Scotland Boat Holidays
Taransay at Caley Cruisers
Specially designed for the open water cruising of the Great Glen these boats feature spacious interiors with large windows to grant excellent views of the breathtaking scenery along its banks. There is plenty of room on deck to make the most of the fine weather whilst cruising. All essential deck gear is provided and the seating area features safety guard rails. Accommodation: 2 double and 6 single or 1 double and 8 single, 9th and 10th berths are suitable for children.
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Scotland Island Wildlife Holidays
Have a look at a map of Scotland and you will see hundreds of Islands on the west coast of Scotland. Some Islands are easily to visit and you can even drive across to Skye from the Scottish mainland. Now look carefully at the main ferry routes and then think of all the islands that are not as easy to visit. So how does one get to these Islands? There are a number of options, you can hire a boat and sail to them however without local knowledge this can be sometimes difficult even if you are an experienced sailor.
Another way to see these magical Scottish Islands is to go on some of the many boats offering day trips around the Islands and you will often glimpse dolphins, puffins and sea eagles along with the breathtaking scenery. This is ideal for people travelling around Scotland and you can often go on 3 to 6 hour trips at a very reasonable cost. To really experience the Scottish Islands then a holiday aboard one of Scotland’s best charter boats is the best way for the majority of us to see these hidden gems of Scotland, in comfort while being looked after by a professional crew who also love Scotland.
Chris and Judi Jackson operate the MV Chalice and Chris has kindly let me use some of his pictures to you how a trip onboard the Chalice can be memorable, one of these “must do in my lifetime” experiences. It is now on my list is it now on yours?. The pictures below are copyright of Chris Jackson 2006, click the picture to visit the website.
I asked Chris if he could provide me with information on the trips and holidays aboard the Chalice and he has kindly given me the following "Press Release", If you need further information or just want to see more outstanding pictures of Scotland then visit the website.
Chalice
The small cruise ship Chalice was launched in 1980 and first operated along the south coast of the UK, frequently running out to the Scilly Isles. Catering for parties of amateur scuba divers and more specialist groups of birdwatchers, she soon built up a good reputation. In 1994, Chalice moved up to Scotland and began operating around the Inner and Outer Hebrides from the West Highland port of Oban, Argyll.
A little over 25 years from when she was first launched, Chalice still enjoys an enviable reputation, with many guests returning again and again to enjoy what has become known as the ‘Chalice Experience’. Now owned and operated by Chris and Judi Jackson, Chalice is licensed to carry up to 12 guests and 5 crew. Cruises begin in at Easter and run through the summer until September, varying in length from between four and nine nights. The shorter cruises will carry guest around the coastal wasters of Mull, Morvern and Ardnamurchan, while longer journeys range out the Small Isles, Skye, the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda.
At just under 70 feet long, Chalice can easily anchor in small, quiet bays, avoiding commercial piers, while guests can enjoy warm and comfortable accommodation with good all round views from inside or out. All cabins have twin berths, a radiator, fitted carpet, natural light and ventilation and a 240volt power supply. Mains power is available whenever the ship is underway and at other times when the ‘silent run’ generator is operational. Chalice cruise holidays are billed as ‘Wilderness Cruises’. The reason for this is that the Scottish Hebrides are an area of outstanding natural beauty - the last natural wilderness in Europe. The scenery and the wildlife are all around and although many guests join specifically for a ‘wildlife cruise’, you don’t need to be any sort of expert to enjoy the wildlife or the scenery.
Whatever your reason for joining Chalice, the wildlife and scenery are all around you. All you need to do is look! Artists and photographers can now benefit from specialist instruction too, while they enjoy a cruise around the Western Isles. Chalice is now providing two cruises especially to cater for these two interests. National magazine Outdoor Photography are running a reader holiday with professional wildlife photographer Chris Gomersall, whilst wildlife artist Bruce Pearson will be leading the ‘Awash with Colour’ cruise in April.All of the food is freshly prepared on board by the cook who is happy to cater for vegetarian or vegan diets and food allergies providing that guests give advanced notice of this when booking.
Hot drinks are available from the servery all day and wine, beer and soft drinks from the bar. On occasions, guests may also be provided with a picnic lunch to maximise time ashore when the itinerary allows.
If you’re interested in a Scottish wildlife holiday with a difference, check out the Chalice website at www.mvchalice.com