The Summer Queen is a relaxing way to enjoy Ullapool and the surrounding area and get to see some of the wildlife you would not be able to see from land. I recently took the short two hour cruise around the Isle of Martin which was very enjoyable and very relaxing. The Summer Queen is ideal for getting closer to the widlife making it ideal for wildlife photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. All photos on this page were taken on the M.V Summer Queen by myself Steven Gourlay and are copyright of visit-ullapool.

M.V " Summer Queen"

The Summer Queen is a twin screw vessel of excellent manoeuvrability with a D.O.T certificate to carry 158 passengers. The crew are the highest qualified in the area, all modern communication and life saving equipment is carried on board. Below decks we have a large comfortable saloon with seating for 45 persons. Full bar on board providing a wide range of refreshments, hot and cold. Comfortable cushioned seating throughout the vessel. Modern ladies and gents toilet facilities.

Cruise Option 1 Summer Isles Cruise Duration Approx 4 hours

This is a 4 hour cruise of approximately 35 miles. Heading out from Ullapool we sail down the centre of Loch Broom to Camus a Mhaoraich (Mussel Bay), where a colony of Atlantic Grey Seals are often seen basking on the rocks.

We then sail across Annat Bay towards Carn-nan-Sgeir, known locally as Bird Island, before heading into the Summer Isles themselves. Passing through the various Summer Isles, a wide variety of seabirds, seal colonies, porpoises, dolphins and Minke whales are often seen.

We then visit Cathedral Cave on the west side of Tanera Beag to see the shags and cormorants that nest inside. This cave abounds in a triumph of colour and nests, which is a joy to behold for the nature lover and photographer alike

On leaving the cave we travel through the narrow seaways between the islands and arrive at the sheltered haven of Tanera Mhor, the principle and only inhabited island in the group of Summer Isles. During the late 18th century this island was an important herring fishing station and the ruins of the old buildings can still be seen. We stay here for about 45 minutes and passengers can go ashore and explore, or visit the cafe and post office. The Summer Isles produce their own postage stamps which are well known for their artistic merit. They are collected by philatelists throughout the world and have been graciously accepted in the Royal Collection. For the more adventurous a short walk to the top of the hill opens up a view of scenic splendour. On a clear day you can see Skye and the Outer Hebrides quite clearly as well as the major mountains in the area.

After we visit Tanera Mhor we go to Horse Island and Goat Island and witness the fun and frolics of the large colony of common seals that has been resident here for many years.

Leaving the seals behind us, we head back across Annat Bay and navigate the coastline of Isle Martin.

Alas, time runs out and we must then head for home. However, we can guarantee an unforgettable and enjoyable cruise will have been had with an abundance of wildlife and scenery that only Scotland and the Summer Isles can offer.

Cruise Option 2 Wildlife Cruise Duration Approx 2 hours

This is a short cruise lasting 2 hours. On leaving the pier we head across to the south side of Loch Broom, to the renowned Altnaharrie Inn which is accessible by private ferry. Sailing outward from here we visit Cormorant Rock and the nesting cliffs at Mussel Bay before entering Annat Bay beside the seal colony at Eilean na Mile. At Mussel Bay Red Breasted Merganser ducks can be seen in their nesting environment.

Once in Annat Bay we head across the loch to the nesting cliffs of Isle Martin which is home to a wide variety of sea birds, herons, buzzards and peregrine falcons. This provides an excellent opportunity for close up photography. Our next port of call is Dun Canna, a Pictish fort dating back several thousand years, though little remains but piles of stones and the tidal sea trap.

Heading on into the anchorage of Isle Martin we pass close by the pens of the salmon farm. A wealth of history is attached to Isle Martin. After sailing round the anchorage we pass over the shallow causeway linking Isle Martin to the mainland before re-entering Loch Broom and head for home. Throughout this cruise a variety of birds, porpoise, seals and other wildlife can be seen in abundance.

Members of the Scottish Marine Wildlife Operators Association (SMWOA) liase with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society on all our sightings.

For more information please visit http://www.summerqueen.co.uk/