Islay · Jura · The Sound of Islay

Whisky Sailing Holidays to Islay and Jura

Arrive at Scotland's whisky islands the way the barley and the barrels always did: by sea. Six 2027 voyages aboard Provident, a 1924 Brixham trawler, past Port Ellen, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and Craighouse.

In short: a whisky sailing holiday with Provident is a 5–8 night, full-board voyage from Craobh Haven, near Oban, to the islands of Islay and Jura and the distillery coasts around them. You help sail a traditional wooden boat (no experience needed), anchor in quiet bays, and go ashore at whisky villages such as Port Ellen and Craighouse when the weather allows. 2027 voyages run from April to October, from £1,295 per person.

6

Whisky-coast voyages in 2027

From £1,295

per person,
full board

5–8

Nights at sea

No

Sailing experience needed

WHY GO BY BOAT

Arrive the way the whisky left

Look at a map of Islay and you'll see that its distilleries sit right on the shore. For most of their history everything came and went by sea: barley in, casks out. So the water is still the best place to see them from, with their white-washed warehouses and names painted on the walls facing the sea.

By car, Islay and Jura mean ferries, single-track roads and somebody who has to stay sober to drive. On Provident, the sea is the road. You unpack once, sail between the islands by day, and let the skipper find a sheltered anchorage for the night. Islay is, as our own voyage notes put it, "pretty much the capital of the whisky world." But, they add, "there is so much more to this island than what's in the glass."

2027 VOYAGES FOR WHISKY LOVERS

All voyages are full board, with meals cooked on board by our chef. Prices are per person. Voyages start and finish at Craobh Haven Marina, about 20 miles south of Oban.

VoyageDates (2027)NightsWhisky stops the route takes inPrice
02 · The Isle of Jura: Hills, Lochs and Solitude 30 Apr – 6 May6 Craighouse distillery, the Sound of Islay past Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain, Port Ellen £1,560
04 · Islay and its Neighbours 17 – 23 May6 Port Ellen and Islay's whisky coast, home to Laphroaig, Bowmore and Lagavulin, with a possible pint and live music at McCuaig's Bar on Rathlin £1,560
05 · Up to the Small Isles 25 May – 2 Jun8 The Nc'Nean distillery on Morvern, then on to Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna £2,080
17 · Heading South to Islay and Rathlin 6 – 11 Sep5 Port Ellen, "the famous whisky town on Islay", then across to Rathlin Island £1,295
18 · The Isle of Jura 13 – 18 Sep5 Craighouse distillery, Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain on the Sound of Islay, Port Ellen £1,295
20 · Islay and its Neighbours 27 Sep – 2 Oct5 A possible distillery tour at Nc'Nean or a stop at Tobermory, Staffa, Iona, then south to Jura and Islay £1,295

Short on time? The three September voyages are five nights and the best value of the season.

See our voyages

WEATHER FIRST, WHISKY SECOND

Provident sails where the wind and tide allow, so we can't promise a visit to any particular distillery. Opening and tour times also vary through the season. If one distillery is the reason you're coming, tell us when you enquire.

BEYOND THE GLASS

More than what's in the glass

  • Hands-on traditional sailing. Take the helm, haul on the ropes and learn to navigate with paper charts. Or simply watch the islands go by. Join in as much or as little as you like.

  • Wildlife on the way. Guests on our southern voyages regularly report eagles and dolphins.

  • Empty beaches and old ruins. Anchor by tiny Nave Island off northern Islay with its ruined chapel, or walk Colonsay's Kiloran Bay.

  • Island evenings. Dinner around the saloon table, then a drink on deck, chatting about the day's sailing.

  • A boat with a story of her own. Built in 1924, Provident is a 90-foot Brixham trawler and part of the UK's National Historic Fleet. Her history.

ON BOARD

Life aboard Provident

You sail with a small group of guests and a crew including the skipper, mate and chef. Breakfast is at 8am, sails go up around 9am, and lunch is often eaten on deck. By about 6pm you're at anchor, with dinner served together at 7:30pm. Below deck there's a cosy saloon, central heating and flushing toilets, and guests sleep in twin cabins. Berths are booked individually, so solo travellers are very welcome. Read about a typical day or see food on board.

Bringing a group of whisky friends? You can charter the whole boat and plan the route around the distilleries with the skipper.

"Fantastic sailing in stunning scenery and lots of birds and wildlife, including eagles and dolphins."

Guest, Heading South to Islay and Rathlin

"It is rare that I relax so quickly into a holiday away, but very early on I was very content and happy. Don't change a thing!"

Guest, The Isle of Jura

"I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on board and the flexibility with regard to plans."

Guest, Islay and its Neighbours

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Yes. Several Provident voyages sail to Islay and Jura, and call at whisky villages such as Port Ellen and Craighouse, where you can go ashore. Visits depend on the weather and on distillery opening times, so they can't be guaranteed.

  • Depending on the voyage and the weather, routes pass or call near Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain on the Sound of Islay, the Jura distillery at Craighouse, the south Islay coast around Port Ellen (home to Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg), and Nc'Nean on the Morvern peninsula.

  • No. The crew teaches you as you go, and you can get as involved as you like.

  • Provident's 2027 Islay and Jura voyages cost from £1,295 per person for five nights to £2,080 for eight nights, full board.

  • All six voyages start and finish at Craobh Haven Marina, about 20 miles south of Oban. There's a free transfer from Oban station when needed. Boarding is at 2pm and you're ashore by 10am on the last day.

  • Yes. Berths are booked individually, and many guests travel solo. Guests on scheduled voyages need to be 12 or over.

  • There are Islay and Jura voyages in spring (late April and May) and in September. September voyages are five nights and the lowest-priced of the season.