Skarv Lines - Scottish Adventure Cruises

11/09/2026

Our May visit to Staffa was just a little special…

🌅

08/09/2026

As summer draws to a close the west coast remains beautiful.

Emerging autumn colours and the unique September light make this one of our favourite months here in the Highlands.

We recently spent two nights at anchor locally, first in Kinlochleven beneath the Mamores at the head of Loch Leven, and then in Loch Linnhe near Castle Stalker, with views across to Appin and Lismore. Both were stunning in their own way.

Tell us, where would your ideal Highland anchorage be?

04/09/2026

An epic season deserves an epic finale.

Our most recent voyage has taken us from Oban to Eriskay, Barra, St Kilda, Harris, the Shiant Isles, Raasay, Iona, Staffa, Jura, Crinan, Kinlochleven, Glencoe and Appin, experiencing everything from the open Atlantic seas to the most beautiful and sheltered lochs.

Our thanks go to this wonderful group of guests and to everyone who has cruised with us during 2026. You've made it the most special and memorable season.

We're looking forward to a few special winter departures, and bookings are open for 2027. If a Nova Spero adventure is on your wish list, we'd love to hear from you.

31/08/2026

Our chef Thomas captured this great shot of Iona Abbey at sunset last night.

Tonight Nova Spero is at Jura, and there are still some wonderful places to visit before this cruise ends on Thursday.

This trip is our last “big” cruise of the summer season… but we’re already spending a lot of time thinking about 2027.

Our schedule is live and it’s great to see your bookings coming in! To view our 2027 cruises see the link in comments.

29/08/2026

Many of you are small-boat cruising converts already! But those who are yet to give it a try might enjoy this article written by Robin McKelvie for BBC Travel.

Several West Coast cruise operators, including Skarv Lines, are featured. We are delighted to be part of such a prestigious group - each offering something a little different, and thus appealing to a wide and varied audience.

The piece captures much of the spirit of the small boat cruise experience: the ability to access remote anchorages and small harbours; the flexibility to alter routes based on conditions, wildlife sightings or passenger interests; and the friendly hospitality delivered by our crew.

From our perspective, the magic is borne from a combination of all these things, along, of course, with the pleasure of cruising on a vessel which - on the outside - looks and feels like an authentic working trawler. On the inside, Nova Spero has an airy, well-appointed and comfortable interior where the only nod to her prestigious fishing history will arrive fresh from the galley on a dinner plate!

And let's not make it all about us. Without exception, our guests are the very best part of what we do. They arrive as strangers, united by a shared sense of adventure, and depart as friends, having experienced what they often tell us has been the trip of a lifetime!

What a privilege to do what we do.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20260806-scotlands-tiny-cruises-go-where-others-cannot

28/08/2026

Not the best quality of footage but to be fair, the crew were not expecting to see this visitor in Village Bay yesterday…

Apparently though basking sharks are frequently seen here in late July and August. So much so that researchers have identified Village Bay as an internationally important nursery and pupping area.

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

A few snaps for the family album!

St Kilda and the Hebrides - all experienced aboard Nova Spero…

No two cruises are ever the same - the scenery, the wildlife, the trips ashore all vary. What remains constant is our warm welcome, exceptional hospitality, delicious food, and the opportunity to see Scotland at its finest!

24/08/2026

POV: It’s night one of your 10-night cruise…and nature pulls out all the stops! 🐬🐬🐬🐬🌅

22/08/2026

Nova Spero set off from Corpach last night ahead of our last St Kilda and the Hebrides cruise of 2026.

Tomorrow I will wave them off from the pontoons in Oban. And I won’t be at all envious… (one of these statements is a straight up lie, who can guess which one?? 😉😂😂)