Western Isles Cruises
Western Isles Cruises
5
Boat ToursBoat HireDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view

About
Western Isles Cruises LTD offer unforgettable experiences that will live with you forever. We operate the Knoydart Ferry Service, 1 Hour Wildlife Cruises & Private charter for Weddings and special occasions, plus fast remote drop off and pickups in our Red Bay RIB. We run 3 MCA approved passenger vessels: The jewel in our crown is the MV Western Isles, an 81 passenger traditional wooden ferry, with a licensed bar and toilets. This has operated as the ferry service up Loch Nevis for the past 60 years. Next up, the new purpose built in 2018, 42 passenger Catamaran the MV Larven named after the Munro on the Knoydart peninsula. And finally a 10 passenger RedBay RIB, Big Dipper. This bad boy can do 40 knots and can drop you off or pick you up from anywhere, or alternately just take you on a wildlife rib adventure you will never forget. So for your next adventure or special occasion let Western Isles make it unforgettable. We pride ourselves on our service and the quality of our staff.
Mallaig, Lochaber, Scotland
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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(52 reviews)
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5.0
815 reviews
Excellent
735
Very good
59
Average
12
Poor
4
Terrible
5
John Watson
Glasgow, UK31 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The lady in the booking office was very helpful and efficient. On board, everyone was fun and kind. We went over to Inverie and had a lovely time. The service is efficient and unrushed. A pleasant
Trip
Trip
Written 3 December 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.
Thank you very much for your lovely feedback about our staff and service. I am so glad to hear you had a wonderful trip in Inverie. We hope to see you again in the near future.
Many Thanks,
Joe
Written 4 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Olivier Nagelmackers
7 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
On time, professional and reliable. Just what you expect.
Perfect service with adapted confirmation good follow-up.
Perfect service with adapted confirmation good follow-up.
Written 3 December 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.
Thank you very much for your kind feedback. I am so pleased you had a wonderful trip and you felt our services was efficient. We hope to see you again in the near future.
Many Thanks,
Joe.
Written 4 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JaneofSkye
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The Western Isles crew were so friendly and helpful. It was stormy for our return trip The next day so the ferries were disrupted due to high winds but the team phoned us all individually to keep us updated. Spectacular customer service!
Written 23 November 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.
Thank you for your spectacular review and very kind words about the crew. I'm glad despite the stormy weather you were kept abreast of all updates. Looking forward to seeing you back onboard again in calmer weather! Many Thanks, Joe.
Written 24 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tracey m
Durham, UK85 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We had a fabulous trip on Tuesday - fantastic sightings of porpoises and dolphins. Great crew. Lovely walk around Inverie and a drink at the Old Forge - what's not to love.
Written 10 November 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.
Thank you for your fantastic review, it's wonderful to hear that you were able to see dolphins and porpoises on your sail, they're amazing creatures. A walk round the villiage and a pint at The Old Forge sounds like a perfect day! I hope you'll be back onboard soon. Many Thanks, Joe.
Written 16 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Curiosity34309035269
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Our trip across to Knoydart from Mallaig was an absolute joy!
Crew were friendly and helpful,sailing was smooth and views were incredible!
Going back to Mallaig on Sunday and looking forward to it 🙂
Crew were friendly and helpful,sailing was smooth and views were incredible!
Going back to Mallaig on Sunday and looking forward to it 🙂
Written 10 November 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.
Thank you for your fantastic review. Knoydart is a wonderful place I hope you had a lovely stay on the perninsula. Thank you too for your kind words about the crew, we pride ourselves on our customer service so it's great to hear such positive feedback. I hope you'll travel with us again sometime soon. Many Thanks, Joe.
Written 16 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicholas M
Leeds, UK1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Where to start - Initial conversation with the ladies in the harbour office was amazing and they were excellent. We booked the rib for 8 of us (4 adults and 4 kids) but we had an issue as we had a dog with nowhere to leave her for the trip. Not an issue at all - one of the ladies in the office offered to take the dog for a walk for us whilst we went on the trip (on her day off). We arrived for the trip on the Saturday and was met by the owner who provided all the safety equipment required which included the smaller self inflating vests rather than the big cumbersome ones you normally get. The trip set off and in no time we were surrounded by dolphins who provided us with a wonderful acrobatic spectacle for well over 30 minutes. After that the skipper asked if we wanted to visit Inverie to which we promptly accepted the offer. We were able to take a 20 minute walk around Inverie and visit the local store there before returning to the rib. During the trip over to Inverie the skipper allowed all 4 kids to have a significant period behind the wheel of the boat whilst at the same time explaining how it all works which the kids loved. On the way back we were treated to a Minke whale which just topped the most amazing experience off. Throughout the journey the skipper was providing an excellent level of knowledge about the local area and wildlife and put all 8 of us at ease throughout. The trip itself was supposed to last 60 minutes but i would suggest it was nearer 2 hours - you could see that this was a passion rather than a job! We will be back 100% - one of the best trips we have done and gets 5 stars across the board.
Written 9 November 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.
Thank you so very much for your magnificent review, with such amazing feedback!! I'm delighted to hear that you all enjoyed your trip on the rib and the children enjoyed their skippering experince, I sure there'll be some budding captains in the future.
It's great to hear that you were able to see both the dolphins and minke whales, they're always an amazing sight to see.
Thank you again for your kind words, I hope to see you all onboard again soon. Many Thanks, Joe.
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lilly James
Highlands7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Lovely ferry trip. Ronnie went above and beyond for all the guests. :-)
Very comfortable journey. Thanks
Very comfortable journey. Thanks
Written 6 November 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.
Thank you for your lovely review. Ronnie has been a fantastic addition to our team, I'm sure he would have been highly entertaining! I hope to see you back onboard again sometime soon. Many Thanks, Joe.
Written 8 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Explore796147
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Great service from Mallaig to inverie and super friendly staff.
Going to knoydart is amazing wild place.
Going to knoydart is amazing wild place.
Written 2 November 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.
Thank you for your great review! Knoydart really is a fantastic place and it is good to hear that you had an enjoyable experience with us. We hope to see you again in future!
Many thanks, Joe.
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roger M
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Brilliant great views great staff wonderful service will certainly be back for more next time we're in the area
Written 1 November 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.
Thank you for your review! It's brilliant to hear that you enjoyed your time on board Western Isles and we hope to see you again!
Many thanks, Joe.
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OnAir66177871041
Stoke-on-Trent, UK2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Fantastic trip to the beautiful destination of Inverie. We had a wonderful day (partly due to the weather!). The staff at Western Isles Cruises were very helpful especially as we had a wheelchair user in our party. They assisted on and off the boat for both journeys.
Written 1 November 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.
Thank you for your kind review! It's great to hear that you had a good trip with us and we are always more than willing to help with whatever your needs are. We hope to see you again!
Many thanks, Joe.
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JinxPenny
United States55 contributions
Is it necessary to buy these tickets ahead of time or can I purchase when I arrive at the docks? It will be in the begiinning of September on a Sunday.
Joe Blower
Mallaig, UK20 contributions
Hi, you can buy your tickets online, over the phone or in our office on the pier. If you wanted to guarantee your places onboard I'd always advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment. Many thanks, Joe.
568Sarah2015
London, UK53 contributions
Are small dogs allowed on the 1 hour coastal trip?
Joe Blower
Mallaig, UK20 contributions
Yes absolutely we love dogs and they travel fee😊
Maureen H
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
If I get the train from Fort William to Mallaig arriving at 13:34 and leaving at 18:15 is that too long in Mallaig, I'm not a hiker? How can I book the Western Isles Cruise and what is the time.
Thank you
jackieban
Perton23 contributions
Hi you can book western isles on the pier. There are some nice places to eat in Mallaig.
danisanchezcu
Marratxi, Spain137 contributions
Hola, buenas tarde¿Podrían decirme el precio por persona? No encuentro la información en la página web. Gracias
Joe Blower
Mallaig, UK20 contributions
Hi Sorry for not responding sooner.
Our 1 hour cruises are £12 per adult half price for children 5-13 and under 5's travel free. Our ferry service to Knoydart is £18 return. You can now book on line. All pricing is also on the web site in the sailing times.
Many Thanks
Joe