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Visiting St Kilda

Getting to St Kilda is not easy, but those who are persistent can find a variety of ways to achieve their goal.

Many visits to St Kilda begin in the Western Isles, you may wish to find out more about this fascinating area and plan your trip by visiting www.culturehebrides.com

Usually visitors get to St Kilda by joining one of the following:



Boreray and the Stacs in heavy seas

Photograph: Rohan Holt

Advice for Visitors
Work Parties

Cruise Ships
Charter Boats
Visit by Yacht

Cruise ships

Several large cruise ships visit St Kilda every year, often including the National Trust for Scotland Cruise. As the itineraries change every year an internet search is probably the easiest way to check.

The Spirit of Adventure
National Trust for Scotland
Holidays Department
Wemyss House
28 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh
EH2 4ET
Tel: +44 (0)844 493 2457
E-mail cruises@nts.org.uk
www.nts.org.uk/Cruises

Hebridean Princess
Hebridean Island Cruises
Kintail House
Carlton New Road
Skipton
North Yorkshire,
BD23 2DE, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1756 704700
Fax: +44 (0)1756 704794
www.hebridean.co.uk

The supplier list above is for your information only. It is the responsibility of those wishing to visit the islands to obtain further information on the services provided by these companies. The Trust cannot be held responsible for the service you receive.

Cruise ship in Village Bay

Photograph: Glasgow Museums

Code of Conduct for Cruise Ships

 

Charter boats     (click for a list of charter boat operators)

Charter boats operate from various ports, including Mallaig and Oban. For details of times and prices, you should contact the charter boat operators directly. The journey time is dependent on weather and tide conditions, as well as the type of boat chartered. A motor vessel from Oban, for example, will probably take around 14 hours minimum to travel to St Kilda. From the Western Isles it might be around 8 hours.

 

Visits by yachts

Visitors are welcome to travel to St Kilda by sea using their own transport, such as a private boat or yacht. It is helpful if independent travellers contact the Trust with details of intended travel plans, particularly details of landing and departure times.

National Trust for Scotland
Balnain House
40 Huntly Street
Inverness
IV3 5HR
Tel: 01463 232 034

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

  • You are welcome to come ashore at any time using the jetty in Village Bay, Hirta.
  • All visitors are asked to contact the Ranger on arrival - by using your vessel’s VHF radio - call sign "Kilda Warden", Channel 6 or 16. (Please be considerate if you arrive at an unsocial hour).
  • The only accommodation on the island for visitors is a small campsite, which takes a maximum of 6 people. Booking is essential and details and availability can be obtained from the above office. Bookings for the 2009 season can be taken from mid-January 2009.
  • Dogs (and other domesticated animals) are not permitted on the islands.
  • Please try to avoid visiting on Tuesdays and Fridays, as these are supply days.

© The National Trust for Scotland