Frequently Asked Questions
All guests should be aware of the following:
Logistics:
- Trips will run regularly during the summer months. It is important that you check the Borve Lodge Facebook page for up-to-date sailing information.
- Trips will be weather dependent.
- All guests must book online, and comply with our Terms and Conditions.
- The vessel will leave from Horgabost Beach, starting from 0900, with 8-10 passengers per passage, depending on tides and the vessel in use. Expected times will be shown when making your booking.
- The crossing takes approximately 10-20 minutes depending on the vessel.
- Entry to the island will be at Paible, the main settlement area on Taransay.
- Return trips will commence from 1500. The sailing times will shown on your booking, but the skipper will advise you of any changes.
- If the weather prevents travel, every effort will be made to provide a crossing on an alternative day. If this is not possible, guests will be fully refunded.
- Please ensure you have read our full T&Cs
We expect visitors to be:
- Of reasonable fitness to truly embrace a quite challenging terrain. You will be dropped by landing craft onto a beach at various locations depending on the tides, so some agility is required getting on and off the vessel. You may also be required to transfer to the landing craft by dinghy at certain tides.
- Prepared for a day away from ALL 21st-century amenities: you must bring food, water, and appropriate clothing for changeable Hebridean weather.
- Understanding of and respect for our delicate island environment, ie leave only their footprints, and take away only their memories.
You will have complete freedom to explore the island, for which we will provide:
- Passage to and from the island, aboard one of the Estate’s two commercially coded landing crafts.
- Guidance from dedicated Estate staff on the best way to spend your day.
- Access to wc facilities.
Bookings can be made using our online booking system on our website. The dates and times of sailings are shown on the website. To hold a reservation, payment will be required in full at the time of booking.
The tariff is £80.00 for adults and £40.00 for children aged 16 and under.
Half day trips may be available at certain times depending on demand and the tariff for these may vary from above
Our trips leave from the beach at Horgabost, which is accessed through the campsite: for a location map see – What3Words.
Please be at the beach 15 minutes before your departure time.
Car parking is very limited. There are public toilet facilities at the Horgabost car park. Please note, on the OS map the beach is shown as ‘Traigh Niosaboist’.
Commencing in late April and will operate until late September.
The crossing takes around 10-20 minutes depending on the vessel.
Please note, some agility is required getting on and off the vessel. Although the boat will come right up to the beach in most instances, at certain tides you may be required to transfer to the landing craft by dinghy, or to step onto the rocks or reef.
We do recommend wellington boots or other waterproof footwear for embarking and disembarking the boat to keep feet dry at lower tides, and passengers have other footwear with them to change into if preferred. Spare boots/shoes can be left in the old steading until your return at the end of the day.
The boat will depart twice a day on the days it is operating, commencing from around 9.00am and again at 10.00 am, depending on tides.
You will have approx. 6 hours to explore the island.
As an example, the 9.15 am departure will return from Taransay at 3.15 pm.
The 10.00 am sailing will return at 4.00 pm.
Please see our sailing schedule for full details. All dates/times are subject to change – see our T&Cs.
Our vessel is a landing craft which is designed to be a stable and comfortable. It has a ramp at the back to allow passengers onto the vessel. We may also use a dinghy to or from the boat to shore at either Horgabost or Taransay, therefore a degree of mobility is required.
Taransay itself is very rugged and therefore walking can be difficult across the rough terrain. There are no roads, paths, or designated tracks on Taransay.
Please contact us at marine@borvelodge.com with any mobility questions which we will be happy to help with.
There is no guide present on the island.
Dress warmly for the day allowing for different weather conditions. You must carry waterproofs, even when the forecast is good, and ensure that you have suitable footwear such as walking boots or sturdy shoes. Strong wellington boots are also a good option. (We recommend wellies for embarking and disembarking the boat to keep feet dry, and for passengers to have other footwear to change into if preferred. Spare boots can be left in the steading until the end of the day). Soft canvas shoes, sandals and fit flops are not suitable for walking on the island. You should take any good and a flask or bottled water with you, as there are no facilities on the island. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars and a good sunscreen for when the sun is out!
A lifejacket will be provided when you arrive at the beach and must be worn at all times, while you are on the vessel.
Please remember all refuse must be brought back with you.
Please ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before departing as there are no charging facilities on the island. There is a strong mobile signal on the east of the island but you may be out of contact on the west side.
The crew will monitor the sea and weather conditions in the 24 hours prior to sailing, and if the conditions are not favourable to allow a safe crossing passengers will be contacted by the skipper and offered a transfer to another day where possible, or a refund (please see our full T&Cs).
Like other boat trip companies, we do not cancel or reschedule if it is forecast to be cloudy, wet or showery, as this is normal for the islands. We say we can get four seasons in a day on Harris, and this is often the case, even in high summer! For this reason, we recommend passengers always carry waterproofs and a warm jumper with them.
There is also basic shelter on Taransay, in the old steading, if needed.
There are no toilet facilities on the vessel.
If we have to cancel due to weather or technical reasons you will not be charged. If payment has already been taken this will be refunded in full.
If a scheduled sailing is going ahead as planned but you fail to arrive at the beach for the designated time, you will still be charged.
Passengers will then need to rebook another sailing using the online booking system. Bookings are non-transferable unless by arrangement with Borve Lodge Estate and agreement with the skipper.
There is lots to see on Taransay so remember to bring binoculars and a camera with you. The Borve Lodge Estate deer herd are located on the island and you will be able to look out for some of our magnificent stags.
Depending on the time of year, you may see many seabirds such as gannets, oystercatchers as well as golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles. Dolphins may be seen as well as seals which often relax on the rocks around the shore. On rare occasions orca, basking sharks and minke whales have been spotted.
We ask visitors to observe, but not disturb or try to interact with any of the wildlife on the island.
Geologists will be able to see some of the oldest rock formations in Britain and also archaeological sites.
You are free to roam the island, but please remember to keep an eye on the time so you do not miss your return crossing. It is very easy to lose track of time in such a wonderful place.
The buildings above the beach are restricted and should not be accessed other than the toilets in the old steading.
There is a historic graveyard on the island near to the buildings. Please respect this area and do not disturb the grounds.
Fires are not permitted on the island. Metal detectors are not to be used on the island.
Please be aware of the steep cliffs and rocks which can be slippery. We are not liable for any injuries or accidents – see our T&Cs.
Sailings are open to passengers of all ages. We must be advised if there are any children under the age of 4.
Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept pets on our trips due to the wildlife on the island and delicate balance of flora and fauna.
You should ensure you have a mobile telephone with you at all times which is fully charged.
If you have an emergency which requires assistance, please contact the emergency services using 999.
If you are unwell while on the boat, please speak to the skipper on board.
We recommend visitors download ‘WhatThreeWords’ to help us with locating anyone on the island when necessary.
Get in touch by email at marine@borvelodge.com, and we will be happy to answer your queries.