Island Cruising

Success Stories

Island Cruising, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Cruising amongst magical islands

"No need to brave the icy Arctic weather to catch sight of the magnificent Humpback whale! Or to cruise the Caribbean to spot a dolphin, because the waters around Scotland are rated the best in Western Europe for whales, dolphins and porpoises."

Murdo Macdonald, Skipper,
MV Cuma, Island Cruises

Island Cruises take place on board the MV Cuma. Formerly a fishery research vessel for Liverpool University, MV Cuma is 67 feet long and has been expertly converted into a comfortable cruise boat for up to twelve passengers. The Cuma’s skipper, Murdo Macdonald is a native of the Isle of Lewis and has a lifetime’s knowledge of the Outer Hebrides’ seaboard. Murdo has been operating Island Cruising since 1998 from the Cuma’s base in Uig.

Depending on the interests of guests and weather conditions, Murdo will choose the best routes for visiting cultural sites or for sighting cetaceans and other wildlife. Murdo aims to give guests a greater understanding of the natural and cultural heritage that makes the Hebrides so special.

The waters around the Outer Hebrides are recognised as one of the best marine areas in Britain, and have a great variety of wildlife. Its waters are frequented by several species of dolphin, porpoise and whale and are of international importance for many types of seabirds such as puffin, as well as being home to large numbers of both common and grey seals.

The four or six day cruises aboard the MV Cuma can take guests anywhere in the Hebrides, from North Rona and Sula Sgeir to the north, and the Flannan Isles and St Kilda to the west, to Uist, Barra and the Inner Hebrides to the south.

Cruises are arranged to suit the specific interests and abilities of the group. A wildlife specialist guide accompanies parties with specific interests on board and ashore. There is plenty of time scheduled for exploring islands ashore at the pace of any specific group. The Cuma’s experienced crew and onboard library of field guides and books provide all the information and assistance guests need to get the most from their holiday and avoid disturbance to wildlife. A very important part of wildlife tourism is ensuring the wildlife itself is protected. For example, ensuring that nesting seabirds are not frightened off eggs or chicks and that red deer calves are not handled.

When making an inquiry, passengers are given a list of interest topics such as birdwatching, hillwalking, sealife and cultural heritage. From the responses to the list a tailored holiday can be offered to match the specific interests of a particular group or individual. This ‘customer care’ approach is another important part of wildlife tourism.

The Cuma also takes groups of trained divers. By combining Murdo’s local knowledge with the experience level of the group an itinerary is devised that will capture the imagination and send guests home with many vivid memories!

Some of these special memories relate to getting close to nature and gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Hebridean islands, their wildlife and culture.

As a member of the Sea Watch Foundation, MV Cuma places particular emphasis on sighting and recording cetaceans, following their seasonal feeding patterns, with passages to remote islands and lochs. The value of this recording work is explained to guests who often get added pleasure from knowing they are helping with national conservation research projects. The species most likely to be sighted include Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise and Common Dolphin.

Working Together Icon Island Cruising is also a member of the Scottish Marine Wildlife Operators Association (SMWOA). This unique association was set up by businesses dedicated to introducing their customers to the marine wildlife of Scotland in an environmentally sustainable way. As a member, Island Cruising follows a code of practice that ensures they will take care of, and respect the marine environment and help safeguard wildlife. For more details about the SMWOA click here.

For further information about Island Cruising please contact:
Murdo MacDonald
1 Erista
Uig
Isle of Lewis
HS2 9JG

Tel: 01851 672381
Fax: 01851 672212
Email: info@island-cruising.com
Alternatively, visit the Island Cruising website at: www.island-cruising.com

Last updated 30th September 2002

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