“…a stunning opportunity to see beautiful coastline from a completely different perspective.”
“…so much to see and do. We could have spent a month on board rather than just one week.”
“…so much more wildlife than we expected – seals, dolphins, some sea otters, cormorants and golden eagles. Next year hopefully we’ll see the whales!”
Cruises
Charters are normally for a full week, but daily rates are available. Poplar Voyager has a fully qualified and experienced crew. Meals are prepared on board by our own cook. The cuisine is uncomplicated and wholesome. We should be happy to discuss with you your dietary preferences and any special requirements before the trip.
Poplar Voyager is only available for charter on a crewed basis. Rates
are fully inclusive, except for fuel costs, which are billed in arrears
(an additional deposit may be necessary). For more information see Enquiries
and fees.
Enchanting waters and stunning scenery
Poplar Voyager has no fixed itineraries. You decide where you want to go, and together with the skipper, plan how to get there and how long to stay. Of course, we have got lots of ideas of what you might want to see and do. So we can plan an eventful (and maybe exciting) voyage if you want us to.
Otherwise it’s up to you. Subject to the weather, how long you have available and the proportion of time you want to spend cruising (instead of just relaxing or sightseeing) you can go virtually anywhere on the west coast of Scotland, or even visit Ireland.
The Sound of Mull and the Inner Hebrides
Craobh Haven is the ideal starting point for visiting Mull and nearby islands. The picturesque quayside at Tober(Bala)mory is a familiar sight for many children but Mull has much more to offer. Historic Duart Castle is worth a visit and you may also be lucky enough to see Golden Eagles soaring high above.
Nearby is the magical island of Iona. The stepping stone for Christianity from Ireland to Scotland – its tranquil atmosphere captivates every visitor. Equally unmissable is Staffa and Fingal's Cave. Part of the Victorian’s Grand Tour, this unique Basalt sea cave was the inspiration for Mendelssohn's ‘Hebrides Overture.'
The Trennish Isles, Coll and Tiree, and Colonsay all offer their own special attractions. After a circumnavigation of Mull, Poplar Voyager returns to Craobh Haven through (weather permitting) the infamous Corryveckan Sound.
Isle of Skye
Skye evokes Scotland’s long and rich history and just as important is home of the Talisker Distillery. Cruises can include picturesque Portree, where you can walk around the base of the Cuillin Mountain, and see Loch Coruisk. In Loch Harport visit the Distillery and view some spectacular cliff faces. Not far north of Skye lie the enchanting and rarely visited Shiant Islands.
Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna
Eigg, Muck, Rum Canna, collectively known as ‘The Small Isles’ are within easy reach and offer a wealth of interest. Dolphins commonly accompany Poplar Voyager in these waters and less frequently there is a chance to see Basking Sharks, or very occasionally a Minke Whale.
On shore, the unique Kinloch Castle on Rum is well worth a visit, where you should also be able to take in the Island’s rich wildlife. Eigg, Muck and Canna are each different in their own way and can all be included in your itinerary.
Outer Hebrides – Northern Isles and Southern Isles
Slightly further afield there are many options to see islands that you would otherwise rarely have the opportunity to visit. In the North a passage though the Sound of Harris takes you on to the Monach Islands, home of the one of the largest seal colonies in the British Isles, and then on to The Flannan Islands. It was here in December 1900 that three Lighthouse keepers mysteriously disappeared – never to be found…
In the Southern waters the more remote Islands of Bereray and Mingulay each have their own special attractions.
Longer cruises
Destinations further afield are well within reach, depending on the time available and how long you want to spend cruising. Northern Ireland, Portrush and the Devil’s Causeway are always popular. To the North the Orkney Islands abound with attractions – see the Old Man of Hoy, historic Scapa Flow, the Italian Chapel and the unique pre-historic settlement at Skara Brae.
And around the Mull of Kintyre, the Clyde estuary has its own attractions, including the lovely island of Arran – often considered to be Scotland in miniature.