Published: Monday 12th May 2024 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! RSPB team photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Catering Team photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Catering Team photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Buffet photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon In the dog lounge photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Orkney Nature Festival Team photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Out on deck photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Outside deck photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon A dog’s eye view photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon The Crockness Martello Tower photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Enjoying the scenery photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Wartime coastal defence buildings on Flotta photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Gannet in flight photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Stanger Head on Flotta photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Cantick Head Lighthouse photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Sea cave photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon The coast of Hoy photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Viewing the cliffs on Hoy’s southern coastline photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon The red sandstone cliffs of Hoy photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Cliffs and sea caves photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Dramatic cliff scenery photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon A waterfall on Hoy photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Rackwick Bay photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon The Candle of the Sneuk photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon The Old Man of Hoy photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Close to the Old Man photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Passing St John’s Head photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Viewing the Old Man of Hoy from the Hamnavoe photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon Homeward bound photo © Copyright Victoria Dixon
