Stornoway Seafari

OVERVIEW

Take an exhilarating cruise through the sheltered waters off Stornoway in a high-speed vessel made for adventure. You will ride in a rigid inflatable boat – more commonly known as an RIB – which is high-powered, open-air and remarkably fast. Even so, RIBs are surprisingly stable. They allow you to reach places other boats can’t and get close to marine life because of their small size and easy maneuverability. You can expect to pass landmarks around the harbor such as the Neolithic burial grounds on Gallows Hill and Lews Castle, a Victoria-era residence that now houses a luxury hotel, museum and shops. While scanning the water’s surface, you may spot seals along the shore, frolicking dolphins just outside the boat’s wake and large black-and-white orcas, which are easy to identify by their prominent dorsal fins. The skipper will describe the marine life when possible and offer a dram of warm whisky when the cruise ends.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a thrilling ride off Stornoway in a high-speed rigid inflatable boat.
• Pass historical landmarks such as Gallows Hill and Lews Castle.
• Take in the surrounding natural beauty, a hallmark of the Isle of Lewis.
• Look for seals, dolphins and orcas, which are commonly spotted.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.