The Orkney Nature Festival Cruise on MV Hamnavoe took place on Sunday 12th May 2024, between 13:15 to 16:15 and saw 400 passengers board the ship to circumnavigate the island of Hoy.
In previous years, the cruise has marked the end of the Orkney Nature Festival. However, in 2024, the cruise was used to kick off the festival and promote the other great Orkney Nature Festival events. Running for the first time since 2019, it was a great day out with a fantastic atmosphere onboard, and passengers were treated to a delicious buffet, tastings of Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin, a wildlife and history commentary, and some spectacular sights.
The Hamnavoe sailed clockwise around Hoy, taking in Graemsay, Cava, Fara, Flotta, Switha, Cantick Head, The Berry, Little Rackwick, The Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head. There was even time to enjoy a brief stop in Rackwick bay! Plenty of seabirds flew past the ferry, and a minke whale was briefly spotted.
Keep scrolling down for photos of the day – and thank you to everyone who joined and made the cruise so special!
In November 2024, we welcomed various groups of students on board our ships for informative visits and tours, we attended some events and celebrated a significant milestone as a company.
