Conservation Cruise
Wild Scotland
— Unexplored Islands and Wildlife, 6 to 18 May 2026
Highlights
Visit Britain’s highest sea cliffs at the World Heritage-listed St Kilda home to over 60,000 Gannets
Navigate the Shiant islands, recently made predator-free and now home to 250,000 Puffins
Explore the Shetland Islands and their fascinating history, landscape and wildlife
Look out for Whales, Dolphins, Otters and Seals
Discover Scotland’s least visited islands including North Rona, Sula Sgeir, Mingulay and the Monarch Isles
Take a Zodiac cruise to Staffa’s world-famous Fingal’s Cave
Observe life at Fair Isle and North Ronaldsay bird observatories and marvel at the spectacle of migration
As part of this Conservation Cruise you will not only be enjoying the best of Scottish wildlife and scenery but supporting the conservation work that protects and enhances the species and places we are there to experience.
On board team of conservation experts and professional naturalists and lecturers to guide you through this stunning Scottish landscape & its wildlife.
We will search for Otters along the coastlines
Discover unexplored islands and wildlife
Explore some of the least visited and remotest islands in Scotland from St Kilda and North Rona to Foula and Muckle Flugga.
Embark on an enthralling 13-day expedition exploring wild and remote destinations aboard the Sea Spirit while indulging in luxurious onboard amenities. Join like-minded adventurers, passionate about exploration and conservation. Experience the largest seabird colonies in the Atlantic including hundreds of thousands of Puffins and Gannets. Explore Iron Age brochs, neolithic dwellings and Viking strongholds and visit some of the most isolated yet charming island communities of Scotland. Be part of this inaugural Wild Discovery Conservation Cruise with Dan as your Expedition Leader and Rachael as Expedition Host and Guide. Be part of this inaugural Wild Discovery Conservation Cruise in partnership with Wild Earth Travel.
Your Expedition Leader, Dan, and Expedition Host, Rachael
A voyage into history…
This unparalleled voyage will take you to some of the least visited and remotest islands around the Scottish coast. Places steeped in history, myth and legend where seabird cities throng on towering cliffs and Celtic, Norse and Pictish cultures meld in a unique blend of nature and man. Tales of survival and endurance are told alongside modern stories of conservation success and human endeavour. This voyage has only ever been completed once before, in 1966, as a pioneering Scottish Ornithologists Club (SOC) Seabird cruise. On its 60-year anniversary, Dan Brown and Rachael Iveson-Brown of Wild Discovery together with Wild Earth Travel will once again embark on this ambitious voyage to the unexplored islands of Scotland on their inaugural ‘Conservation Cruise’ . With Dan as the Expedition Leader, they will take you on a journey of a lifetime.
In 1966 Dan Brown’s grandfather, Gordon Hollands, was a lecturer aboard this landmark cruise. It was billed The Scottish Bird Islands Study Cruise and focused on the remarkable seabird colonies of Scotland. With over 900 delegates aboard the MS Devonia they cruised from Greenock via the Hebrides and St Kilda, Sula Sgeir and North Rona up to the Northern Isles and back south into the Firth of Forth over nine days. On board were many of Europe and North America’s most prominent ornithologists including Roger Tory-Peterson, James Ferguson-Lees, Jean Delacour and Karl Voous. Gordon Hollands was part of the SOC team onboard to deliver the voyage. This voyage paved the way for much of the modern research and conservation of Scotland’s seabirds, the successes of which we will enjoy on our voyage.
With adventure, passion, and conservation at the heart of both Wild Discovery and Wild Earth Travel, you benefit from over 20 years of experience in voyaging, leading, and creating global expeditions, along with world-class expert guidance. We will sail aboard the capable yet intimate expedition cruise vessel Sea Spirit to explore exceptional destinations such as St Kilda and Fair Isle. You will get a true feel for the remarkable islands around the stunning Scottish coast, almost all of which are or have been inhabited by some of the most tenacious species and people in the North Atlantic.
What does a Conservation Cruise entail?
A small-ship expedition cruise led and guided by an exceptional team of naturalists and scientists focusing on a particular geographic region and supporting one or more conservation projects during the voyage. The UK 2026 Conservation Cruise will support recognised charitable partners and specific projects relevant to the region. (more information to come!)
Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
What can the passenger expect?
A unique expedition cruise with exciting landings and zodiac cruises to some of the UKs most remote and least visited islands from the comfort of a well-equipped expedition vessel. A full schedule of fascinating recaps and lectures from prominent scientists and leaders in their fields.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Tues 6 May
Glasgow (hotel night)
Welcome to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions and starting point of our expedition. Enjoy this afternoon at your leisure. This evening meet the Conservation Cruise team and your fellow passengers at the welcome dinner.
Day 2:
Wed 7 May
Glasgow Tour & Embarkation
After breakfast, we take a guided tour of Glasgow and surrounds. In the afternoon, we embark Sea Spirit before enjoying welcome drinks and dinner on board as we sail this evening out of the Clyde passing Ailsa Craig. This tiny island is a base to a 19th century lighthouse and also the world centre of quarrying for Curling Stones. It is now an RSPB reserve and home to around 30,000 pairs of Gannet making for a spectacular first evening experience. We will enjoy the spectacle from the ship as we cruise around the island taking in the gannetry as well as other seabirds such as Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin.
Day 3:
Thu 8 May
Treshnish Islands
This morning we land on Iona, which lies just off the coast of Mull and is steeped in history. St Columba arrived here from Ireland in 563 AD and Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. The island is also a stronghold for Corncrakes as well as a plethora of other species. You will have time to take in the history of the island as well as head out with the naturalists in search of Corncrakes.
Over lunch we relocate to Staffa in the Tresnish Islands, home to a remarkable series of black basaltic columns and the famous Fingal’s Cave which inspired Felix Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides overture in 1830. Onwards to Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles and home to prolific birdlife including numerous breeding Manx Shearwaters and Storm-petrels and most famously its very obliging Puffins. The island still shows the remains of 19th century black houses. The waters in this area are also very rich for cetaceans and we will be on the lookout for Minke Whale, Common Dolphin and Basking Sharks.
Day 4:
Fri 9 May
Mingulay
We will start our day at the southern end of the Western Isles chain on Mingulay, the penultimate island of the Outer Hebrides. This stunning crescent island has a beautiful sandy bay that can hold a haulout of Grey Seals sometimes numbering 600. An old lane takes us through the long deserted village where we hope to hear Corncrakes calling. The steep cliffs along the west are home to Golden and White-tailed Eagles as well as thousands of seabirds and at this time of year there may also be migrant birds in the lush valley base.
If the Atlantic is kind to us we will spend the afternoon exploring the rarely visited Monarch Isles, a series of low-lying sandy islands off the western coast of the Uists. This area is heavily protected and for good reason, being home to 10,000 Grey Seals and a significant population of Black Guillemots as well as breeding waders on the sandy machair.
Day 5:
Sat 10 May
St Kilda
The archipelago of St Kilda is often regarded as the jewel of Britain’s Islands; a wild and uninhabited cluster of rocks in the Atlantic dominated by the largest seacliffs in the UK and home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds. We will explore Village Bay, the only landing location and the site of human occupation for over 2,000 years until 1936. After a morning soaking in this truly remarkable place together with Arctic and Great Skuas, the endemic Soay Sheep and no doubt a few migrant birds we will explore the formidable stacks during the afternoon circling Soay, Stac Lee, Stac an Armin and Boreray which all now fall under the archipelagos UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Up to 60,000 pairs of Gannets breed on these stacks making for a truly remarkable experience.
Day 6:
Sun 11 May
The Shiant Isles, Sula Sager and North Rona
The Shiants are a small group of islands in the Hebrides tucked at the southern end of the Minch between Lewis and Skye. They are the scene for a remarkable success story, the eradication of the invasive Black Rat and the recolonisation of thousands of seabirds. These stunning islands are now home to over 60,000 pairs of Puffin as well as nearly 20,000 pairs of Guillemots and Razorbills, European Storm-petrel, White-tailed Eagle and Peregrine. We will take a pre-breakfast zodiac cruise to explore the isles before setting sail north. The Minch is a very rich area for cetaceans and we will keep our eyes peeled for White-beaked and Risso’s Dolphins and potentially even Humpback Whale as well. We should also see European Storm-petrel, Manx Shearwater and skuas as we head north to Sula Sgeir and North Rona, Britain’s most isolated inhabited (formerly) islands. These tiny islands are the foraging grounds for the Guga Hunters, men who sail up from Lewis to harvest Gannets. They are also home to species like Leach’s Storm-petrel and given their location, very few people ever see them. If weather and sea conditions allow we will attempt a zodiac cruise here.
Day 7:
Mon 12 May
Foula and Papa Stour
This morning we visit Foula, one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands off the western coast of Shetland. Under 30 people live here in a fertile strip of croft land and alongside thousands of seabirds including one of the UK’s largest population of Great Skuas, tens of thousands of Fulmars and almost all of the UKs northern breeding seabird species. The cliffs are second only to St Kilda and we will be met with a warm welcome and the opportunity to explore this superb island. Over lunch we will relocate to Papa Stour where we will use the Zodiacs to navigate the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, arches, blowholes and coastal caves.
Day 8:
Tue 13 May
Shetland: Muckle Flugga & Hermaness
We continue our exploration of Shetland around the northern isle of Unst. Here Muckle Flugga, the northern most land in the UK will be the focus of a zodiac cruise whilst the sheltered bay Fiska Wick will provide a landing opportunity with a walk over Hermaness National Nature Reserve, home to Great and Arctic Skuas, Puffins, Gannets, Dunlin and carnivorous plants. In the afternoon we will explore Haroldswick, the centre of the highest density of rural Viking sites anywhere in the world. Here there are several Viking exhibitions including the Unst Heritage Centre, Unst Boat Haven, site of a Viking Longhouse and the The Skidbladner (replica Gokstad ship) and the Viking Longhouse reconstruction.
Day 9:
Wed 14 May
Shetland: Lerwick & Mousa
We shall start the day with a zodiac landing on Mousa, an RSPB nature reserve and home to over 10,000 European Storm-petrels as well as the best-preserved Iron Age Broch in the world. The island is also home to breeding Red-throated Diver, Common Eider, Common Snipe, Arctic Tern, Twite, Grey and Harbour Seals and Otter.
Over lunch we sail the short distance to Lerwick for a free afternoon to explore this historic port. Those with an interest in history can explore the Clickimin Broch, wander through the narrow stone lanes or visit the superb Shetland Museum. The harbour is also an excellent place for wildlife photography with Black Guillemots, Common and Arctic Terns and even Otters foraging close by. There will also be an option to visit Jarlshof, the best-known archaeological site in Shetland containing remains spanning from 5500 years ago up to the 17th century.
Late-afternoon we will be joined by a representative from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds who will give a presentation on the work of the organisation in the archipelago.
Day 10:
Thu 15 May
Fair Isle
We have the whole day to explore the incredible island of Fair Isle. Located midway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands, the tiny population of fifty-seven islanders always extend a warm welcome to visitors. There will be numerous options here from enjoying a walk across the island searching out the puffin slopes, visiting the Bird Observatory (the most famous in the UK), stopping by the community hall for a cup of tea or maybe purchase some of the famous knitwear. In the afternoon we hope to be able to explore the coast of the island by zodiac.
Day 11:
Fri 16 May
Orkney: North Ronaldsay
Arriving at the northern end of the Orkney Islands we will visit the bird observatory on North Ronaldsay. At this time of year we will likely encounter a number of migrant birds from warblers to waders as well as many locally breeding species. The island is also famous for its coastal sheep which are walled off the pasture and onto the foreshore where they graze seaweeds.
Day 12:
Sat 17 May
Isle of May & Bass Rock
Overnight we will have relocated down the eastern coast of Scotland to the outer Firth of Forth. Our morning will be spent exploring the delightful Isle of May where we will be welcomed by hundreds of Arctic Terns and be keeping a watchful eye out for the well camouflaged female Eiders on their nests. Thousands of Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and gulls breed on the island and it will be a true seabird spectacle. In the afternoon we will ships cruise around the impressive Bass Rock, our final seabird island and home to a very impressive gannetry.
Day 13:
Sun 18 May
Leith, Edinburgh
Disembark after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station and Edinburgh Airport at a fixed time. Let us know if you would like to stay the night in Edinburgh (at an additional cost) and we can make arrangements for you.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances
Who we Support on this Tour
Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust
Scottish Ornithological Club
RSPB
Trees for Life
Your Team
Dan Brown, Expedition Leader
A lifelong naturalist with a deep passion for wildlife, Dan has explored some of the most remote corners of the globe in pursuit of conservation and adventure. Raised in the rich environment of Bangor University’s Botanic Garden, Dan’s fascination with the natural world began early.
With decades of experience as a professional ecologist, wildlife photographer, and author, Dan has worked on conservation projects from Africa to Scandinavia. Alongside his wife, Rachael, they co-founded Wild Discovery, an award-winning tour company that specialises in wildlife-watching experiences throughout Scotland and abroad. Together they’ve guided travellers on unforgettable journeys throughout the Highlands and beyond, sharing extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for Scotland’s wildlife.
Dan is excited to lead this historic expedition, retracing the steps of his grandfather, Gordon Hollands, who was part of the inaugural Scottish Seabirds Study Cruise in 1966. With a passion for seabird conservation and a deep connection to this legacy, Dan will guide you through Scotland’s most remote and remarkable islands, spotting rare seabirds and exploring rugged coastlines along the way.
Rachael Iveson-Brown, Expedition Host
Rachael runs award-winning wildlife watching company, Wild Disccovery, with her husband Dan. She is a passionate naturalist with a particular love for coastal wildlife. Previous to expedition travel she has worked for ecological consultancies where she provided expert advice on species and landscape ecology throughout the UK. Rachael’s love of wildlife and travel combined with her inherently inquisitive mind and her enthusiasm for meeting people allowed a seamless step into the world of expedition travel where, along with Dan, she has hosted many adventures.
Rachael will be your Expedition Host for this voyage working with the on-board expedition team and crew to ensure you will be well catered for, comfortable and enjoy all aspects of your journey with us. She will also guide you on shore and on zodiac cruises and help deliver the on-board education content in the form of presentations and recaps.
Wild Discovery has teamed up with expedition cruise specialists Wild Earth Travel to deliver this ‘once in a lifetime’ voyage around Scotland. Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 20 years' experience voyaging, leading and creating expeditions all over the world. Rachael and Dan have worked alongside them since 2017 and this special relationship means that the services we provide together are of an equally high and professional standard.
Your Ship
Sea Spirit
Type: Small Expedition ship
Length 90 metres
Passenger capacity 114
Built/refurbished 1992/2017
Like some of the birds we see in the Scottish Isles, the Sea Spirit is migratory, following the sun—northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter—always ready for spontaneous discoveries such as a pod of whales, a colony of seals, or a dramatic mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating Scotland’s narrow channels and shallow waters, granting access to remote and less-visited sites. For an even closer experience, the Sea Spirit is equipped with enough zodiacs so that all passengers can enjoy exploration on the water simultaneously.
Needless to say, the Sea Spirit is comfortably suited to traverse the waters of the North Atlantic on this voyage. With longer days and lingering sunsets, it’s the perfect time of year to make the most of her onboard amenities, whether it’s an alfresco meal or a spa with a view on the deck. Inside, the dining area and rooms are spacious, with ample storage to ensure the utmost comfort.
“We have chosen the Sea Spirit because of its suitability for our unique journey. Being a small ship it has the ability to sail where larger ships cannot venture.”
Sea Spirit Video Tour
Early Bird Discount!
BOOK before 28 February 2025 to receive 10% OFF*
Prices (per person)
Further details of cabins provided below
| Cabin Type | Early Bird Discounted Rate (GBP) | Availability | Regular Price (GBP) |
| Triple (picture window) | £4,946* | Available | £5,495 |
| Main Deck Suite (portholes) | £6,255* | Available | £6,950 |
| Classic Suite (picture window) | £6,746* | Available | £7,495 |
| Superior Suite (picture window) | £6,930* | Available | £7,700 |
| Deluxe Suite (private balcony) | £7,740* | Available | £8,600 |
| Premium Suite (private balcony) | £8,546* | Available | £9,495 |
| Owner's Suite (private deck) | £9,896* | Available | £10,995 |
| Single Suite (portholes) | £9,383* | Available | £10,425 |
Price is per person provided in Great British Pounds Sterling.
Sharing is available in Triple, Main Deck, Classic, and Superior Suites. If you prefer a cabin for yourself please contact us for the price.
*Early bird discount of 10% is valid for bookings made on or before 28 February 2025 and the subsequent deposit received within 7 days of the invoice being issued.
Triple Classic
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
£5,495 £4,946*
Main Deck Suite
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
£6,950 £6,255*
Classic Suite
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
£7,495 £6,746*
Superior Suite
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
£7,700 £6,930*
Delux Suite
The Deluxe Suites with private balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
£8,600 £7,740*
Premium Suite
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
£9,495 £8,546*
Single Suite
(only 2 suites) Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
£10,425 £9,383*
Owner’s Suite
Super-spacious (43 square metres/ 463 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
£10,995 £9,896*
What’s included?
Wild Discovery team plus experienced on-board expedition staff
Educational programme
1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 (hotel)
Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
Accommodation
All scheduled landings/ excursions (subject to weather conditions)
All meals on board throughout the voyage
Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
Welcome and farewell cocktails
All port fees
Group transfer upon disembarkation
Pre-departure materials
Digital voyage log
Wi-Fi on board
A native tree planted on your behalf in our woodland grove
What’s not included?
Airfare
Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings
Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person
The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions before, during or after the cruise
Staff gratuities
For full details of our Booking Conditions click here and complete the online booking form.
Gallery
Short-eared Owl
Otter feasting on a fish along the rocky shore
We will visit the famous Gannetry on Bass Rock
Machair in full bloom
The beaches on Mingulay
The Great Skua, or Bonxie, surrounded by Cotton Grass
Atlantic Puffin
Sanderling flock together to feed on the sandy beaches
Short-eared Owl
Arctic Tern catching a fish
Manx Shearwaters
Grey Seal
Gentian
Black Guillemot
Arctic Skua
Classic suit on Sea Spirit
Frog Orchid nestled in the machair grassland
The Lounge bar on Sea Spirit
Beachcombing is always a popular activity on our tours
By-the-wind-sailor
Library lounge on Sea Spirit
Lecture Hall on Sea Spirit
Tour Location
Related Trips
Western Isles Wildlife
Summer in the Outer Hebrides
Scotland’s Hidden North Coast
Discovering Caithness & Sutherland
Summer on Orkney
Wildlife, Birds & History