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FAQS Here we respond to your questions and queries. If there's anything you'd like to know which we haven't explained on our website please email us and we'll get right back to you.

Q: What's the difference between a motor cruise on Hjalmar Bjørge and a motor sail on Zuza?

A: Many aspects of the cruises are the same but there are a few differences you should be aware of when choosing your ideal Hebridean Island & Wildlife Cruise. Click here to read about them.

Q: I'm travelling alone. What will the other guests be like?

A: Previous guests have been single, married, partners, siblings, parent and child, male, female, young, mature...in fact there is no such person as a "typical" client. If you love nature, and the thought of a boat-based holiday appeals to you, then you’ll fit right in with our other guests whether you come alone or with family or friends. Read about the experience of one single guest here.

Q: When's the best weather?

A: Tricky one. Wildlife cruises run from May to September in anticipation of combining the best weather with the greatest variety of wildlife. However the weather can be amazingly good in April and some October and November days are simply stunning thus private charter is available most of the year round.

Q: When is the best month for wildlife?

A: There isn't a "best" month as there's always something to see, be it animal, vegetable or mineral. Seabirds and eagles can be seen pretty much all the time. Nesting birds are most abundant in May and June. Cetaceans can be seen all year round with more frequent sightings in June through September. Basking sharks are seen throughout the summer as are otters, seals and deer. As a very rough guide, early on is probably better for birds, later on is probably better for cetaceans, but that's a very rough guide and it's unlikely you'll have a holiday where you don't see a mix of both.

Q: Is the boat stabilised?

A: Hjalmar Bjørge is stabilised and in bad weather you'll be very glad she is! Although we don't plan to venture out in stormy seas it's inevitable that, for example, crossing from the Sound of Harris to St Kilda, there'll be surface swell and the stabilisers make that action much more comfortable. Hjalmar Bjørge was built as a liveaboard for icy Norwegian coastal waters so can take anything that Scotland throws at her with ease. As an ex Arctic Rescue Vessel you are assured of your safety at all times - even in very rough weather.

As a purpose built liveaboard Zuza was specifically designed to be comfortable in all sea conditions. Built in South Africa as a Cat. 0 vessel ("go anywhere") she has safely crossed oceans to her current base in the UK. Zuza's hull design and sail configuration promise an exciting and safe experience when the winds are right. Alternatively, when winds are low, Zuza will motor from A to B.

Q: Can you cater for individual dietary requirements?

A: Of course. We are well known for our excellent food which is satisfying in both quality and quantity. Our talented chefs will happily cater for every diet and past guests have included vegetarians, coeliacs and those with allergies. All we ask is for some notice. Stocks are replenished prior to each trip and we use local produce when we can.

Q: Will I see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) on one of your cruises?

A: In theory, the ideal circumstances under which to see the Northern Lights are (1) a cold, clear, winter's night and (2) to be as far North as possible, somewhere like Norway or Iceland. In practice, however, we have had a small number of good views of the aurora. One memorable 2.00 am sighting in August 2002 followed a day of dolphins playing around the boat, swimming so close to our inflatable, that guests could reach out and touch them. Quite a day but it was very unusual. The short answer is that any sighting would be an extra, added bonus.

Q: Do you have an upper age limit?

A: No. Regardless of age you must be in good health and be fit, mobile and agile. For example, when you join Hjalmar Bjørge in Oban it is usually necessary to board the boat via a ladder set into the side of the quay (depending on the tide height). It's easy stepping over to Zuza at Corpach but sailing requires stamina and fitness even if you are not actively involved in the process.

Leaving the boat to visit islands will require either (1) your climbing down a short ladder attached to the side of the vessel and into the inflatable Zodiac or (2) your climbing up a ladder and onto a pier or quay. Occasionally it is simply a matter of stepping across onto a pier but you must be prepared for, and able to, climb up or down over the water. 

Please remember that many of the places we visit are beautiful primarily because of their remoteness and difficult of access. This often means that physically getting there takes a little more trouble than you may be used to but you will find it’s worth the effort. For reasons of safety you must be able to get on and off the boat confidently and feel comfortable around water. It is not, however, essential that you are able to swim. Please note that by signing our Booking Form you are declaring that the health of yourself and any other guests on whose behalf you are booking is of the standard described above.

Q: May children come on your cruises?

A: Children under the age of 12 are not usually permitted on our scheduled cruises though exceptions have been made. If your child is experienced on boats and would like to join you on your cruise please ask and we’ll be happy to discuss this with you. If you are considering a whole boat charter then children are welcome.

Q: Are midges a big problem?

A: Midges can be a problem during the summer months but these little pests like trees. Out at sea you are unlikely to be troubled by them. If you do go walking on the islands though you should cover up or apply repellent cream. There are many different remedies available - from hats to lotions - so why not ask your pharmacists for advice?

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"I would just to

extend my thanks

for a brilliant

holiday."

SA, Huddersfield

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Northern Light Charters, Achnacraig, Achindarroch, Duror of Appin, Argyll PA38 4BS | Tel: +44 (0)1631 740595

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