Scotland from the Sea — Photography & Wildlife Encounters with James Alroca– from Oban to Scrabster
Step aboard the three-masted barquentine Thalassa and sail for a week along Scotland’s dramatic west coast. From the harbour town of Oban, the journey heads north towards Scrabster, navigating through a landscape shaped by wind, weather and time.
On board is photographer James Alroca, known for capturing the atmosphere and emotion of Scotland’s landscapes.
5 – 12 September 2026 | 7 nights | Tallship Thalassa
Embarkation: Saturday 5 September 2026 at 16:00 in Oban
Disembarkation: Saturday 12 September 2026 at 10:00 in Scrabster
Price per person: Euro 1695,-
The voyage price includes:
7 nights on board in a twin cabin with private shower;
all meals during the voyage (breakfast, lunch and dinner);
non-alcoholic drinks with meals (coffee, tea, milk and water);
Not included are:
all other non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (beer, wine and whisky);
additional shore excursions (participation is of course not mandatory).
The sailing voyage begins and ends in Scotland. You are responsible for arranging your own travel to and from Scotland. This is NOT included in the price. For travel to and from the ship we kindly refer you to the website Rome2Rio: https://www.rome2rio.com
When booking a voyage aboard the Thalassa, you only pay a 30% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining 70% is due six weeks before departure. This allows you to book your trip well in advance with complete peace of mind.
Scotland from the Sea — a journey through light, landscape and story
Step aboard the three-masted barquentine Thalassa and sail for a week along Scotland’s impressive west coast. From the harbour town of Oban, the voyage sets course for Scrabster, travelling through a landscape shaped by wind, weather and time.
On board is photographer James Alroca (for more info click here), known for capturing the atmosphere and emotion of Scotland’s landscapes. With more than 300,000 followers and millions of monthly views across his Scotland-focused content, James will document the journey as it unfolds — from dramatic coastlines and shifting weather conditions to quiet moments at sea and encounters with wildlife.
For guests interested in photography, his presence adds a special dimension to the voyage. This is not a formal workshop, but an opportunity to observe an artist at work, ask questions, receive informal guidance, and gain insight into how landscapes can be captured with depth and emotion.
A sketch of the possible journey:
The wind determines our route, but these examples will already give you an impression of the landscapes and possibilities you may encounter.
We sail past Duart Castle and continue through the Sound of Mull, where green hills meet rugged coastlines and a sense of remoteness gradually emerges. As we sail onwards towards Tobermory, the rhythm of the sea settles in — calm, steady and deeply immersive.
Passing the Isle of Rum and the west coast of Isle of Skye, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. Dark mountain peaks rise sharply from the sea, cliffs plunge into deep water, and volcanic formations shape a coastline that feels both ancient and untamed.
During the crossing of The Minch, seabirds fill the skies — puffins and gannets — while beneath the surface dolphins and occasionally even whales may appear alongside the ship. Guests can take part in sailing the vessel, relax on deck, or simply enjoy the landscape unfolding from the water.
Depending on the conditions, we may reach Stornoway, where vast moorlands, quiet lochs and untouched nature create a world that feels far removed from modern life.
Further north, we round Cape Wrath, where towering cliffs meet the open ocean and the immense scale of the landscape becomes strikingly apparent. From there, we sail towards the Orkney Islands — softer in character, yet equally captivating, with rolling fields, broad bays and dramatic coastlines.
In Stromness, you can experience island life at your own pace — whether through a coastal walk, a visit to the prehistoric site of Skara Brae, or a stop at a local distillery.
Each voyage follows the conditions and reveals a different side of Scotland — at times wild and rugged, at others calm and intimate.
On board, there is space to slow down, observe, and truly connect with the landscape. The voyage itself lies at the heart of the experience — the sea, the islands, the wildlife and the Scottish weather — while James offers a rare opportunity to see how these moments are recognised, framed and captured in real time.
The journey ends in Scrabster, at the northern edge of mainland Scotland.
You return home with more than photographs. You leave with the feeling of having truly experienced Scotland from the sea — in a way that very few people ever do.
Important information for travellers to the United Kingdom
Since 2024, entry requirements for the United Kingdom have been tightened. Travellers need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK.
An ETA is a mandatory electronic travel permission for short stays, such as holidays, business trips or transit. Without a valid ETA, entry to the United Kingdom may be refused.
What you need to know:
The ETA costs £10 per person
The application is completed online or via the official ETA app (for iOS and Android)
The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires
Only holders of a biometric passport can apply for an ETA
Register here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
We recommend completing the application well in advance of departure to avoid delays or issues at the border.
