The MV Sileas offers you the opportunity to penetrate one of Britain's rare wilderness areas, where regular sightings of Golden Eagle are common.

Accessible only by boat, the eighteen-mile length of Loch Shiel, once a sea-loch but reshaped by the retreating glaciers of the last Ice Age, contains a wide variety of wildlife amidst stunning mountain scenery.

Cruises are operated by friendly, knowledgeable local people who provide live commentary on the trip. The Sileas has a bar and also offers tea, coffee and light refreshments. Meals and snacks are available at each end of the loch at Glenfinnan and Acharacle.

Glenaladale

A cruise halfway down the Loch to this beautiful and majestic glen, homeland of Sliochd Iain Oig, a notable branch of the MacDonalds of Clan Ranald, whose descendant built the monument at Glenfinnan in memory of the clansmen faithful to the Stuart cause. Superb views of the monument, church and *21-arch railway viaduct. *See the "Jacobite Steam Train" crossing the viaduct on this cruise (May 17th - October 31st). This is a film location for Harry Potter.

Prince's Bay

A short cruise to where Bonnie Prince Charlie paused before landing by longboat at Glenfinnan, taking in magnificent views of the railway viaduct, the church and the famous monument at Glenfinnan.

Gaskan

An afternoon cruise to Glenaladale and on to Gaskan, former home of Mike Tomkies, the well known and respected naturalist who studied in great detail the local wildlife and wrote several books from the cottage he re-named "Wildernesse".The return leg will take in the "Black Rocks", island refuge of the clan chieftain, Cameron of Locheil, on his escape from the battle of Culloden.

The Loch Cruise

Experience the full splendour of the Loch, departing from both Glenfinnan and Acharacle. * Optional return bus connections are available from either end of the Loch. Sit back and enjoy the view and commentary as you sail down this magnificent and historic waterway. On this cruise walkers or cyclists can be dropped off / picked up at the new pontoon at Polloch by prior arrangement. The boat arrives at Polloch from Glenfinnan at approx. 11.00am and from Acharacle on the return leg at approx. 2.15pm. The forestry road from Polloch Pontoon to Glenfinnan is around 13 miles long. Landings at Dalilea can also be made on request. Passengers with a particular desire to see the rare and beautiful Black-throated Diver are advised to take this cruise, there is an increased chance of sighting a Golden Eagle due to the boat covering the whole of the Loch.

Ceilidh / Special Cruises

Lochaber probably has a higher proportion of talented musicians than anywhere in Britain ... and the best in Traditional Music features in our regular Ceilidh Cruises, a treat not to be missed! Special Themed Cruises, e.g. Rare Birds and Photography, are run throughout the season.  For details on coming events check our Coming Events page or with the area tourist information centres.

Private Charters

Available for Private Charter, the MV Sileas is a wonderful venue for that special occasion, be it for business, a wedding, a party or indeed any group outing.

and finally ...

The weather on Loch Shiel is always glorious ... but nevertheless pasengers are advised to bring warm clothing and waterproofs!