Have questions? We're here.
Ring of Brodgar is a unique stone circle in Scotland.

Scotland Small Ship Cruises

Travel made your way
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Scotland trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Experience the untamed beauty and rich history of Scotland with Adventure Life's 32 small ship cruises for 2025. Sail from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, exploring the remote islands that define Scotland's wild character. From Neolithic sites to medieval ruins, and from hiking in the Cuillin Hills to kayaking through caves, each tour offers a unique perspective on this enchanting destination. Discover the mysterious St Kilda, the ancient Orkney Islands, and the stunning landscapes of the Highlands and Islands. Engage in adventure options, wildlife viewing, and village visits, immersing yourself in the authentic charm of Scotland. Don't miss the chance to embark on a journey filled with cultural treasures and breathtaking panoramas, contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
Filter (32 Results)
  • Start Date
    OR, More specific start
  • Length
    to
  • Price
    to
  • Activity Levels
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Ships
  • Destinations
    • Scotland
Bronze Age Clava Cairn near Inverness, Scotland
from $10,065
EXPLORE

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Westbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Lord of the Glens
  • Sail through Loch Ness
  • Visit medieval abbey ruins
  • Hike in spectacular Cuillin Hills
  • Discover ancient standing stones
Starts / Ends
Inverness / Kyle of Lochalsh
Activity Level
Variable
From Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, explore the historic sites of Scotland on this week-long cruise on the Lord of the Glens. Lochs, castles, villages, pubs, and ancient ruins highlight this tour, which features inland visits like Loch Ness and Duart Castle.
Cruise Details
0
Broch of Mousa, Scotland
from $6,195
EXPLORE

Best of British Isles

Portsmouth - Edinburgh - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Tresco's exotic gardens
  • Tour Dunmore East's lush estates
  • Visit Saltee's famed bird haven
  • Stroll Kirkwall's historic streets
Starts / Ends
Portsmouth / Leith
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Portsmouth and exploring the Scilly Isles, Ireland's scenic coast, Wales' Snowdonia, and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway. Discover Scotland's Orkney sites and Fair Isle's seabirds, and finish in Edinburgh's lively port of Leith.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $12,745
Save 20%
EXPLORE

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

12 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer
  • Explore Celtic and Viking culture
  • Sail around Skellig Michael
  • Zodiac cruise in Scotland
  • Visit giant seabird colonies
Starts / Ends
Windsor / Edinburgh
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise from Portsmouth to Edinburgh aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Explore Britain's, Ireland's, and Scotland's lesser-known wonders. Discover ancient megaliths, mysterious sea caves, historic dockyards, and lush botanical gardens.
Cruise Details
0
Grazing highland cow on Skye Island, Scotland
from $9,926
EXPLORE

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Eastbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Lord of the Glens
  • Hear Hebridean wildlife insights
  • Sip Whisky in Oban
  • Visit Sacred Iona Island
  • Explore Clava Cairns stones
Starts / Ends
Inverness / Inverness
Activities
Biking, Citizen Science, Wine Tasting
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Scottish Highlands cruise aboard the Lord of the Glens, exploring iconic lochs, historic castles, and sacred islands like Iona. Discover charming towns like Oban and Tobermory, with guided walks, whisky tastings, and wildlife encounters amid breathtaking Highland scenery.
Cruise Details
0
Edinburgh city in winter from Calton hill, Scotland, UK
from $6,495
EXPLORE

Wild Islands & Lands of Legends

Roundtrip Edinburgh - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Edinburgh's historic street
  • Tour Kirkwall's medieval treasures
  • Admire Fair Isle's rugged beauty
  • Discover Lerwick's rich heritage
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Edinburgh
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, beginning in Edinburgh and traveling to the Orkney Islands to explore historic sites and natural beauty. Experience the rugged charm of Fair Isle, Lerwick's heritage, and the stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands, which are filled with Viking history and seabird colonies.
Cruise Details
0
Visit Neolithic sites of the Orkney islands
from $8,111
Save 20%
EXPLORE

Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys & Inner Hebrides

Dublin - Edinburgh - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endurance
  • Explore Scotland's Wild Isles
  • Discover ancient stone brochs
  • Hike trails across remote isles
  • Zodiac coastal explorations
Starts / Ends
Dublin / Edinburgh
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise through Scotland's Wild Isles aboard National Geographic Endurance. Traverse the Shetland and Orkney Islands, explore the Isle of Skye's rugged coast, and visit Rathlin Island's seabird colonies. Delve into Viking heritage, ancient ruins, and dramatic landscapes guided by experts.
Cruise Details
0
Grass-roofed houses of the Faroe Islands
from $11,587
Save 20%
EXPLORE

North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes

Edinburgh to Reykjavik - 11 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endurance
  • Explore Kirkwall’s cathedrals
  • Meet Eysturoy villagers
  • Explore Shetland’s Viking coast
  • See Faroe villages
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Reykjavik
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day North Atlantic cruise aboard the National Geographic Endurance. Start in Edinburgh, then explore ancient ruins in Orkney, Viking history in Shetland, turf-roofed villages in the Faroe Islands, and Iceland’s black-sand beaches and volcanic craters on a journey rich in culture, landscapes, and adventure.
Cruise Details
0
A market in Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
from $7,060
Save 10%
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Glasgow, Scotland - Bergen - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore Glasgow’s vibrant charm
  • Experience Portree’s scenic beauty
  • Visit Kirkwall’s historic treasures
  • Marvel at Olden’s glacial wonders
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Bergen
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Laperouse to explore Scotland’s rugged isles and Norway’s stunning fjords. Highlights include the Isle of Skye, the Briksdal Glacier, and UNESCO sites like Orkney’s Standing Stones and Bergen’s Bryggen Wharf.
Cruise Details
0
An early morning view of Alesund, Norway
from $18,270
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles & Norwegian Arctic

Glasgow - Tromso - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Aqua Lares
  • Visit Staffa's basalt columns
  • Discover St Kilda seabird colonies
  • Walk the Callanish Stones moor
  • Explore Mousa Broch Iron Age tower
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Tromso
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day cruise from Glasgow to Tromso aboard Aqua Lares, exploring Iona, St Kilda’s UNESCO site, and the Shetland Islands. Experience wildlife, cultural landmarks, and stunning coastal scenery across Scotland and Norway.
Cruise Details
0
Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
from $18,195
EBD
EXPLORE

England & Ireland: For Kin and Kingdom

Edinburgh - London - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Explore Edinburgh’s castle
  • Discover Aberdeen’s Glamis Castle
  • Uncover Orkney’s Neolithic stones
  • Admire Glasgow’s Victorian charm
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / London
Activities
Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 16-day cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson to explore the impactful stories of those who shaped British Isles history, from Jacobites to Irish fighters. Discover the resilience of royal figures, revolutionaries, and everyday citizens who overcame challenges to preserve their cultural identities.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the enchanting city of Glasgow
from $18,270
EXPLORE

Norwegian Arctic & Scottish Isles

Tromso - Glasgow - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Aqua Lares
  • Discover Trollfjorden’s cliffs
  • Visit Reine in Lofoten Islands
  • Enjoy Bronnoysund’s coastal beauty
  • Uncover Mousa Broch in Shetland
Starts / Ends
Tromso / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day cruise from Tromso to Glasgow on Aqua Lares, exploring Norway’s fjords and Scotland’s islands. Experience highlights like Trollfjorden, the Lofoten Islands, and the UNESCO site of St Kilda before concluding your adventure in Glasgow.
Cruise Details
0
Puffin, Fair Isle, Scotland
from $16,995
EBD
EXPLORE

Wild Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords

Aberdeen - Tromso - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Explore Aberdeen’s cathedral
  • Tour Glen Garioch Distillery
  • Visit Papa Westray’s Knap of Howar
  • Experience Fair Isle’s seabirds
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Tromso
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 14-day voyage from Scotland to Norway aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring ancient sites in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, Viking routes, and stunning Lofoten peaks. Experience the Arctic Circle's midnight sun, seabird colonies, and breathtaking fjords while delving into the region’s maritime heritage.
Cruise Details
0
Visit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far north
from $7,795
EXPLORE

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Edinburgh - Longyearbyen - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Kirkwall’s Viking heritage
  • Sail from Leith’s historic port
  • Walk Torshavn’s colorful streets
  • Cruise past Svalbard’s icy fjords
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Longyearbyen
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition from Edinburgh to Longyearbyen on the Sea Spirit, exploring Orkney's ancient sites, Fair Isle's wildlife, and the Faroe Islands' culture. Experience the Arctic Circle's volcanic landscapes and Svalbard's pristine wilderness with expert-led excursions and breathtaking scenery.
Cruise Details
0
Broch of Mousa, Scotland
from $28,420
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles, Arctic Circles & Svalbard

Glasgow - Longyearbyen - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Aqua Lares
  • Explore Iona landscapes
  • Discover Staffa and sea caves
  • Visit Callanish Stones site
  • Admire Alesund's coastal views
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Longyearbyen
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard the Aqua Lares through Scotland, Norway, and Svalbard, visiting historic sites and wildlife-rich areas. Experience the beauty of remote landscapes and Arctic wildlife while enjoying expert-guided excursions and small-ship comfort.
Cruise Details
0
Soft light glows over the canals of Copenhagen
from $14,995
EBD
EXPLORE

Copenhagen to Edinburgh: A Viking Saga

Copenhagen - Edinburgh - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Explore Copenhagen’s royal palaces
  • Discover Gothenburg’s canals
  • Sail into Norway’s Hardangerfjord
  • Encounter Shetland’s rugged cliffs
Starts / Ends
Copenhagen / Edinburgh
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day Viking-inspired cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson, exploring significant Scandinavian ports like Gothenburg and Bergen. Discover the rich maritime heritage of Norway and the Shetland and Orkney Islands, where Norse traditions still influence local culture.
Cruise Details
0
Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
from $13,395
EBD $2000
EXPLORE

Scotland to Spitsbergen: Puffins, Sea Ice and Wildlife

Aberdeen, Scotland - Helsinki - 17 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine
  • Explore Orkney Neolithic Ruins
  • Cruise Norwegian Arctic Fjords
  • Discover Shetland Viking Sites
  • Observe Bear Island Birds
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Helsinki
Activities
Kayaking, Whale Watching, Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Sail on 17 days aboard Ultramarine from Aberdeen to Longyearbyen. Explore Orkney and Shetland’s Neolithic ruins, Norwegian fjords, and Svalbard’s glaciers, ice, seabird colonies, and Arctic wildlife. Participate in Zodiac cruises, hikes, and cultural encounters while observing polar bears, walrus, whales, and Arctic birds in their natural habitats.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $28,420
EXPLORE

Svalbard, Arctic Circle & Scottish Isles

Longyearbyen - Glasgow - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Aqua Lares
  • Observe Samarinvagen’s glacier
  • Discover Bear Island cliffs
  • Walk Reinoya’s raised beaches
  • Visit Skarsvag to see wild reindeer
Starts / Ends
Longyearbyen / Glasgow
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard Aqua Lares, starting in Longyearbyen and exploring Norway's scenic fjords and coastal towns, including Tromso and Alesund. Discover the Shetland Islands and iconic sites in Scotland like the Callanish Stones and the Isle of Iona before concluding in Glasgow.
Cruise Details
0
pair of killer whales
from $3,100
EXPLORE

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

Aberdeen - Longyearbyen - 10 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
  • Explore Aberdeen
  • Experience Fair Isle's charm
  • Explore Jan Mayen
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Longyearbyen
Activity Level
Variable
Join this exciting 10-day Arctic Ocean cruise aboard MV Plancius. Departing from Aberdeen, marvel at orcas off Girdle Ness before immersing in Fair Isle's knitwear and seabirds. Explore Jan Mayen's volcanic landscapes, then navigate ice edges for polar bears near Spitsbergen's fjords.
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 32 Results

Top Scotland Travel Destinations

Scotland Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Scotland

Scotland Trips by Duration

Scotland Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By