Alternative Boat Hire - Isle of Iona

Andy G.

I went on an afternoon boat trip with my 10 year old son. It was fantastic and incredible value. The boy got to hoist sails and spent a lot of time on the tiller both under sail and motor.

Mark was fantastic.

I cannot recommend this enough.

Jeff M.

Sailed with Mark in 2015 to Inch Kenneth and again just in May 2022 to the Small Isles over five days. He and his son Stewart are true class-acts. Their knowledge, cheer, and passion for the Isles is just incomparable. They worked fast and friendly, had a lovely working relationship with each other, and showed true concern for our well-being and comfort. You cannot get more authentic in your sea faring than this! Please book these top notch fellas.

Andrew F.

Sailed again this year with Mark. Fantastic as always. Disappointingly little wind but everyone on board was happy to drift along in s light breeze for a while watching the passing seabirds, fishing boats and, to top it all, hauling up one large mackerel to enjoy later. The motor ensured that , despite the wind, we had time ashore on the Treshnish to marvel at the views and the puffins. And then home via Staffa. Just the best way to spend day.

Tom S.

Our journey on the Birthe Marie, a traditional old fishing boat with both the idyllic sails and slightly more practical engine, was undoubtedly a highlight of my trip to Iona this year.

I had been sailing as a child with Mark on his previous boat, Freya, which were fantastic trips, creating some of my most precious memories of vived red sails and incredible wildlife,thus being very difficult to live up to.

So I was disappointed to hear he wasn't going to be leading our voyage, however my doubt was proven wrong upon meeting his son Stewart (a splitting image of his father with similar conversational patter), who was a fantastic guide with excellent knowledge and friendly demeanor.

However, one thing that has remained unchanged is the dramatic and rugged coastline of Iona and Mull with stunning sandy beaches and dangerous looking rocky crags. With wildlife also being plentiful, with occasional sightings of seals and if your lucky dolphins too. Thus there is no better way to enjoy these than by the water and when windy, you can enjoy sailing in a more traditional fashion, but even if not, the engine is still a calming (and reassuring) presence.

I would recommend anyone and everyone to take one of these trips of given the opportunity, for the information given, the landscape observed and the experience of sailing traditionally.

Den M.

What a fantastic day sailing with Mark. He is a lovely guy who absolutely adores the sea and everything associated with it. He is incredibly knowledgeable, with awesome boat skills.
Seeing porpoise, dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks was the absolute icing on the cake. We are still buzzing weeks later.

Scot &. S.

I've sailed with Mark a few times since 2014 and I can't decide which I like best - his skippering or his 80 year old ketch. Confident sailor, informative guide, seaworthy boat, all that goes without saying. What I love is the way an island familiar to me - Iona - becomes new as I see it from the nautical perspective. He takes individual passengers on scheduled trips or on a "whole boat" basis. I've done both. An experience to be recommended to visitors to the island and to locals. I'd love to organise a trip one day and use Birthe Marie as the transport.... dream on.

Julie K.

What a fabulous experience, could not fault our 7 hour trip. The weather wasn't especially kind but it didn't matter one bit. We had a go at sailing, we heard really interesting stories of local history and geography and saw plenty wildlife. We got to visit two otherwise very difficult to reach beaches. Would recommend to anyone, totally wonderful!

Mike D.

Cathy and I sailed for the first time with Mark on the Birthe Marie from Fionnphort to the Island of Gometra in July on a grey and windy day blowing around 20 to 23 knots out of the South West. We had never sailed before with Mark, who with the trust and faith that can only be found in a man who knows what to do in all emergence, offered the tiller to me just after hoisting the main. There was a 3.4 foot swell coming off the port quarter where a lesser boat would have fallen off course with the set we had. Yes! we had put all the washing up! Red sails against a greying sky and Birthe Marie was dancing through the seas at 6.5 knots! Mark is a natural teacher and mentor, all the time interacting with the Birthe Marie, the ocean and the people around him. We arrived at Gometra some three hours on and I had given up the tiller to know one, she was so lovely to sail and we almost got her onto the anchorage but the wind died between the hills as we came to land. We spent 2 to 3 hours on the Island which was deserted except a white horse which mysteriously appeared a top of one of the highest hill tops. Our packed lunch and coffee after we had tendered back to Birthe Marie set us up for the return journey. Then with the wind almost gone and heading us we motored back to Iona and Fionnphort, but not before stopping for a pod of dolphin who decided that we were something to play with for a while. If you want to find that very special experience where life becomes strikingly beautiful and resonant through peaceful passage among the natural beauty of these Scottish islands, then take a trip with Mark on Birthe Marie from Alternative Boat Hire. This trip is essential and highly recommended.