Red Moon News
End of season... Posted 8 October 2025
We ended our season with a calm and wildlife filled passage back to Dunstaffnage. Three whale sightings and about 6 dolphin pods was just amazing ! A serene night in Lochaline contrasted with a furious and uncomfortable night during Storm Amy a few days later...
Happy Birthday Red Moon ! Posted 11 August 2025
This August we had a double celebration for Red Moon's 80th Birthday and our 10 years of owning her. We had a small 'do' onboard with the rain mostly keeping off and the weather finally calm after Storm Floris...
Skye family cruising... Posted 14 June 2025
We are back in the Skye sea area now for the rest of our season and started with a family group of returning guests and a trip up to Gairloch and the north of Skye...
Second cruise of '25 completed in glorious sunshine... Posted 14 May 2025
We are two cruises into to our 2025 season and have been blessed so far with some lovely weather and great wildlife sightings. We explored the best places to wild swim and ensured a special birthday trip was memorable for all the right reasons !
Beautiful spring sunsets at Dunstaffnage... Posted 1 April 2025
This year we are having some great weather for our boat preparation season! Red Moon is almost fully out of her winter hibernation and will soon be as pretty as a picture ready for our 2025 season. We start with a month around the Mull sea area and then in June head up to Skye for a busy few months.
Weird weather for '24 Posted 26 September 2024
Red Moon and her crew are settled back at Dunstaffnage Marina for winter after what has been the weirdest season for weather. It started off well in May but quickly morphed into early autumn- style days with the odd benign patch here and there..only to give us a couple of weeks of the most stunning Indian summer in September. Despite this there were happy cruises spent exploring all that we have to offer on the Scottish West coast, accompanied by varied wildlife and indulgent food and drink !
Springing into the new season... Posted 23 May 2024
We are well into our Oban & Mull spring cruises with some fantastic weather and wildlife sightings already enjoyed by guests and crew. So far we have been circumnavigating Mull but a Southern Hebrides trip is beckoning. We will move up to the Skye area in mid June.
A windy winter... Posted 21 January 2024
We have had rather a wet and windy time of it this winter in Dunstaffnage...though Skye has seen quite of bit of the pretty white stuff ❄️. Red Moon's crew has had a good time though with some trips to catch up with family and friends. As we head towards spring our thoughts turn towards our routine safety checks and maintenance for the season ahead.
Skye Summer 2023... Posted 1 October 2023
Another Skye summer of mostly calm weather, with just a few soggy bits. We have explored some new anchorages and revisited old favourites joined by many 'repeat guests' and plenty of new ones. All in all a very enjoyable season !
Mull & Oban cruises 2023... Posted 23 April 2023
On our first trip this year we caught up with the antics of these adorable birds on Lunga...more visits followed with side trips to Staffa to view the magnificent Fingal's cave, time ashore to explore the spiritual Isle of Iona and some new anchorages discovered on the Ross of Mull...
Preparing for a full season... Posted 31 March 2023
After a lot of hard work over late winter Red Moon is ready for a busy 2023 season which starts on April 20th with a circumnavigation of Mull.
Red Moon crew RnR down - under... Posted 1 February 2023
This winter Red Moon's crew finally made it back to NZ to visit family and friends and take a real holiday....weather was mixed but still included some lovely sunshiny days and spectacular scenery...now it's time to get Red Moon all ready for another busy season...
Season's end... Posted 1 October 2022
Our season came to a close with what was almost an Indian Summer...some warm days and calm seas allowing for sea swimming in wild places ...something which has proved more popular on this year's cruises. For some people !
Family - time... Posted 20 August 2022
With our family onboard we had a spectacular week of wonderful, and some wild, weather and many dolphin and whale family sightings..just amazing.
Outer Hebrides adventure... Posted 8 July 2022
This week has seen Red Moon on her second trip to the Outer Hebrides ...this time we ventured round to the west coast of Harris to view the stunning sandy beaches at Luskentyre and Seilebost.
Halfway through... Posted 21 June 2022
We have reached the mid point of our 2022 season and we have enjoyed meeting old and new guests and showing them this wonderful area. Spring weather this year has been rather atypical but we have still had some amazing wildlife sightings...
Nearly time to sail... Posted 4 April 2022
We are at the end of our winter at Dunstaffnage now - it's been rather a wet and windy one - and we are looking forward to leaving very soon to start our Skye season on April 25th. We have been busy getting Red Moon all spruced up and she is looking lovely !
Balmy summer of 2021… Posted 28 September 2021
We have had the most fantastic 2021 season, with some superb weather, stunning sunsets, fabulous wildlife sights and the most lovely guests! Red Moon will be in Plockton for a while before we head back to Oban for winter. Take a look at our updated gallery page…some gorgeous photos to make you wish you had been here !
Red Moon to Blue Skye... Posted 16 May 2021
Farewell to beautiful Argyll as Red Moon sails ‘over the sea to Skye’. We start our Skye summer cruises very soon and are looking forward to a busy and fantastic cruising season.
Green light for Red Moon... Posted 22 April 2021
Red Moon's crew are very excited to be able to say we are going ahead with our Skye cruises this May. We are giving Red Moon her final beauty treatments and making sure everything is perfect and ready for safe cruising in 2021!
An early close of season... Posted 9 October 2020
Red Moon has ended her cruising season for 2020 - it was short but very sweet with lovely guests and exploration of some new places. We will spending winter at Dunstaffnage Marina keeping busy with maintaining our lovely Red Moon. We can’t wait for next season and are looking forward to meeting new people and more adventures...
Sailing through the generations... Posted 11 September 2020
We have been particularly delighted to welcome guests of all ages on Red Moon this summer. Our small family groups have really embraced all that the Scottish West coast has to offer, whether it be kayaking, fishing, sailing, swimming, just sitting back and enjoying the stunning scenery...or sampling the local delicacies prepared onboard!
Cruising out of lockdown... Posted 11 July 2020
With the announcement that Scottish tourism can re start on July 15th we are intending to be cruising again very soon! We have COVID- safe guidelines drawn up and a plan for living a ‘new normal’ on Red Moon. We can take bookings for August, September or October for the Oban & Sound of Mull sea area or for 2021 when we will return to Skye...
Cruising within sight... Posted 11 June 2020
Following the announcement today by Nicola Sturgeon that Scottish tourism businesses may prepare for re - opening from July 15th, we are opening up our calendar for bookings for this August onwards. We acknowledge that this is always subject to amendment by the Scottish Government. We will continue to monitor the situation but we are now very hopeful that we may be able to resume operation in August and fulfil your cruising dreams! This year we will remain based at Dunstaffnage Marina and run our cruises in the beautiful Oban and Mull sea area.
Scotlands Year of Coast & Waters... Posted 1 March 2020
2020 has been named as Visit Scotland's "Year of Coasts and Waters" which is just perfect for us at Red Moon Cruises! To further gilt the gingerbread they have launched a targeted marketing campaign, which we are supporting, called 'West Coast Waters'. This is aimed at getting folk truly immersed in what the west coast of Scotland has to offer and encourage people to "stay longer, do more'. We are all for that - a leisurely cruise exploring the lovely area we now call home in depth, is just what we offer...
New year 2020- new seating for Red Moon... Posted 4 January 2020
Scott has been busy over winter creating a lovely new seating area for our wheelhouse. The original chart table has been recycled into a smart new chart chest. We think it will greatly enhance our guests experience onboard and we are - or somebody is- enjoying test driving it!
Red Moon settles at Dunstaffnage... Posted 2 October 2019
Red Moon is now back near Oban in her winter berth at Dunstaffnage Marina. We are still in cruise mode however until the end of October so if you fancy a late booking...
A little crew down-time... Posted 29 September 2019
Red Moon and her crew make their way back to Oban for the autumn & winter with a little R&R on the way. Lovely Loch Linnhe and a quiet anchorage by Bernera island...
Indian Summer... Posted 25 September 2019
A lovely al fresco lunch in full sunshine for the last cruise of our Skye summer cruising season - wonderful finish...
A tot of Rum... Posted 14 August 2019
Guests and crew had time to explore the lovely island of Rum during a Small Isles cruise this August. Guests joined a tour of Kinloch Castle which they found fascinating. Crew explored the footpaths and activities local crafts for sale - definitely worth coming back on future cruises!
New places explored... Posted 30 June 2019
This year we have enlarged our cruising area by exploring the Lochaber coast - Lochs Moidart and Ailort and very lovely it is! Something to add to future itineraries...
New foodie partner... Posted 1 June 2019
This year we are pleased to have added another local food product to your eating and dinking experience on Red Moon. We now include freshly ground coffee from Skye Coffee Roasters who are based in Lower Breakish...mmm.
Two cruises completed - plenty more to come!... Posted 9 May 2019
Red Moon is now back around Skye having completed one cruise out of Dunstaffnage Marina near Oban - an around Mull odyssey complete with cute puffins and lively dolphins. Our first Skye trip explored north of the Skye Bridge particularly the inspiring and dramatic Skye coastline which was appreciated by one of our guests who is an acclaimed American artist. We are excited to see what he will create from his impressions on the cruise.
WiSe Red Moon Cruises... Posted 29 March 2019
Earlier in March Scott attended a course about marine wildlife awareness on behalf of Red Moon Cruises. We are now accredited under the WiSe scheme. This adds to our knowledge and understanding of how best to operate when we are out spotting all that fabulous wildlife...
Red Moon Swim film goes worldwide.. Posted 24 March 2019
We previously wrote that Red Moon took part in the making of a short film about long distance cold water swimming in Loch Hourn last June. We are excited to report that not only did the film appear on Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoulSunday TV programme but it won Best Short Film at the FourSeasonsFilmFestival! Congratulations to all involved in making the film. You can see photos from the film production session and location in our Gallery and here’s a link to the film: https://vimeo.com/292071219
Squeaky clean Moon... Posted 1 March 2019
February saw Red Moon on her way to Corpach boatyard to be hauled out. She had her undercarriage inspected and then cleaned and painted - under the watchful eye of the local swans! She’s nearly ready for the new season..next job painting and varnishing!
Escape the crowds this July... Posted 22 January 2019
This is one of our favourite photos from last summer - such a glorious one it was. We are getting pretty booked up now but we still have room in July and August. Don’t be put off by thinking it will be too crowded or expensive - here on Red Moon we don’t charge extra because it’s peak season and you can find peace and quiet out on the water away from the busy roads and resorts. Get in touch now to secure your cruise!
Beautiful Scottish Skies... Posted 22 January 2019
We captured this beautiful pinky red sky on our way back to Red Moon from one of our private cheffing weekends in the Highlands. Such a pleasure to drive through this snowy landscape...
Big Red Moon day !... Posted 21 January 2019
Scott got up very early on Red Moon to try to capture the big red Moon - and here it is! It’s also known as a Wolf Moon and it will be the last red Moon we can see for a couple of years. Hope you managed to see it!
A brave New Year... Posted 14 November 2018
Red Moon Cruises are delighted to be able to offer you an exciting start to the New Year with our cosy winter cruising. We have day cruises, 'a night at anchor' or any of our longer cruises available in January from our winter base at Dunstaffnage Marina. Discover the Sound of Mull area with its winter coat on...
New winter base for Red Moon... Posted 8 October 2018
Red Moon is now settled in her new winter home at Dunstaffnage Marina near Oban. We are available for Autumn and Winter Cruises so please check our Cruise Offers page..we are offering some 'frostbite sailing' to chase away the winter blues in the New Year!
Chasing the Sublime... Posted 12 October 2018
Remember the ‘Contemplating the Deep’ news item about Red Moon’s part in the making of a film about wild swimming in Loch Hourn? Well, here’s the trailer for that film which will be released in May 2019... https://player.vimeo.com/video/294774910
BBC Countryfile comes to Skye... Posted 6 October 2018
Just before we left Kyle this Autumn Red Moon was called into service as a film platform for filming an episode of BBC Countryfile starring Matt Baker, a kayak and an otter! We filmed in Loch Alsh and Scott took the crew onto Silver Cloud our trusty tender for some close ups...
Autumns colours cover the hillsides... Posted 19 September 2018
After a truly glorious summer here in Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross we move into the less settled weather of late summer and early Autumn. Currently we are experiencing some very lively fronts passing through but so far we have managed to run some fabulous cruises and enjoy the welcome presence of dolphins, more eagles than we have seem before and the odd otter or two - do check out our current Gallery page for some more beautiful photos...
Stunning sunsets and glassy seas... Posted 2 July 2018
The last couple of weeks have been truly stunning on the west coast of Scotland and we have been privileged to be cruising around the gorgeous south coast of Skye and the Small Isles. We managed to visit each of the islands - Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna as well as the very big lighthouse on Hyskeir! Outstanding in so many ways...
Contemplating the deep... Posted 23 June 2018
Red Moon has just played host to a film crew who were making a special film for the Outdoor Swimming Society. We filmed in the awesome Loch Hourn which provided a dramatic backdrop for the film and a truly wild swimming experience! Something new to consider on your Red Moon cruise...
True Summer cruising weather... Posted 2 June 2018
Our first two cruises are complete and they were blessed with truly gorgeous weather...long may it last! We visited the Small Isles of Eigg and Canna - the latter a first for Red Moon and we took lots of photos with blue skies and seas - see our Gallery Page. Don't forget you could still snag a bespoke cruise in July and early August or why not book a ‘short summer cruise’ later this June - check out our Availability Page...
Springtime in Skye & Localsh... Posted 4 May 2018
Red Moon is now back in her summer base and getting ready to welcome her first guests on board. It was lovely to get here while the daffodils were still out and we are looking forward to the bluebells covering the hills and woods. We are spending a little time at anchor in Loch Duich but expect to be ‘ home on the Pontoons’ next week. Bookings have been rolling in but we still have some spaces in July and August so why not contact us and book your ‘Skye Escape’!
Red Moon relocates... Posted 4 April 2018
Red Moon has left her winter home in James Watt Dock, Greenock and travelled up through the Crinan Canal to her first springtime stop at Dunstaffnage Marina near Oban. We will be staying around the Sound of Mull area for the next month so if you are interested in a cruise here please GET IN TOUCH NOW!
Snow White Red Moon... Posted 28 February 2018
Here is a snowy Red Moon waiting patiently in Greenock for some warmer weather to arrive... as are her crew. It’s the time of year to prepare her for the summer season so we have been ensuring all our safety gear is serviced and in order and then we want to start on Red Moon’s beauty treatments...when the weather allows!
Winter home for Red Moon... Posted 28 October 2017
Red Moon arrived back in Greenock today and is now settled in James Watt Dock Marina for the winter. We hope this will be a short winter - Easter is early next year and we hope to be cruising again by then!
End of season images... Posted 26 September 2017
Red Moon and her crew are nearing the end of a busy and happy first full season here in Skye & Lochalsh. We have a couple more cruises to run in October and then we will be heading south for the winter…Take a look at what we have been up to this summer in our Facebook posts and Blog - all accessible through the website.
'Home' on the pontoons at Kyle... Posted 12 May 2017
Red Moon is back in her summer berth at the Kyle of Lochalsh after two great cruises out of Oban and two out of Greenock. We are looking forward to welcoming our first 'Skye guests' of 2017 shortly. Here, Red Moon was 'droned' by the pontoon-master and we have some fab aerial shots - see our Blog and Facebook page for more soon...
En route to Skye... Posted 20 April 2017
Red Moon is currently in Oban getting ready for a couple of cruises to Islay and around Mull. We had a fun trip through the Crinan canal on the way up after completing our first trip of the season with a cruise through the Kyles of Bute to Arran and its lovely distillery.
New season approaching... Posted 1 February 2017
After a settled winter in Greenock we are gearing up for our second season. The bookings are coming in and we look forward to welcoming our first guests in early April. We have added an 'Availability' page to our website to help you plan your cruise with us and we have a fabulous offer for the school summer holiday period - see our 'Cruise Offers' page and book soon as this expires in April!
Red Moon Winter... Posted 15 October 2016
Red Moon Cruises is now in her winter berth - this year we are staying close to Glasgow on the Clyde at James Watt Dock Marina. This means we can still be available for short river trips or even as an alternative to land based B&B - please get in touch if you are interested. Here is Red Moon on her voyage south in the Crinan canal.
Autumn 2016 cruise offer... Posted 15 August 2016
Come and see Scotland in her finest colours. Already the hills are showing muted heather and bracken colours, which delineate the magnificent hillsides around the lochs. This time of year often brings a spell of settled, favourable weather in which to enjoy the spectacular scenery from Red Moon's wheelhouse and cosy saloon. Call us to book your 2016 September/October cruise with our special 10% discount.
Skye short cruises for Summer... Posted 25 July 2016
Red Moon Cruises are delighted to be offering special short cruises from the Kyle of Lochalsh this summer. Join us for a luxury lunch or dinner cruise, or treat yourself to ' a night at anchor'. See our prices page for further details.
