22 independent reviews for Isle of Mull and Small Isles explorer
Reviews for Isle of Mull and Small Isles explorer
Jennifer Braswell review 1 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Mooring beneath Duarte Castle, Isle of Mull...laughing with the puffins on Lunga, Trenish islands...sharing gourmet meals with new friends aboard!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need only a moderate level of fitness but you do need a flexible attitude and openness to new things, new experiences, and new people. Scotland's Western islands are more beautiful than you can see in a picture book. The food was excellent. Wildlife sightings are unpredictable yet we saw grey heron, puffins, Gannett, river otters (in the ocean). Bathrooms and showers were pretty nice for a boat. We mostly motored.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! All three. Food is local, environmental considerations were practiced at all times, and my consciousness was raised about current social and environmental justice issues.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! The best. All 6 of us are already trying to book again with our team on st. Hilda, captain Stewart and chef Georgia.Helen Holliday review 5 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is hard to pick just ONE memorable part, we loved it all!!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack lightly, warm clothes that can be layered, include a tight warm cap and gloves and waterproof things as much as possible. Also have non slip slippers or shoes to wear inside cabins.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
absolutely !4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
EXCELLENT!!Sally Frohlich review 17 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The incredibly beautiful walks on the islands, especially Cann, Eigg and Tobermory. Going into Fingal's Cave in the tender. Well done to our bosun who took us in there. The puffins were great!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your hiking boots and something warm to wear on deck. The saloon has very comfortable chairs and loads of information books so don't weigh yourselves down with heavy guide books.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We supported the local coffee shops on all the islands and we were all very conscious of the environment whilst on the islands, always keeping to footpaths and respecting local notices.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The ship was very comfortable. The Skipper, the Bosun and the Chef were all extremely friendly, skilled and helpful and the food was very good. We stopped for several hours at each island and had plenty of time for beautiful walks and to look at the puffins on Lunga and Staffa, explore Iona, and we were lucky enough to be taken right inside Fingal's Cave. The stop at Duart Castle was also very interesting and worthwhile. We were really lucky with the weather, and this was one of the most relaxing holidays I've ever had. I thoroughly enjoyed it.Barry Knott review 17 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Puffins on Isle of Lunga. St. Martins cross on Iona, care shown by our Captain and 1st mate.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't over pack.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 star. Our Captain and Cook were wonderful and filled in all the moments when not on shore with stories and great food.Read the operator's response here:
We really appreciate you taking the time to write a review regarding your recent cruise with us. I would like to add a few details which might also be useful to any future guests.
We employ the services of the local marina, shops, restaurants, guides and services such as launderette, engineers, electricians, shipwrights, cleaners, chandleries, crew when possible, etc. We encourage our guests to visit locally important heritage sites, visit local gardens, craft shops and participate in cultural events and work with local wildlife rangers and tour guides.
We are proud to say we have been awarded The Green Tourism's Gold Award and are committed to excellence in offering holidays to people who have a feel for the sea and its wildlife, both below and above the waves, as well as the wildlife ashore. Our aim is to respect the sea and the local marine and shore-based environment. To leave everything as we find it is our motto, respecting the delicate eco-system balance of sky, sea and shore. To try and achieve this, we have taken many steps and our crews have been carefully trained. One of the steps we have taken is to offer a £50 Green voucher to all the guests who travel to join us using public transport. Alternatively, they can, if they wish, donate the £50 to the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the charity working for 'seas full of life'. We are very pleased that you found your holiday with us to be excellent and look forward to seeing you again.
June Zaft review 29 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We particularly enjoyed spending time on deck and it was exciting travelling in the tender to reach the shore for the walks.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have adequate waterproofs and waterproof walking boots - a daily necessity on our recent cruise!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The company certainly did their best to reduce environmental impact through a strict recycling policy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - the holiday surpassed expectations in all aspects - apart from the weather!Cath Williams review 20 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Paula Read review 16 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing wildlife2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t wait book now. We had a super trip. Food was fantastic even for people with some allergies. Saw lots of dolphins, Minke whales all the sea birds, even the Sea Eagle3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we bought products in local towns. The boat recycled all our waste. Wildlife guide on board was very informative and knew where to spot everything4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Could not have been better. We were lucky with good weather, but it seems Captain Donald always gets the best sailing conditions for his passengersMichael Tunnicliffe review 9 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The "bonus" moments that could not be anticipated. Dolphins playing along the bow of the boat, sea eagles suddenly coming into view A low level rainbow as we anchored in a bay in Skye These were all in addition to the opportunities to explore the islands themselves and the time ith our fellow passengers and crew on the boat2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to be flexible - because sea and weather conditions can change quickly you need to rely on and accept the advice of the skipper about what to do and where to go3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The nature of the boat holiday meant that there was not much opportunity to directly engage with people on the Small Isles But we were very impressed with the care over environmental factors exhibited by the crew - even to making sure basking seals were not disturbed by our dinghy coming to land4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was beyond expectations. We got on with the other passengers and were a good mixed group. The captain, bosun and cook all did there jobs to the highest level It was a happy and enthralling experience topped off with all the unexpected bonusesDee Fleming review 4 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The unscheduled detour to Skye and all we found there, a beautiful remote beach where some of us had a dip in the sea. The fabulous food, the attentiveness and skill of the crew who just moved around us gently looking after us and the boat. Sitting on the deck in the early morning, with a cup of tea, watching the sun rise.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you’re thinking about it - just book it, you won’t regret it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt reassured by all the information given on this score - I wouldn’t have booked otherwise.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful experience.Tina Alberda review 21 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking on Canna and kayaking at Cul na Croise2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Dont over pack! There will be changes to itinerary - go with the flow ad enjoy the surprise options3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
FabulousTina Alberda review 24 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Going to Oronsay2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be flexible - things can change because of weather and tides3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
4****Steve Potter review 2 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It has to be our first sighting of white-tailed eagles, with thanks to Garry who was very good at spotting them.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Carry out a rigorous self-assessment before committing to the trip, bearing in mind that the sleeping arrangements are not the most comfortable. If you suffer from arthritis in your hips, legs or feet this may not be the holiday for you.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We've no way of knowing, from personal experience, but the fact that the company has been awarded an eco-tourism gold award suggests that it did.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An otherwise memorable holiday was spoiled by the fact that we couldn't get any sleep because of the budget mattresses and pillows. A classic example of spoiling the ship for a hapor'th of tar.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your review. We appreciate you taking the time.
Bedding, mattresses and pillows aboard our vessels are all of a good quality. Pillows and mattresses are often to people’s personal taste. We are however very sorry that you couldn’t sleep well.
Bridget Innes review 29 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing large pods of dolphins swimming alongside.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
-you need to be reasonably fit to negotiate ladders etc. bring water and wind proof clothing. Be prepared for charge of itinerary according to weather conditions.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Low waste, locally sourced food.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful crew. Efficient adaptable captain, amazing chef, and ‘deckie’ with great environmental knowledge.Dorothy Turpy review 9 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire trip was most memorable with many different highlights.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate just book it. We are really pleased that we did!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used products and services of local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An excellent adventure.Edwina Neumann review 24 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing dolphins swimming around our boat 3 days in a row! The puffins and the beauty of the remote islands.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring waterproof and warm clothing. Definitely pack some binoculars. There is so much to see.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We bought and ate mussels from a local mussel farm. We helped island trade on Iona. Most of our destinations were unspoilt by mass tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing. Would definitely do another cruise with this company.Johan Siebols review 22 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting like minded interesting people both guests and crew, great views, walks, food2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
come prepared for some great walking, a bit rugged in places3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, and will think about a repeat.Catherine Hofmann Workman review 9 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting a pod of dolphins was lovely and also close encounters with puffins thanks to Christoph ??2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take very little luggage with you because the cabins are tiny.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Difficult to tell, not sure…4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The kindness and the professionalism of Christoph and his crew was heartwarming. Comfort was basic on board. My cabin was extremely small.Read the operator's response here:
We really appreciate you taking the time to write some comments regarding your cruise with us.
Our three vessels are small cruise ships and Gemini’s cabins ensuite are small but they have been carefully designed when the boat was entirely refurbished recently, and equipped with all modern conveniences.
There are pictures of our three vessels' cabins on our website to help our future guests decide if this holiday is suitable for them.
What is very special and a delight, is that, as they are small cruise ships, our vessels can take their passengers in places of unspoilt beauty which bigger vessels
would not be able to visit.
I would like to reassure you regarding our commitment to sustainable tourism.
We always support local communities and employ the services of the local marina, shops, services, restaurants and guides. These suppliers employ local staff.
We encourage our guests to visit locally important heritage sites, visit local gardens, craft shops and participate in cultural events.
We also work with local wildlife rangers and tour guides.
With regards to our environmental impact: We ask guests to bring their own water bottles which we refill. We do not use straws, plastic cutlery/plates, drink
stirrers. We recycle all of our waste where it is possible to do so. We buy items with minimal packaging.
Engine revolutions are kept to a minimum to reduce fuel consumption. We do not travel at night as we anchor in secluded anchorages and in two of our
vessels the fuel consuming generators are switched off to give quiet ships. All fuel usage is recorded so that fuel consumption can be tightly monitored.
Our company depends largely on the internet and word of mouth for marketing to reduce paper waste.
We use low energy LEDs where possible. When purchasing equipment, priority is given to the products that consume less water, energy and fuel.
Guests travelling all the way by public transport (bus, ferry or train) will receive a Green Voucher towards the cost of their cruise.
We try to use seasonal and locally produced food when possible, which, unfortunately, isn’t always the case, depending on the season and demand.
Vegetarians and Vegans are catered for.
We are also supporting various wildlife Trusts and were awarded, following a detailed inspection, The Green Tourism's Gold Award.
I hope that this will be helpful. We hope to see you soon again for another Hebridean, marine adventure.
Amanda Felix review 28 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Stunning scenery. Seeing two white tailed eagles. The food!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To expect to see wonderful scenery but to be flexible as the weather dictates the programme. Travel light - the cabins are small.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I recommend putting NcNean's distillery on the programme as it is trying to be fully sustainable. We visited some local shops and spent money with them, as well as a couple of pubs. I don't remember visiting a conservation project but by visiting by boat rather than as individuals in cars you reduce your carbon footprint and get a much better view.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent crew who ensured we had a good time whatever the weather. Will's food was amazing! I would highly recommend your company and its cruises to other people as I really enjoyed it. My only disappointment was not seeing a golden eagle - just a lot of buzzards!David Jordan review 15 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was great but the excellent food and the relaxed atmosphere on the boat were special. And we were incredibly lucky with the weather.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Hope for as good weather as we had.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As far as we could tell, the food was locally sourced. A motorised boat cannot have zero carbon footprint but i don't think we were environmentally unfriendly. The nature of the holiday was such that we did not did not directly support the locally economy through spending.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful and memorable holiday and a great way to see the islands.Gillian Mills review 13 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fab company, super Captain and brilliant cook.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The boat accommodation is cosy with little storage so only take what you need.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I thoroughly enjoy my holiday. Couldn’t ask for more helpful and kind hosts. Food first rate. Nothing was too much trouble.Rosemary Arnott review 21 Jul 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Mull and the Small Isles were just so beautiful, and the sea unbelievably calm. In normal times I would be booking an exotic international trip- i.e.to the Maldives. This trip was even better than exotic international! The team were absolutely superb, food excellent. A wonderful experience. I will be booking again.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The trip definitely supported conservation. All supplies were sourced locally4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely superb!Steph and Andy Conibear review 28 Jun 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing Dolphins swim along with the boat was memorable, as was walking on the islands we stopped at. Difficult to pick favourites really.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for all weathers! And just relax and enjoy.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I would like to think so, by choosing a locally based business this keeps the money in the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.Holiday Reviews
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