May 23rd - May 30th 2026

Whisky Sailing Xperience

EARLY BOOKING*

*ENDS 1st OF DECEMBER

The Authentic Scottish Adventure

This is a hands-on sailing adventure navigating the truly unique cruising waters of Scotland's West Coast. Aboard a well-appointed sailing yacht, we explore the rugged beauty of the Inner Hebrides, combining the challenge of open-water sailing with whisky tastings and a lot of fun.

This unique journey is built for both for the true whisky connoisseur and the aspiring ones. We set a course for the legendary whisky havens of the islands, dedicating our time ashore to the famous peated malts of Islay. You will visit and savor drams at prestigious distilleries, including the iconic Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Bowmore, and Bruichladdich. The itinerary also positions us perfectly to discover the historic malts of Campbeltown, allowing you to taste whisky at sites like Springbank and Glen Scotia.

So, join us for a journey where every day is unforgettable, and the punchline is always, "Whisky, anyone?"

Sail to Islay: The Authentic Scotch Whisky Sailing eXperience!

Join Sailing Xperience, the original creators of this unique 7-day sailing charter to the Isle of Islay. Our perfect, 4-year-tested itinerary includes the historic Crinan Canal and dedicated stops for distillery tours.

  • The Authentic Scottish Adventure

    This is a hands-on sailing adventure navigating the truly unique cruising waters of Scotland's West Coast. Aboard a well-appointed sailing yacht, we explore the rugged beauty of the Inner Hebrides, combining the challenge of open-water sailing with whisky tastings and a lot of fun.

    This unique journey is built for both for the true whisky connoisseur and the aspiring ones. We set a course for the legendary whisky havens of the islands, dedicating our time ashore to the famous peated malts of Islay. You will visit and savor drams at prestigious distilleries, including the iconic Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Bowmore, and Bruichladdich. The itinerary also positions us perfectly to discover the historic malts of Campbeltown, allowing you to taste whisky at sites like Springbank and Glen Scotia.

    So, join us for a journey where every day is unforgettable, and the punchline is always, "Whisky, anyone?"

Sail The Whisky Route

Sailing-wise, you’ll feel the true joy of the sea as the wind and tide push our yacht to speeds of up to 12 knots. Your inner navigator will awaken during the unique challenge of crossing the Crinan Canal's 17 locks. By week's end, you may be ready to pursue your own skipper certification—a goal you can begin with our training courses here.

Life on board is communal and focused on the local experience. We share freshly prepared, tasty local food sourced directly from the sea and the surrounding land. Enjoy the warmth of a great dram after a day on the water, surrounded by lochs and the unparalleled scenery of the Scottish islands.

What are you waiting for?

Here’s the short version:

SAILING

130-150 nM, which means an average of 22 nM or 4-5 hours of leisurely sailing a day.

Will cross the Crinan Canal as an unique highlight.

LEISURE

Portavadie, a multi-million pound marina where you can pamper yourselves and enjoy the high life after all these days at sea. The marina is luxurious it has a fine restaurant and a spa complex with an infinity pool with views back out over the water.

WHISKY

We will be reaching some of the most prestigious distilleries in the world: Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Port Ellen, Bowmore, Bruichladich with many more accessible during your free time.

ROUTE

The actual itinerary is weather dependent but the initial plan follows the route marked on the map bellow. And here are some snaps from our latest trip.

Does this trip break the bank?

Short answer is: not really!

The regular price for this experience is only 1350 GBP per person, and includes accommodation for 7 nights + coffee, tea, water, and snacks on the boat.

In the price there is one distillery tour included and one tasting in a surprise location

Early booking price > > 1,190 GBP << promotion ends in 1st of December.

We're currently booking for 23-30.05 2026, so reserve your adventure today!

  • We’re departing from Largs Heaven Marina on Saturday @ 15:30.

    We’re returning Friday @ ~16:30

  • We can provide shuttle transfer from/to Glasgow or Edinburgh, approx 30 GBP /pp

    Train is also a good alternative, please check the timetables: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

  • 7 nights accomodation, bed linen and pillows

    Coffee, tea, water, snacks

    One distillery tours (TBD wich one from Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Springbank)

    Skipper + Crinan canal pass

  • Provisions for lunch and dinner, as well as alcoholic drinks (beer / wine), which typically cost around 70 GBP per person per week. Entry tickets for other distilleries are also not included, usually cost between 20-30 GPB per person and it’s a “choose your own adventure” kind of thing.

    Fuel will be split among the crew at the end of the week, so expect around 35 GBP per person.

Join the Whisky Xperience

Crossing the Crinan Canal

Located in the breathtakingly picturesque region of Argyll and Bute in Scotland, is a remarkable waterway that offers both historical charm and natural beauty. Often referred to as "Scotland's most beautiful shortcut," this canal stretches for approximately 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) and connects the picturesque village of Crinan on the west coast of Scotland to Ardrishaig on the east coast.

Curious how the previous years unfolded?