see the Sea Kayak Plockton terms and conditions prior to booking on this expedition. Our charter vessel, the Seahorse II, is operated by St Hilda Sea Adventures. Please also see the St Hilda Sea Adventures terms and conditions prior to booking on this expedition.