INVERNESS GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
An Hour Across: The One‑Way Crossing from Arisaig to the Isle of Eigg
A scheduled one‑hour ferry from Arisaig Marina to Eigg with day‑visitor windows on the island; this guide lays out timings, boarding rules and what to expect ashore.
An Hour Across: The One‑Way Crossing from Arisaig to the Isle of Eigg.
This is a straightforward, scheduled one‑way crossing from Arisaig to the Isle of Eigg: the sailing itself takes roughly one hour, and depending on the day you can expect a limited window ashore before the next available departure. The service is run by Arisaig Marine Ltd and departs from the Arisaig Marina ticket office; day‑trippers may book a same‑day Eigg > Arisaig return if their schedule allows.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A concise, one‑hour crossing
The crossing from Arisaig to Eigg is scheduled as a one‑hour sailing, making this an efficient way to reach the island for a focused visit.
Daytime windows ashore vary by weekday
Time available on Eigg depends on the day of the week—some days provide around five hours ashore while others are shorter—so plan your arrival and return accordingly.
Bring what you need—and your dog if booked
Passengers can bring dogs if booked in advance (they must be kept on the outer deck on a short lead); luggage, bikes and other items are subject to limits and advance arrangements.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The trip is a compact sea crossing from Arisaig to Eigg: passengers check in at the Arisaig Marina ticket office, board the vessel and spend roughly an hour on the water before disembarking on Eigg, where the time you have ashore is determined by the day's timetable.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this crossing is best (and least) suited to.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Scheduled sailings run from April through the end of August, with specific weekday frequencies that change by month; check the timetable for the exact days of operation.
If bringing a dog, book it in advance and keep the animal on the outer deck on a short lead; luggage beyond a small day bag must be pre‑booked and passengers collecting a luggage token at check‑in are permitted to load baggage.
Bikes may be taken on board for a fee (£5 per journey), with a maximum of six bikes per sailing; electric bikes are not accepted. Luggage capacity is limited by weight and passenger numbers—book and pay for excess luggage in advance.
Tickets are emailed with a QR code boarding pass—check in at the ticket office on the morning of sailing. There is sheltered indoor seating and outdoor seating available on board.
Tea and coffee are available for purchase on board (cash only) and the marina takeaway serves breakfast and lunch to take on board. Marina parking is available and free for day‑trippers; overnight stays require a permit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the ferry run?
Scheduled sailings run from April – end of August.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are permitted on board at no cost, as long as they have been booked. Dogs need to be kept on the outer deck, and on a short lead at all times.
Are there cafes and places to eat on the islands?
Yes, there are cafes on Eigg and Muck; on Rum there is a general store. You can also order food at the marina cafe to take on board.
Can I take luggage on board?
Capacity on the Sheerwater is limited by both weight and passenger numbers. Passengers staying overnight and carrying more than one small day bag must book and pay for luggage in advance; only passengers who collect a luggage token at check‑in will be allowed to load luggage.
Can I bring a bike?
Bikes can be taken on board at a cost of £5 per journey. There is a maximum of 6 bikes per sailing. Electric bikes are not accepted and you are responsible for lifting your bike up to the crew.
Do you offer Sunday sailings and non‑landing cruises?
These will be advertised depending on good weather and wildlife sightings; keep an eye on the operator's social media pages.
Do I need to book in advance?
It is advisable to book in advance but not essential; sailings can fill fast at peak times and there may be tickets available on the morning of sailing—check with the ticket office.
I have mobility issues—can I travel aboard the boat?
There is no disabled access to board MV Sheerwater. However, depending on circumstances and the passenger’s capabilities it may be possible to accommodate individuals with mobility issues by prior arrangement with the marina staff.
How long before departure do I need to be there?
Passengers are suggested to check in no later than 30 minutes before departure; boarding will commence 20 minutes before departure time.