Orkney Explorer

Nova Spero is a lovingly transformed, classic wooden-hulled fishing trawler. Inside, she is comfortable and well-equipped, but please understand that personal space is still limited. There is a welcoming guest lounge and 6 heated and ventilated cabins.

The accessible Double cabin sits on the lounge deck. Stairs lead to the lower deck (originally the ship’s Fish Hold!), which houses three Twin cabins with beds on the same level and two Twin Bunk cabins. Each berth has its own socket, a hot-and-cold wash basin and toiletries. Please ensure that you bring your personal belongings in a soft holdall that can be compressed to fit into the limited cabin storage.

While all cabins share bathrooms, there are plenty of facilities to comfortably accommodate everyone onboard: the lounge deck has one combined shower and toilet, and the lower deck features an additional combined shower and toilet, a separate shower room and a separate toilet.

Solo Travellers

Solo travellers are welcome, and on each departure, two Twin Bunk cabins are available for single occupancy at no supplement. These are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

This trip includes all meals, from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8, as well as complimentary snacks, hot drinks, a pre-dinner drink and wine served with dinner each evening. Dinners are prepared by our onboard chef to showcase the very best local Scottish produce – from wild venison and freshly caught seafood to Cullen Skink and local cheeses.

Great food is paramount on all our trips, keeping you well-fuelled whether you are enjoying a cooked Scottish breakfast onboard or a packed lunch during shore excursions. Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for; just let us know at the time of booking.

• 7 nights accommodation aboard the Nova Spero.
• All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary.
• Shore excursions, all bespoke to each cruise.
• Wet weather and all safety gear. We use “Crewsave” life jackets for trips on our tender, and additional traditional life jackets are also stowed for emergency use. (just wear regular outdoor clothes and walking boots or shoes with a grip).
• We also have space to stow kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles, should passengers wish to bring them. Please let us know in advance.

This Coastal Cruising Journey is suitable for people with no previous experience, though a reasonable level of everyday mobility is recommended.

We are based aboard Nova Spero – a beautifully transformed, classic wooden-hulled fishing trawler. Cruising aboard Nova Spero is a relaxing experience rather than a hands-on one; the crew takes care of navigating the vessel, leaving you free to watch for wildlife from the 360-degree viewing platform or unwind by the wood-burning stove. The daily shore visits involve exploring remote island communities, historic sites and wild landscapes.
Nova Spero may be berthed on a pier or pontoon, with access to the shore via a gangway. When at anchor, however, shore visits will be by tender (a small extra boat). Passengers must therefore be able to access the tender from the boat. Respectful assistance will be provided by the crew. You should also be comfortable walking on natural or uneven terrain while ashore.

The sleeping cabins are bright and well-appointed but naturally compact and all bathroom facilities are shared. You should be comfortable with embracing a close-knit, communal atmosphere for the duration of the trip, however there are opportunities for time alone, perhaps wildlife watching on the deck, or exploring ashore. Life onboard blends a relaxed and informal style with traditional Scottish care and hospitality.

This trip is ideal for those who want to experience Scotland’s remote wilderness, marine life, and warm hospitality from the water, enjoying a true maritime adventure.

You will be met by the crew at Wick Harbour at 1:00pm on Day 1 of your trip. There will be a safety briefing at 2:00pm, and you’ll depart for Orkney at 3:00pm.

The trip will conclude at Wick Harbour at 12:00pm on the final day.

To reach your departure point in Wick, you can take the train on the Far North Railway Line from Inverness. Coaches also serve this route, including the Ember bus, a fully electric coach service. There are also regional flights into Wick John O’Groats Airport.

For advice on getting to and from Scotland, please see our travel advice page.

Skarv Lines is a family-run cruise company that is passionate about sharing the wild beauty of Scotland’s coastlines through unforgettable seafaring adventures.

Their Scottish cruises are a carefully crafted blend of relaxation, exploration and outstanding local food, enjoyed in the company of their expert crew and like-minded fellow travellers. They guide you to secret anchorages and introduce you to the inspiring landscapes and historic sites that make the Scottish coast so special, all while providing a true “home at sea” aboard their beautifully restored trawler.