Exploration aboard a sailboat - Highlands and Hebrides in Scotland
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationEurope / Scotland
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions155.09 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark in Inverness for a maritime odyssey through Scotland's most iconic landscapes.
On board Fleur de Lampaul , a majestic wooden sailboat classified as a Historical Monument, you will cross the mythical Caledonian Canal between mountains and legendary lochs, including the famous Loch Ness.
Then head west towards the Inner Hebrides , a mosaic of wild islands where nature and Scottish traditions mingle: Mull, Jura, Islay… Here, the sea blends with the moor, deer watch over the cliffs, and distilleries gently smoke by the water.
An adventure punctuated by sailing, the discovery of picturesque ports and the tasting of the world's most renowned peaty whiskies .
Between sailing maneuvers, walks ashore and a friendly atmosphere on board, experience an exploration in the heart of maritime Scotland, between raw nature and Celtic culture.
The highlights
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Crossing the legendary Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness
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Wild stopovers in the Hebrides islands: Jura, Islay, Mull…
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Participatory sailing aboard a traditional sailboat listed as a Historical Monument
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
Management
French
English
A professional and caring crew at your service.
On board the Fleur de Lampaul, you will be accompanied by a crew of three professional sailors, passionate about the sea and passing on their know-how.
- The captain, responsible for the safety and smooth running of the ship, will guide you pedagogically in the art of traditional sailing.
- The second mate, the captain's right-hand man, will introduce you to the maneuvers, to holding the helm, and to the rhythm of life at sea.
- The sailor-cook, in addition to participating in navigation, will delight the crew and passengers with simple, tasty meals adapted to life at sea.
Everyone here shares the desire to create a warm atmosphere and offer you a friendly and safe maritime experience. No sailing experience is necessary: your curiosity is all you need!
Program
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Boarding in Inverness, Scotland, UK
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Boarding at the port of Inverness
Check-in is from 6 pm (with the possibility of arriving later in the evening depending on your schedule). You can also leave your bags upon arrival if you let us know in advance.
Boarding, meeting the crew, presentation of the sailboat, safety briefing followed by a friendly meal shared together. First night at the dock.
Day 1 -
The Caledonian Canal
- Activity Sailing
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From East to West of Scotland, peaceful navigation from lock to lock and crossing of the great lochs, including Loch Ness.
Days 2 to 4 -
Island of Jura
- Activity Sailing
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Sailing to the wild island, extended stopover to discover its landscapes and visit its distillery.
Days 5 to 7 -
Isle of Islay
- Activity Sailing
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Sailing to the wild island, extended stopover to discover its landscapes and visit its distillery.
Days 8 to 9 -
Crossing to Belfast
- Activity Sailing
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Sailing through the North Channel towards Belfast.
Days 10 to 11 -
End of the cruise at Bangor Marina (Belfast)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The cruise ends at Bangor Marina, located 45 minutes by bus from the center of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, after a final night docked in the port and a last breakfast shared on board.
Disembarkation is scheduled for 9am, with the possibility of disembarking earlier in case of an early morning flight.
Day 12
Note
Please note : Programs, itineraries and stopovers are given as a guide only and may be modified at any time depending on external conditions, including weather conditions .
The safety of the passengers and the sailboat remains the crew's priority.
Accommodation
🌊 A boat designed for life on board
La Fleur de Lampaul features a large, welcoming saloon that can accommodate up to 16 people seated around two tables. This is where you'll share meals, quiet moments, or evenings spent putting the world to rights. The galley , open to the communal area, is functional and well-equipped , allowing you to prepare delicious meals even while sailing.
🌅 You will also have access to:
- On the outside deck to enjoy sailing, the sun, or maneuvering.
- In the wheelhouse , where you can steer the boat – in the warmth – alongside the crew
⚓ The professional crew is housed in an area separate from the rest of the ship, guaranteeing the peace and privacy of the passengers.
Access
The exact location of the sailboat in the port of Inverness will be communicated to you before the day of departure.
Go to the starting point
🧭 Practical Information – Departure & Return
📍 Departure – To Inverness, Scotland (UK)
🚆 By train from Paris , a journey across the United Kingdom from south to north :
1️⃣ Paris > London (approx. 2h30 by Eurostar)
2️⃣ London > Edinburgh (approx. 6 hours by train)
3️⃣ Edinburgh > Inverness (approx. 3h30 )
🚌 From Inverness train station , take bus no. 3 to the port, or walk 20 minutes to the boarding point.
📍 Return – From Bangor Marina (Belfast), Northern Ireland (UK)
🚌 Bus to reach Belfast city centre from Bangor Marina (45 min)
⛴️ Several options combining ferry and train to reach the mainland:
• Ferry to Scotland or Liverpool, then train depending on your final destination.
• Flexible itineraries that can be adapted according to your preferences and available schedules.
🧭 Practical Information – Departure & Return
📍 Departure – To Inverness, Scotland (UK)
✈️ Daily flights from France to Inverness Airport, with a stopover in most cases.
🚐 To reach the port from the airport:
• Bus No. 11
• Or taxi (approx. 12 min – fare between £21 and £26 )
📍 Return – From Bangor Marina, Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
✈️ Daily direct flights to France from Belfast Airport
🚌 Bus transfer from Bangor Marina to Belfast city centre (approx. 45 min) + train from Belfast to airport (approx. 45 min)
📍 Return – From Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
🚌 Bus to reach Belfast city centre from Bangor Marina (45 min)
⛴️ From Belfast , several options are available to reach the mainland via a combined ferry + train journey :
• Ferry to Cairnryan (Scotland), then train via Glasgow
• Ferry to Liverpool , then train to London or another destination in the United Kingdom
🚉 These routes make it easy to reach a major train station to continue your journey to France or other European countries.
Price details
The price includes
- Sailing aboard the Fleur de Lampaul, supervised by a professional crew (captain, first mate and cook)
- Accommodation on board in a shared cabin with a single bed
- All meals during the cruise, carefully prepared by the crew (breakfast, lunch or picnic, afternoon tea, dinner)
- Complete bedding: sheets, pillow, blanket
- One small bath towel per person
- Cleaning the sailboat
- Zodiac transfers between the boat and shore during anchorages
- Shipping costs and fuel
- Navigation/passenger insurance for the entire duration of the cruise
The price does not include
- Transportation and transfers to/from the port of embarkation in Granville
- Shore excursions, museums, tours or tourist activities
- Personal expenses and activities other than those related to life on board and navigation (restaurants, souvenirs, etc.)
- Each person remains free to make their own choices and manage their own budget during stopovers.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, it is essential to check the entry requirements in force for the United Kingdom , country of departure and arrival .
🛂 Valid passport
The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. For French citizens, a valid passport is therefore mandatory to enter the country, including for flights or short stays.
Ensure that your document remains valid for the entire duration of your trip and until your return to France.
📩 Information to be provided before boarding
In accordance with maritime authority requirements, we will ask you, before your arrival:
- First and last name
- Gender
- Nationality
- Date and place of birth
- Identity document number, issuing country, expiry date
✈️ Air Stopovers
If you are arriving at or departing from the ship by plane (from Inverness or Belfast airports), check the entry requirements for the transit countries — especially if you have a connection in another non-EU country or with a non-European airline.
📋 Individual responsibility
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly with regard to the validity of your identity documents, visa requirements (if applicable), health recommendations, any customs restrictions or local regulations.
ℹ️ Official Resources
As the procedures may change, please check the official websites regularly:
- France Diplomacy – United Kingdom
- British Government – Entering the United Kingdom
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Complete bedding: sheets, pillow and blanket
- Small bath towel
- Safety equipment for navigation, including a self-inflating life jacket
- Therefore, you do not need to bring a sleeping bag or personal sailing safety equipment.
Equipment to bring
- A hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Sunglasses (with good UV protection, even in winter)
- Insulated water bottle (1 L recommended)
- High protection sunscreen and lip balm
- Earplugs for better sleep in communal settings
- Personal toiletries (biodegradable products recommended)
- Chargers for your electronic devices (standard 220V sockets on board)
- Daypack for stopovers
- Soft travel bag (dairy or sports type preferred — not a rigid suitcase)
Clothing to bring
- Quarter jacket and trousers
- Warm fleece and thermal base layers
- Deck boots or waterproof shoes suitable for the boat
- Sailing gloves
- Hiking shoes
- Swimsuit
- Think practical, warm, lightweight and moisture-resistant.
