Private charter boat for pleasure cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland. |
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We are based in Banff which is on the north east coast of Scotland between Buckie and Fraserburgh, 64 miles north east of Inverness and 40 miles north west of Aberdeen. Our boat is the "Alucia" skippered by Robert Mchugh and can carry a maximum of 6 passengers. You charter the whole boat and you decide what you would like to see and do for the duration of you trip, whether it's just the two of you looking for a gentle romantic cruise up the coast, you and the kids wanting to do something a little different during your holiday or a group of friends enjoying a few hours out at sea to do some dolphin or whale watching, bird watching or a few hours sea fishing.
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Cruises and Sea Fishing Trips for Two to Six People - Minimum 2 Hours
2 people - 2 hours : £80 - 4 hours : £130 - 8 hours : £180
For Sea Fishing Trips in the interests of safety, we have to restrict the numbers to 5 anglers. |
Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland.The Moray Firth is one of best places in Scotland for observing dolphins and Minke Whales. The most common species are the Bottlenose Dolphin, with the occasional sightings of Harbour Porpoise and Minke Whale. The highly productive waters to the north of Scotland provide feeding grounds and breeding areas for perhaps the greatest diversity and abundance of these marine mammals in Britain. |
| The Moray Firth is home to a very large colony of Bottlenose Dolphins. While sightings of these wonderful creatures can never be guaranteed as they range quite widely, there is always a very good chance of spotting them. As many as 24 different species of sea mammals either reside in, or pass through, the northern waters of Scotland making this region one of the most important habitats for whales and dolphins in the whole of Western Europe. There are 9 different dolphin species which have been officially recorded in the Moray Firth. |
Several species of whale have been recorded in the Moray Firth, the most common being the Minke whale. Minke whales are generally solitary or may be seen in pairs. They are occassionaly found in larger groups particularly in northern Scotland where groups can number up to 10 or 15 individuals. They are very inquisitive animals and are likely to be seen quite close as they often approach boats, especially when stationary. Other species of whale spotted in the Moray Firth include long-finned pilot whale, humpback whale, fin whale, sperm whale and even killer whales have been seen here. |
Bird Watching Cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland.The Moray Firth is one of the most important sites in Europe for cliff nesting sea birds and over wintering ducks throughout the year. The landscape of high cliffs, mudflats and salt marshes provide an ideal habitat for a staggering range of wild fowl. The cliffs of the Moray Firth have some of the largest mainland sea bird colonies in the UK. Breeding sea birds include gannets, guillemots, puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes. Troup Head has the only Gannet breeding colony on mainland Scotland. |
Owing to the rich diversity of natural food sources the Moray Firth attracts large numbers of wintering and migrating wild fowl including Geese, swans, ducks and waders. There are over 15 different species of duck to be found in numbers in the area which total approximately 20,000 birds and over 20 different species of waders totalling approximately 30,000 birds. Our bird watching cruises can take you along the coast passed many of the cliff nesting colonies and depending on the time of the year we should see many of the sea birds feeding out to sea. |  |
Our bird watching cruises are totally bespoke, you can either rely on our expert local knowledge to take you where we believe you will have the best possible chance of seeing as many different types of sea birds as we can show you or you can tell us where you want to go and what you would like to see. |
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Pleasure Cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland.The Moray Firth coast is as spectacular as it is diverse with high towering cliffs full of nesting sea birds to long golden sandy beaches. Mud flats and salt marshes providing a haven for thousands of wild fowl, waders and migrating birds. The waters in this area of Scotland are rich in natural food sources and attract a huge number of sea mammals including dolphins, whales, seals and otters. |
 | You might be lucky enough to see some of the less common visitors to these waters such as a sun fish or even a pod of killer whales. You and the kids will certainly not be bored on one of our cruises. |
Our pleasure cruises are tailored for what you want to do. You hire the boat and the skipper and let the skipper know what type of cruise you would like from wildlife spotting, bird watching, a scenic trip around the Moray Firth coastline or a spot of off shore fishing the choice is entirely yours. |
Sea Fishing Trips in the Moray Firth.We can also arrange a variety of sea fishing trips, either a dedicated fishing trip or just for a bit of fun during your cruise. When the sea air has worked up an appetite, there really is nothing better for supper on a nice summer evening than a sea fresh mackeral or cod fillet you have caught yourself on the day.
Whether you want to do a *dedicated fishing trip or perhaps just have a quick go towards the end of your cruise, it's no problem. The "Alucia" carries a very good range of fishing tackle for general sea angling which is available free of charge to our guests.
From late May through to the end of September, Mackerel are common but Cod, Pollock, Ling, Coalies and flatfish can all be caught on Rod and Line throughout most of the year. |  |
*The "Alucia" is a new and bigger boat than the "Sue J" which we chartered last year. |
The "Alucia" Charter Boat"Alucia" is a Mitchell 31 Mk 2 and this type of boat has a superb reputation for being an excellent sea boat. She is a really comfortable boat and one which you and your family will really enjoy going on, whether it's for a gentle cruise or a full days fishing. The large rear cockpit has plenty of room for moving about and plenty of seating and is enclosed by rails so is quite safe for children. If the weather is not so kind she has a heated cabin, with comfortable seating, and a galley with a kettle so there is always tea and coffee available. Plus, there is a "proper" toilet compartment! Powered by a 320 hp inboard diesel engine, she cruises comfortably and quietly at around 8kts to give a nice gentle cruise. However if you're going out fishing you don't want to waste valuable fishing time! When opened up she can run at around 16 knots getting you to the best fishing spots quickly.
Safety is paramount. "Alucia" is fully licensed by the MCA to carry up to 7 passengers. She is of course fully insured. All documents are carried on board and guests are welcome to inspect them. As a properly licensed boat, she also carries a full range of safety equipment, fire fighting and first aid. |
We operate out of Banff Marina. Banff is situated on the Moray Firth in north east coast of Scotland about 45 miles north of Aberdeen, with the fishing villages of Fraserburgh to the east and Buckie to the west. The whole area is steeped in history and rich in historical architecture. Inverness is within easy reach as is the Speyside region which is home to some of Scotland's most famous malt whisky distilleries. The north east of Scotland is probably one of the most facinating regions you are likely to visit in Scotland, offering something for everyone no matter where your interest lie, wildlife, stunning spectacular scenery, a wealth of historical sites of interest and not forgetting excellent bars, restaurants and shopping centers. We can even also provide you with self catering accommodation. We have 2 - 4 star self catering cottages situated about a mile from Dufftown which is a luxury barn conversion creating two outstanding cottages with fabulous views in a totally rural surrounding. |
All of our cruises are weather dependant.
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