Sailing the Hebrides, Simply and Quietly

Selkie’s 7‑day voyages give you a full week immersed in the sea, the weather, and the islands. You’ll sail a high‑latitude expedition yacht through some of the most striking waters in the Hebrides, learning as you go and becoming part of the crew. These weeks are full, hands‑on, and shaped by the conditions — no two are ever the same.

• Hands‑on sailing every day
• Time ashore on remote islands
• Learning as part of the working crew
• Evenings anchored in quiet bays
• A full week immersed in the weather and the sea

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10‑Day Voyages

A 10‑day voyage gives you the time and space to settle fully into life at sea. With more days under sail, we can reach further into the islands and follow the weather into places that shorter trips can’t always reach. You’ll learn, helm, handle lines, and become part of the working rhythm of a high‑latitude yacht moving through a wild island seascape.

• More time under sail and exploring
• Space to settle into the rhythm of the boat
• Opportunities to reach further into the islands
• Learning through real involvement on deck
• A deeper, slower experience of the Hebrides

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Mindful Sailing & Wild Yoga Retreats

These retreats weave sailing, yoga, and time in the islands into a slower, more spacious experience. Each day brings a mix of time under sail, movement, breathwork, and quiet moments anchored in wild places. You don’t need to be experienced in yoga or sailing — just open to being present, learning, and spending time in the weather and the sea.

• Daily yoga and mindful movement
• Sailing as part of the working crew
• Time ashore on quiet islands
• Evenings anchored in sheltered bays
• A slower, more spacious rhythm at sea

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Hebrides Story & Wellness Retreat

This retreat brings together steady sailing, gentle movement, and the deep story of the Hebrides. Each day offers time under sail, time ashore, and space to connect with the landscape, the weather, and the long human history of these islands. It’s a slower, more reflective way to be at sea — open to anyone who wants to move, learn, and settle into the rhythm of the boat.

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Check out our 100% 5-star TripAdvisor reviews…

From our 2025 Mindful Sailing and Wild Yoga Voyage: “Truly, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience… highly recommended for anyone seeking adventure with the grounded nature of yoga and the stunning backdrop of the sea.”

Michael B

A proper sailing experience. I had a brilliant time sailing with Celia and Dylan on Selkie. We sailed a lot, day and night, including a voyage out to St Kilda beyond the Outer Hebrides. The company was excellent and the food superb. The locations chosen for overnight anchorages were extremely picturesque and perfect for onshore excursions. Highly recommended!

msampson2017

A truly magical and special week- one of the best experiences of my life Where to start! An incredible week from beginning to end- living on board Selkie - feeling welcomed and cocooned in this home from home. Celia knows the best places to go, hidden secret moorings to wildlife specials - I will never forget the Shiants - sitting in my PJs on deck with the sky dark with birds, watching the sunrise. From the food (home made cakes daily, lobster, pigeon, venison) to the skipper, and the company, it was faultless.

Voyager54724880728

Unforgettable The sail/yoga retreat was everything I hoped for and more! We were warmly hosted by Celia whose expert skippering comes from many years of experience handling Selkie in these wild waters and she was complimented brilliantly by first mate Emma , whose knowledge of the seas, yoga teaching and wonderful cooking combined to make us feel very relaxed and well looked after. We were blessed with daily visits from dolphins, porpoises and Minke whales; even the wildly contrasting weather meant that the sailing was both exciting and serene, mirroring the nature of these spectacular islands. It really was a fabulous week, I'm so grateful to Celia and Emma (and fellow passenger Jess) for making a long held dream come true in such a memorable, joyful and meaningful way.

Jessica G

A magical secret I did a week’s mindful sailing and wild yoga on Selkie this August and came home feeling completely nourished and inspired. A week immersed in majestical landscapes, surrounded by wonderful companions (none of whom I’d met before)eating beautifully cooked and locally sourced food was all more than I could have imagined for a precious week of holiday. I had wanted to do a yoga retreat but one that brought yoga into a new context, out of a studio setting and into something more immersive. This week was exactly that, whatever the weather (it tends to change hour to hour and I ended up using every item of clothing I’d brought). You are completely in it and the damp fog was as glorious as the blazing sunrays. Initially, I felt anxious about sharing such an intimate space with strangers but that disappeared the moment I met everyone and Celia and Emma created such a warm and hospitable space for all of us to join in and also retreat and were amazingly attentive, despite all their multitasking. With a joyous tone, I loved that they encouraged me to take the helm, try out new sports, take new risks, soak it all up. It all just felt fun, rather than testing or macho as these environments often can. I feel like I’ve made friends for life and I’d include Selkie the boat in that list as she’s as warm a character as the people who sail her. Though I want to keep this holiday all to myself as a magical secret, really I can’t recommend it more highly and know that Emma and Celia would embrace you whatever your interests or ability.

Peter O

Most brilliant 10 day trip! I haven't done much open sea sailing before and couldn't have been in better hands. Celia is superb: experienced, knowledgeable and constantly alert watching to check that we are safe. The boat is strong and well designed. Adventure, for sure, but never felt under threat despite force 8 gales. Some warm days when we could get ashore and take walks, waiting for the wind and tide to be right. Can't reccomend too highly.

Helen P

Amazing Yoga sail on Selkie. Yoga on beaches, on 2.5 billion year old rocks, in heather,on deck and on Paddle boards A brilliant 6-day trip which evolved as the sun, sea and gorgeous weather (unexpected) developed. Sleat of Skye, Cairns of Col, Berneray, Vatersay, Canna and Eigg all visited (and an amazing sail by the west coast of Rhum) and welcomed us to do yoga in unique places, swim in the Atlantic and Sea of the Hebrides (both in one day on Vatersay), bird watch, enjoy fantastic fresh foods and good laughs(especially watching the two Yogis' falling off their paddle boards whilst attempting Warrior 3). As the only last minute "client" I was spoilt with choices and attention. My third trip on Selkie and without a doubt I'll be back. Its a joy whatever the weather and Celia (Skipper) and fist mate Emmas knowledge of the seas, wildlife, sailing, flowers (Oh the flowers!), Island life (they are both Island crofters), geology and Yoga made for an energetic, fun and fascinating 6 days. There are 3 more Yoga sails this summer, and I would highly recommend the trip. .... we watched the green flash as the sun set on the west horizon from the Cairns of Col and a red full moon rise over Eigg harbour. Bliss. Fell asleep to the sound of at least two pairs of corncrakes on Berneray and watched the common dolphins as they played around and raced the boat. A bottlenose dolphin entertained us as it fished in Vatersay bay. Thankyou Celia and Emma for a wonderful trip and your patience. I will never be a sailor (or particularly good at Yoga) but I love everything associated with it especially off the West coast of Scotland!! Helen

H8758DNsandras

A trip of a lifetime! I had an amazing trip with Celia aboard the Selkie. Exploring the Small Islands was such a joy - just breath taking views all around! I knew so little about this part of the world that everything was an adventure! The weather was Scottish - quick changes from sun to clouds to cold wins - even some fog. But the sailing was a joy. The Selkie is a well equipped boat - with a lovely salon/dining area where we enjoyed delicious meals and even better conversation. As an American, I loved getting to know the Brits and Scots I was sailing with - it broadened my view of the world. Celia is an amazing skipper. She taught me so much. And her concern with safety made me feel secure. I would love to sail with Celia on the Selkie again. I felt so well cared for. Don’t hesitate to book.

Martin W

Adventure. Exciting remote scenery. This was a unique experience of the stunning west coast of Scotland on board a yacht. The yacht is a well prepared strong expedition style vessel expertly skippered by Celia with home cooking to keep the crew happy. We visited sone remote and beautiful places which would otherwise be difficult to access. A great experience.

Patricia B

The best way to experience the Hebrides From day one our charter was dogged by cold rain, dark skies and unfavorable winds that reduced our options. My husband had limited mobility and had never sailed, and I had never sailed outside the tropics. Yet none of that mattered as we explored Skye and the small isles on Selkie because the Hebrides are spell-binding under any circumstance, and our company — Captain Celia Bull, her son Dylan and friend Jackie Johnson — are some of the finest people you’ll ever meet. Selkie is the perfect expedition yacht for reaching out of the way anchorages in these islands, and Celia is the best captain I’ve ever sailed with: calm, charismatic, passionate and deeply knowledgeable about her home waters, always glad to share the helm and sensitive to the wishes and needs of her crew, assuring each member has his or her best day. Dylan turned out some amazing meals for us, including a feast of hand-rolled sushi meant for a picnic, which we devoured in a downpour in the shelter of Celia’s car on Eigg. So we didn’t get to St. Kilda, and spotted a nuclear sub instead of a Minke whale. We hiked to some glorious beaches, had fabulous runs in 20+ knot winds, sailed with golden eagles, harbor porpoises and puffin colonies, and danced at a Ceilidh. I took a traditional guitar class with a master on Eigg, my husband took the wheel of a boat for the first time, and when asked how he liked sailing, he replied, “This is the life.” If Selkie can work this kind of magic when it rains, imagine what it’s like when the sun shines!

Sailor James

World Class Adventure Sailing I had the great pleasure of spending 21 days sailing onboard SY Selkie and I can honestly say it changed my life forever. Captain Celia Bull and First Mate Dylan are extremely experienced and responsible making sure that the guests are safe and secure while getting to experience remarkable locations. From The Standing Stones of Stenness to the sheep of North Ronaldsay to the ancient seaport of Stromness to transiting the Caledonian Canal and Lochness. Any one of these places would have been a once in a lifetime memory but to couple them with traveling by sail from place to place it was truly unforgettable. Do your self a favor and book a passage. It may be the next chapter in your life’s story.

Click here to see more reviews on our TripAdvisor page…

A Journey Held by Sea and Yoga

by Celia Bull | Jan 11, 2026

A beautifully written guest review capturing the magic of yoga, sailing, wildlife, and quiet moments in the Hebrides.

Reflections from the Mindful Sailing and Wild Yoga Voyages

by Celia Bull | Dec 8, 2025

Every voyage aboard Selkie Explore is more than a sailing trip — it’s a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and the sea. Our Yoga Sails bring together mindful movement, the rhythm of the waves, and the camaraderie of fellow travellers. While many...

Women Refugee Climbing Trip

by Celia Bull | Feb 16, 2024

I have made attempts to start this piece many times wanting to write it down while the experience was fresh in my mind. …I am sat waiting for the NHS dentist… …It is early morning in Mallaig… ...I am on the ferry surrounded by excited children, pupils of the Isle...

Waiting to get home

by Celia Bull | Jan 22, 2024

Storm Isha is hurling itself at the window. I am gazing over at Eigg, unable to reach home as the ferry is obviously cancelled for today. Betting I don’t want to be out in this? You would be correct. I am returning from a Megabusing visit to London to spend time...

North of Statt

by Celia Bull | Nov 19, 2023

We come round Statt, the fist of land that punches defiantly out into the Norwegian Sea. We cross over on a day of infinite blue sky, when the fighting waters are taking a breather and lapping gently against the great cliffs.

Murky Month and MicroPlastics

by Celia Bull | Nov 4, 2023

I have found it a murky month here onboard Selkie: a month of unexpected challenges. There are silver linings, and I am so lucky to have fallen upon these tricky times in Bergen under the wing of the kindest and ocean optimistic person, someone who has kept me...

Across the North Sea Singlehanded

by Celia Bull | Oct 15, 2023

The day goes in a whizz. I take naps, 10 to 15 minutes long, storing up my physical and mental energy for the night ahead. I’m making fabulous time and I know that I’m going for it.

Going North for Autumn

by Celia Bull | Jul 22, 2023

This year so far has been brilliant and illuminating, with barely time to catch my breath. It feels only right and proper to announce here on my webpage that I am heading back North come the autumn. My time in Norway during the winter blew me away, luckily not...

Låder

by Celia Bull | Feb 28, 2023

Låder, Rennesøy. This is where I saw the great pulsating, sweeping curtains of green and pink light leaping through the star lit sky. A low rocky bay ringed by islets where the eagles gather to shake their tale feathers, disturb the wildlife and excite the Selkie...

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