Kilda Cruises
Kilda Cruises
5
Full view
About
5 Star VisitScotland grading for day trips to St Kilda World Heritage Site and winner of the Scottish Thistle Award for Best Outdoor Adventure Experience. Established in 2005, Kilda Cruises has unparalleled experience of St Kilda day trips and operates with the highest level of quality and comfort. Bookings by individuals, small groups and private charters welcome.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Travellers talk about
(53 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
303 reviews
Excellent
294
Very good
7
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Sheryl H
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Solo
What an amazing experience thank you so much it exceeded my expectations! Alex and forgive me I can’t pronounce the skippers name let alone spell it, but I’m sure you’ll know who was paired up with Alex yesterday were both knowledgeable and friendly. We were all made to feel welcome on board. The visit to St Kilda is just magical. It’s true that it is impossible to describe to those who have not yet seen it. Highly recommend kilda cruises. Thank you Angus and your team it was a very special day
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
Edinburgh, UK32 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
The boat was ready on time and the sea was calm, a fun day was laying ahead.
The captain and crew were both super friendly and explained everything on the boat.
We spotted some dolphins on the way to St Kilda and got greeted by the ranger on arrival.
We had some time to explore the island but could have stayed much longer - so many interesting things to see.
On our way back Alex served us Tea and coffee and some homemade banana bread - so good!
The sea stacks on our way back were interesting and Alex was very knowledgeable about everything around them and how the St Kildans used to hunt for birds here.
Definitely worth every penny and one thing ticked off my bucket list.
The captain and crew were both super friendly and explained everything on the boat.
We spotted some dolphins on the way to St Kilda and got greeted by the ranger on arrival.
We had some time to explore the island but could have stayed much longer - so many interesting things to see.
On our way back Alex served us Tea and coffee and some homemade banana bread - so good!
The sea stacks on our way back were interesting and Alex was very knowledgeable about everything around them and how the St Kildans used to hunt for birds here.
Definitely worth every penny and one thing ticked off my bucket list.
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawnzz32
Edinburgh, UK2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
We found KildaCruises to be well organised, with a comfortable boat. The crew were helpful and knowledgeable and gave us tasty lemon drizzle cake on return journey.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne D
Washington DC, DC7 contributions
May 2023
Amazing trip - something that's been on my list for a long time. Captain and crew are expert, professional, super knowledgeable about the area and the St Kilda archipeligo -- and fun! Good safety protocols and time management rolled in seamlessly. Lucked into perfect weather so the crossing was smooth both ways. The islands and stacs are awe-inspiring. Mixing the dramatic landscapes with the island's history -- hard to think of a better day! So glad I chose Kilda Cruises - they made everything smooth and easy.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tompy231
Back, UK6 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Long awaited trip to St Kilda. Crew onboard were amazing looking after us all so well, sea was quite rough outward bound but they were very attentive to all. Had an amazing day and much calmer seas home. Enjoyed the sea stacks and Boreray, very knowledgeable crew who answered everyone’s questions. Definitely one ticked off the bucket list, highly recommend for an unforgettable experience.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cally
3 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was a much anticipated, once in a lifetime, trip for us, having read so much about St Kilda. So glad we choose Kilda Cruises. The Skipper and Alex were absolutely fantastic and attentive. Despite the outward journey being quite rough, large breakers, a few were sick. Nevertheless felt safe, expertedly navigated and reassured. Definitely take travel sickness precautions before you travel!
Informative and friendly intro by Sue, warden, on arrival.
St Kilda is everything we imagined and more! Let everyone rush off up to the gap and the top then make your way up, we felt we had the place to ourselves. Just blissful.
Tour of dramatic stacks and return journey an absolute joy, thoughtful touchs of fruit cake, coffee and also a wee dram on arrival in Leverburgh Harbour . Thank you so much
Informative and friendly intro by Sue, warden, on arrival.
St Kilda is everything we imagined and more! Let everyone rush off up to the gap and the top then make your way up, we felt we had the place to ourselves. Just blissful.
Tour of dramatic stacks and return journey an absolute joy, thoughtful touchs of fruit cake, coffee and also a wee dram on arrival in Leverburgh Harbour . Thank you so much
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler46837847804
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Certainly an interesting trip and we got so lucky with the weather (still felt a bit queasy on the way back but im a poor sailor!)
The team always made sure everyone was safe and were very pleasant across the day. Trip around the remainder of the islands after being picked up from Hirta was really good.
Nice cake and tea (i noticed they took the time to make drinks to people's individual preferences - i was just grateful for a cup of something hot!). Being a researcher i had read up a lot about the islands before we went so didn't really learn anything more from the team but everyone seemed to enjoy the information provided.
The team always made sure everyone was safe and were very pleasant across the day. Trip around the remainder of the islands after being picked up from Hirta was really good.
Nice cake and tea (i noticed they took the time to make drinks to people's individual preferences - i was just grateful for a cup of something hot!). Being a researcher i had read up a lot about the islands before we went so didn't really learn anything more from the team but everyone seemed to enjoy the information provided.
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sammurrayy
Stornoway, UK1 contribution
Aug 2022
Our trip to St Kilda was absolutely fantastic and we would highly recommend.
Our journey over with Kilda Cruises could not have been any better, as the crew helped out in anyway they could, whilst also sharing a wealth of information about the Islands and the St Kildans.
We got plenty of time on the Island to go and explore and we began with a hill walk to the cliff edge were we took in the incredible view with our lunch. We also enjoyed touring the village, old church, and school which are all really well looked after.
A highlight of the trip was the tour of the Stacks you get once you depart the Island, and Fachie and Kenny were great tour guides.
10/10 day that we won't forget!
Our journey over with Kilda Cruises could not have been any better, as the crew helped out in anyway they could, whilst also sharing a wealth of information about the Islands and the St Kildans.
We got plenty of time on the Island to go and explore and we began with a hill walk to the cliff edge were we took in the incredible view with our lunch. We also enjoyed touring the village, old church, and school which are all really well looked after.
A highlight of the trip was the tour of the Stacks you get once you depart the Island, and Fachie and Kenny were great tour guides.
10/10 day that we won't forget!
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fi M
Glasgow, UK99 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
This was a special all-day trip that I’d wanted to do for several years but not managed because of the variable Scottish weather.
Myself and my dad (75) travelled to say Kilda on the fast boat, Hirta. The boat was fully booked, with 12 passengers. The journey, whilst bumpy, was exhilarating. The crew handled the seasickness of a couple of others really well.
It took 2 3/4 hours each way to get out to the islands. After 4 hours on Hirta, where we climbed the cliffs and watched the birds, we boarded the boat again to go and see the sea stacks at Boreray. It was the most amazing sight, thousands of birds nesting in the rocks. As a special treat, this trip was a real privilege and something unforgettable.
Myself and my dad (75) travelled to say Kilda on the fast boat, Hirta. The boat was fully booked, with 12 passengers. The journey, whilst bumpy, was exhilarating. The crew handled the seasickness of a couple of others really well.
It took 2 3/4 hours each way to get out to the islands. After 4 hours on Hirta, where we climbed the cliffs and watched the birds, we boarded the boat again to go and see the sea stacks at Boreray. It was the most amazing sight, thousands of birds nesting in the rocks. As a special treat, this trip was a real privilege and something unforgettable.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard F
4 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Great trip - definitely recommend.
We felt in very safe hands with the skipper and crew. Very hospitable.
We had a good amount of time on Hirta and the tour of the stacks on the return journey is outstanding.
It makes for a long day but is more than worth the effort and money (and patience if the weather isn’t good enough on your first booking).
We felt in very safe hands with the skipper and crew. Very hospitable.
We had a good amount of time on Hirta and the tour of the stacks on the return journey is outstanding.
It makes for a long day but is more than worth the effort and money (and patience if the weather isn’t good enough on your first booking).
Written 7 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LynnBrookes
Stoke-on-Trent, UK155 contributions
Whats the best weather date...what month is it generally good to travel?
Hotnote
Portland, ME5 contributions
I agree with others. It’s unpredictable. I went in July and it was flat calm and perfect conditions. They also said it was highly unusual for it to be so calm. The crew are top notch and will do everything they can to make sure you have a safe trip.
MacMacLeod
Bordeaux, France22 contributions
Hi, Are your cruises for St. Kilda accessible for people in wheelchairs ? Thanks in advance
kildacruises
Harris9 contributions
Hello MacMacleod, Thanks for your query and apologies for the late reply. Our St Kilda trips are not accessible for people who use wheelchairs due to the reasons given above, mainly the transfer from the main boat by dinghy to the quay at St Kilda.
We can and have has many passengers in the past using a walking stick or sticks and crew are happy to assist as much as we can and as much as the passenger is comfortable with us doing following prior discussion. Do contact us again if you would like to discuss further.
Easygoers
Glasgow, UK42 contributions
Hi, Easygoers. What would you like to know about this attraction? What date in April did the trip to St Kilda start with Kilda Cruises, as we are on Harris from 22/04/17 to 29/04/17? Thanks in advance
kildacruises
Harris9 contributions
Hi Easygoers
Thanks for your enquiry. Our season starts on the 17th of April this year. We have places available during the week that you are here and just get in touch via our website or by phone for more information.
Regards
Angus
Kilda Cruises.
871Maria6
London, UK7 contributions
i like to going cruise to Kilda
kildacruises
Harris9 contributions
Dear 871Maria6
Our season runs from April until the end of September so we only have two weeks left this year. If you look at our website you will find information regarding our trips in the 2017 season, booking procedure and so on.
Regards
Christina Campbell
Kilda Cruises
Davina P
Perth, Australia8 contributions
How difficult is it to get from the boat onto the jetty at Saint Kilda? Please say which company and
boat you went with in your answer.
kildacruises
Harris9 contributions
Hi Davina.
Like all boats that go to St Kilda, we have to go ashore from a small tender. This is not difficult but we do assist many of our passengers with this as people can be, understandably, apprehensive about stepping from the big boat onto the dinghy.
We are always glad to assist people as much or as little as they want us to. We have two vessels and people can find that the 'Hirta' is easier for disembarking, but very happy to discuss with you in advance if you wish.
John W
Wokingham, UK15 contributions
What is the cost for two people please ?
kildacruises
Harris9 contributions
Hi John,
The cost for the St Kilda trip is £195 per person. Included is a £5 landing fee which we collect on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland. Just let us know if you need any other details.