Set sail on Loch nan Uamh with Arisaig Marine Ltd and uncover Scotland’s storied past. Stunning scenery and wildlife await on this historic voyage.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no strenuous activity involved.
Wildlife
History
Loch nan Uamh was a key departure point for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite uprising in 1745.
Conservation
The area emphasizes sustainable boating practices to protect local wildlife and natural habitats.
Arisaig Marine Ltd
Set sail on Loch nan Uamh with Arisaig Marine Ltd and uncover Scotland’s storied past. Stunning scenery and wildlife await on this historic voyage.
Arisaig Marine Ltd operates passenger boat services and sightseeing cruises around the Small Isles, using vessels including MV Sheerwater and MV Briscoe. The company offers a mix of landing and non-landing trips that call at or sail between Arisaig, Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck. Services include one-way island transfers (Arisaig > Eigg, Arisaig > Rum, Muck > Arisaig, Muck > Eigg, Rum > Eigg, Eigg > Arisaig) and day trips such as Canna Puffins (departures from Rum and from Canna) and Jacobite sail excursions from Arisaig. Non-landing cruises are offered aboard MV Briscoe in 1.5 hour and 3 hour formats. Passengers can choose to disembark and explore islands for set periods—typically three hours—or remain on board for extended sightseeing. Many sailings allow dogs to travel free of charge with requirements that pets stay on the deck and remain on a short lead. Several services are scheduled on specific days, for example weekday sailings listed as Tuesday, Friday or Thursday for certain routes, and seasonal runs from April to August with additional June sailings. Skippers are mentioned in trip descriptions, and safety and sightseeing are combined on historic and wildlife-focused itineraries, such as the Jacobite route through Loch nan Uamh and the puffin-focused trips near Canna.
Typical crossing and cruise durations described across trips include 30 minutes, one hour, 1.5 hours, 2.25 hours, three hours and four-hour sailings, depending on route and whether landings are included.
Destinations
Arisaig, Eigg, Rum, Canna, Muck
Regular sailings to the Small Isles
Durations
30 min–4 hr
Various crossing and cruise times
Vessels
MV Sheerwater, MV Briscoe
Transfers and scenic cruises
Dog Policy
Dogs travel free
Keep dogs on a short lead on deck
Choose from puffin cruises, Jacobite sails, island transfers and non-landing scenic trips — many sailings welcome dogs on deck.
Bring your camera
Capture wildlife and scenic views during the sail, especially in good lighting.
Dress in layers
Weather can change quickly on the water; pack accordingly for comfort.
Watch for wildlife
Keep an eye out for porpoises and seabirds alongside the vessel.
Arrive early
Get a good seat and enjoy the prep time before departure.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against wind and rain during the sail.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection on deck.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera/binoculars
Capture photos of scenic views and wildlife.
Layers of clothing
Adjust clothing as weather varies.