Stornoway Seafari
Stornoway Seafari
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About
We are a small professional sea tour operator, run by an extremely experienced skipper, based in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Our services include wildlife/coastal tours that run seasonally between 1st April and 31st October and commercial/personal charters which are available 24/7. Our vessel is a brand new XS 850 rib, which is MCA coded for 12 passengers& 2 crew.
Stornoway, Scotland
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
54 reviews
Excellent
50
Very good
0
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
jandj20012018
Cumbria, UK16 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We got 2 places the night before for a 4 hour trip to Shiant Isles. Weather was mixed with some heavy rain so seriously appreciated the heavy oversuits provided.
We saw golden eagles, sea eagles dancing, puffins, guillemots, other nesting birds, seals, some cetaceans at a distance. Gordy was respectful to the wildlife, took us on amazing route, absolutely delightful afternoon trip, thanks!
We saw golden eagles, sea eagles dancing, puffins, guillemots, other nesting birds, seals, some cetaceans at a distance. Gordy was respectful to the wildlife, took us on amazing route, absolutely delightful afternoon trip, thanks!
Written 27 May 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.
Sheena B
Chacombe, UK285 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
We had a great trip yesterday, enjoying the swell with Captain Chris! Saw seals, a harbour porpoise and 3 great sightings of sea eagle. Chris was extremely careful to make sure everyone was comfortable but gave us a thrilling ride. He also entertained us with information, stories and jokes. Highly recommended!
Written 15 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.
Naomi Mackenzie
Stornoway, UK4 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Highly recommend Stornoway Seafari. Went on the 2.5 trip along the Lochs coast for my 30th Birthday - seen lots of wildlife - otters, seals birds of prey. Gordy and crew kept us entertained the whole trip. Will definitely be booking again soon 😄
Written 10 May 2024
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.
Aneeka J
Glasgow, UK100 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
I went on the 4 hour Shiants trip, we went to a few places but Gordy didnt say where we were or explain too much about the islands or wildlife, would have liked to learn more about it.
He brought (I think) his girlfriend and a new puppy. If youre an 8 year old, thats maybe exciting but if youre scared of dogs and on a small boat with an excited puppy its actually pretty stressful. He was taking pictures of his girlfriend posing with their dog on nice looking rocks, it wasn’t ages but I found it unprofessional. She may have been part of the crew but didnt interact with the pax so not sure.
It was also a bit drawn out, we returned early-ish so Gordy took us to see the new harbour which wasn't interesting and stopped to pick up prawns from a skipper friend (think he said they were for us but being in the middle of a road trip with no fridge or freezer, I didn’t really want live prawns in my boot).
Gordy is not covid cautious; if you are in an odd numbered group you have to sit motorcycle style with a stranger. Of course when youre on the sea with the passing air, it feels safe enough but on the times we were stationary you are very close to various people where no one is asked to wear a face mask.
Positives were that the trip was rearranged because of bad weather so maritime safety was a priority, he’s a friendly guy, he provided thermals and the Shiants were very pretty, we saw eagles, puffins, seals, dolphins/porpoises and a minke whale.
For the price paid for the trip, I didnt feel like I was on a tour as much as being taken around on a boat by some guy. Given a choice, would pick another operator.
He brought (I think) his girlfriend and a new puppy. If youre an 8 year old, thats maybe exciting but if youre scared of dogs and on a small boat with an excited puppy its actually pretty stressful. He was taking pictures of his girlfriend posing with their dog on nice looking rocks, it wasn’t ages but I found it unprofessional. She may have been part of the crew but didnt interact with the pax so not sure.
It was also a bit drawn out, we returned early-ish so Gordy took us to see the new harbour which wasn't interesting and stopped to pick up prawns from a skipper friend (think he said they were for us but being in the middle of a road trip with no fridge or freezer, I didn’t really want live prawns in my boot).
Gordy is not covid cautious; if you are in an odd numbered group you have to sit motorcycle style with a stranger. Of course when youre on the sea with the passing air, it feels safe enough but on the times we were stationary you are very close to various people where no one is asked to wear a face mask.
Positives were that the trip was rearranged because of bad weather so maritime safety was a priority, he’s a friendly guy, he provided thermals and the Shiants were very pretty, we saw eagles, puffins, seals, dolphins/porpoises and a minke whale.
For the price paid for the trip, I didnt feel like I was on a tour as much as being taken around on a boat by some guy. Given a choice, would pick another operator.
Written 21 July 2021
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.
Kenny P
Glasgow, UK20 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We originally booked for the 17th July at 10:00am, only to get a very last minute cancellation saying that they had miss read their diary and that only one space was available then, when had requested three spots. We then re -booked for the following day, only to get yet another cancellation late the evening before, saying they weren’t running the trip the next day. I’d avoid if you have any other alo!
Written 17 July 2024
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.
monstravels
13 contributions
Aug 2021
I was happy enough to see seals and the stunning scenery from the rib, so when our skipper, Chris, said to keep an eye out for Minke whales, I thought he was just trying to keep the kids on board busy. As it turned out, not one Minke but several, plus a pod of porpoises and dolphins. So much excitement on board - more the adults than the kids. The amazing colony of seals and fun ride were well worth the trip, but those Minkes, porpoises and dolphins, they were the unexpected treat for us all. Chris knows the area so well and was a constant spring of interesting info and knowledge. Plus he certainly has an eye for sealife! This trip turned out to be the highlight of my week of adventure!
Written 27 November 2021
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.
Sarah G
11 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Really lovely guys. Gordy managed to fit us in last minute for a 1.5 hour trip. Boat was great fun - got fully kitted out in waterproof suits so we were nice and cosy. Saw seals, porpoises and plenty of sea birds including an Eagle! Very knowledgeable and you can tell they are very experienced. Would definately recommend a trip!
Written 25 July 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.
Mksheffield
4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Great Skipper Chris. Informed and kept us entertained. Saw about 8 whales and dolphins and many seals. Even offered pork pies and Jaffa cakes mid way ! Amazing staff, boat and a must do.
Written 16 August 2021
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.
BexMac68
Stornoway, UK56 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
My husband and I went on a trip to The Shiants today with Stornoway Seafaris Ltd and what a fantastic day it was, thank you Gordy and Jodie.
Advertised as a 4-5 hour trip which turned into 7 hours of pure enjoyment, no complaints.
A very relaxed vibe with these guys, very knowledgeable and professional service.
Dinner in the Hotel Hebrides was lovely too.
We saw deer, guillemots, razorbills, puffins, kittiwakes with chicks, gannets, shags, jelly fish, seals, dolphins, porpoise and a minke whale - awesome. We were told, the previous day they saw an Eagle too.
We didn't have the best of weather but protective clothing was provided.
All-in All I cannot praise this company enough. An absolutely fantastic day.
Advertised as a 4-5 hour trip which turned into 7 hours of pure enjoyment, no complaints.
A very relaxed vibe with these guys, very knowledgeable and professional service.
Dinner in the Hotel Hebrides was lovely too.
We saw deer, guillemots, razorbills, puffins, kittiwakes with chicks, gannets, shags, jelly fish, seals, dolphins, porpoise and a minke whale - awesome. We were told, the previous day they saw an Eagle too.
We didn't have the best of weather but protective clothing was provided.
All-in All I cannot praise this company enough. An absolutely fantastic day.
Written 10 July 2016
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.
Thank you.
Written 1 November 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
graham m
3 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We contacted Gordon before our holiday last week, as we only had 2 days in Stornoway, and he kept in touch. Booked a trip to the point late afternoon, hopefully to see the whales. Great trip outwards, RIB was full. After 15 minutes, a disappointed Gordon said " no whales, would we like to go southwards instead ? " After an exciting fast trip, via the witch's pool, we saw seals galore, then a short time later saw 2 (or 3?) golden eagles, then a huge flock of gannets diving into the sea. What we then saw was astounding - dolphins and gannets and a lone puffin, feeding off a shoal of fish. The dolphins played up to us, and surrounded our boat, so close we could almost touch. wildlife aplenty. Gordon and Jodie obviously loved this as much as we did. A 3 hour trip became a 4 hour trip, then back home. Thanks for everything, Gordon ( du**er ! ) Recommend this to everyone. Highlight of our holiday. Next time, the Shiants.
Written 9 August 2016
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.
Thanks so much..
Written 1 November 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are looking to travel to Harris in July. What are the chances of seeing a whale at that time of year?
Written 21 May 2019
Stornoway Seafari
Stornoway, United Kingdom
Hi and thanks for your enquiry, Your chances of seeing cetaceans in July are very high however we are based out of Stornoway approx 50 mile drive from Harris , we recommend you contact Harris sea tours or Sea Harris and they should be able to get you booked on departing from Harris . 👍
Written 22 May 2019
Is the trip suitable for people with walking difficulties don't want to disembark on an island just hoping to see dolphins and wildlife. Thanks
Written 24 January 2019
Hi yes it is suitable for anyone with walking difficulties as you are seated the duration of your non landing trip in a jockey style seating.
Thanks
Gordy
Written 25 January 2019
Hi there
People usually get in the rib by stepping from pontoon into the non slip tubes then onto a seat all off which have a handle and then step down on the deck and into there seats. We also have a step up for people with any disabilities however any neck or back disabilities we strongly do not recommend the rib trip .
Regards
Gordy
Written 25 January 2019
How do you book? Is there a website?
Written 25 June 2018
Hi, If requested we go ashore after getting permission from the grazing tenant. Next time we will be ashore on the islands will be 12th May however the boat is fully booked.
Written 28 April 2017
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