Island Hopping Britain: 10-Night Aurora British Isles Expedition

Isles of the British Isles is a 10-night expedition from London to Dublin aboard Sylvia Earle, departing April 19, 2028 and arriving April 29. Rather than the big-city ports most British Isles cruises favor, this one focuses on islands, many of them small, quiet and hard to reach. It suits walkers, birdwatchers and travelers who’ve already seen London and Edinburgh and want something different. April brings spring flowers and the return of nesting seabirds.

Guests embark at Portsmouth after traveling from London, and the first call is Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. The Channel Islands of Guernsey and Sark follow; Sark is famously car-free and a designated dark sky island. Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly, is known for its subtropical Abbey Garden. Lundy Island, in the Bristol Channel, is a wildlife haven where puffins return to breed in spring.

Holyhead on Anglesey opens up the coast of North Wales. Rathlin Island, off Northern Ireland, has large seabird colonies. In the Hebrides, Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye is home to Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan MacLeod, and the Isle of Mull offers wild coastline and the colorful harbor of Tobermory. The Isle of Man and the Calf of Man, a small nature reserve island, come last before the voyage ends in Dublin. Expedition-style, the route is Captain’s Choice and depends on weather and sea conditions.

Sylvia Earle is a small, purpose-built expedition ship, which lets it anchor off islands larger ships can’t reach and send guests ashore by Zodiac. Aurora’s expedition team adds depth with talks on wildlife, history and geology, plus citizen science projects. Inclusions vary by fare, so ask us for details.

We can help with a pre-cruise stay in London or extra time in Dublin. Tell us your dates and cabin preferences and we’ll check fares and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is April a good time to cruise the British Isles?
April is early spring, with cooler temperatures and changeable weather, but it’s a lovely time for gardens and returning seabirds, and quieter than summer. Pack layers and rain gear.

Where does the Aurora British Isles cruise embark?
The voyage is listed as London to Dublin, with embarkation at Portsmouth on England’s south coast. We’ll confirm transfer arrangements from London when you book.

Do I need a passport for a cruise from England to Ireland?
Yes. The voyage visits the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Ireland, and entry requirements, including any UK electronic travel authorization, depend on your citizenship. We’ll confirm what you need.