Puffer Steamboat Holidays

21/02/2025

We've got very few cabins left for our 2025 season - If you're hoping to join us aboard this year for a steamboat adventure like no other then please get in touch to make your booking asap! ⚓

Visit our website for more information on each of our cruises or email [email protected] where we can answer your questions! ⛴

03/02/2025

Following the sellout success in 2024 we are running day trips again in 2025 departing from Tarbert or Crinan on selected dates ⛴✨

Whether you'd like to participate in steering or stoking, quiz the crew on Puffer history or just enjoy the scenery with a sweet treat and a cuppa - we've got you covered!

Day trips start at £130pp (max 12 persons) for a full days steaming aboard, a sweet treat and a cuppa. BYO packed lunch.

Visit our website or email us for current availability - we hope to welcome you aboard this summer! ⚓️ https://savethepuffer.co.uk/2025-day-trip-schedule/

27/01/2025

Solo Travellers encouraged aboard VIC 32!

We think our holidays are perfect for single travellers with so many options for participating with the crew in running the vessel, group excursions ashore and a very inclusive approach to all mealtimes at our saloon table.

You are welcome to book a single berth if you're happy to share a cabin or we offer single occupancy at the cost for both berths less 20% discount.

Please check our cruise availability (look for either twin cabin or shared berth availability) or contact us direct to see what cruises are available for you!

22/01/2025

A Participation Holiday like no other, Prue Leith certainly thinks so...

‘One of the charms of the Puffer is the relaxed attitude of the crew. You can climb down the ladder into the engine room to watch the magic of the lovingly polished pistons beating fast and rhythmically. Or try your hand at shoveling biofuel into the fire. You can, under instructions from the first mate, throw a line to the lockkeeper, or jump off the boat to loop ropes round bollards. You can climb up to the bridge and steer the ship, or help the cook somehow produce delicious meals in a galley no bigger than a coat cupboard.’ Prue Leith, extract from her I newspaper article 2022.

09/01/2025

Happy new year from everyone at VIC 32 ✨🚢 will you be joining us on a West Coast of Scotland adventure in 2025? ⚓

We're experiencing a number of booking enquiries ATM with double cabins + Clyde berths booking up fast - if you're hoping to come on a steam journey like no other then please get in touch to secure your booking 🎟️

Prices start from £130pp for a full day steaming or £1,060pp for 3 nights inclusive. Full info on our website - link on profile 🔗



Photo credit

17/12/2024

Thanks to Wild About Argyll for sharing one of our new promotional 🎥 showcasing the magic of a Puffer holiday ✨Our wee office will be closed from 23rd - 27th December and again 1st - 5th January for a well deserved rest 🎄

09/12/2024

Looking back ⚓🎥 One of the highlights of this season saw VIC 32 acting as a location for the bespoke menswear brand Thomas Farthing shooting their A/W 24 collection -

'Caledonia' - A collection inspired by the hardworking legacy of steamboat journeys.

If you're looking for quality tailoring for someone special this festive season they may well have what you're looking for & with this beautiful illustrated label to boot ⛴✨

https://thomasfarthing.co.uk/

03/12/2024

Did you know VIC 32 has been hosting holidaymakers for over 40 years?! ⚓

We would love to gather some favourite memories from passengers past and present and (with permission) include some of these on our newlook website so that future holidaymakers get a sense of what to expect from a holiday aboard VIC 32! ✨⛴

Feel free to pop your memories into the comments below --

29/11/2024

Give the 🎁 of Steam this Christmas ⛴ Our GIFT VOUCHERS are back for those wishing to gift an adventure aboard VIC 32 ⚓

The gift voucher can either be for an amount to contribute towards a trip or can be for a full trip (day trips start at just £130pp) 🎟

We will send you, the purchaser, a digital or print copy of your GIFT VOUCHER to complete and gift it to your chosen recipient. A booking form will also be sent which is to be completed by your recipient (once they have chosen their Day Trip date) and returned to us as soon as possible.

Visit our online shop to organise your voucher now🎅https://savethepuffer.co.uk/gift-vouchers/

26/11/2024

NEW for 2025 - next summer we're offering two long weekend cruises on the Sound of Jura! ⛴

Departing on Friday 27th June or 4th July 2025 join us for 3 nights exploring the hidden bays, tiny islands, magical sunsets and varied wildlife of the Argyll coastline - all from our home in Crinan. Prices start at £1,060pp. ⚓

For more information about this new cruise visit -- https://savethepuffer.co.uk/new-long-weekend-cruises-for-2025/

21/11/2024

Looking for a gift for the Puffer enthusiast? 🎁⚓

Did you know we have an online shop with a wide array of Puffer themed books, cards, small gifts and even these NEW mini puffer models ⛴ A perfect stocking filler made by Clyde Model Dockyard! ✨

Visit our website to get your orders in time for Christmas delivery! 🎄

https://savethepuffer.co.uk/shop/

14/11/2024

Become a 'Friend of VIC 32' today! ⛴⚓

Joining us on holiday isn't the only way you can help us preserve S.L. VIC 32 - by becoming a member of ‘The Friends of VIC 32’ you are helping us to keep ‘VIC 32’ steaming for as long as possible through West Coast landscapes for future generations to witness and enjoy a living, breathing, fiery Puffer in a landscape which once hosted hundreds of these wee boats.

We also work to educate the public about the history of the Puffer Trade that served the West Coast, provide opportunities for traditional skills training, as well as sharing VIC 32’s own unique history.

In exchange for your membership you will receive –
- A physical copy of our annual Calliope Newsletter full of stories and information about what is happening with VIC 32 and the Puffer Preservation Trust (COMING SOON!) 🗞
- The opportunity to participate in our much enjoyed volunteer working parties in spring each year (dates will be in the prior Calliope) 🛠
- Exclusive invitations to future events and special promotions or holiday offers made only available to our members 🎟

FIND OUT MORE - https://membermojo.co.uk/savethepuffer

08/11/2024

Did you know we are now offering limited day trips departing Tarbert or Crinan ⛴⚓🎟

A full days steaming starts at £130pp and includes the opportunity to enjoy the delights of west coast waters, learn about operating a traditional Clyde Puffer & enjoy morning coffee/tea, biscuits and afternoon tea. We ask you to BYO picnic lunch - hampers at the ready!🧺

Visit our website for dates and to make a booking!

Following the sellout success of our 2024 day trips we are running even more Day trips in 2025... What to expect Arrival for day trips is at 9am sharp and the day typically finishes when we are tied up to the pier between 3/4pm. As with our holiday cruises schedules depend on weather conditions and

29/10/2024

🎥 A day on holiday aboard VIC 32 - The last traditional steam powered Clyde Puffer! 🚢

Introducing our latest film by Samuel Callen showcasing all that a Puffer holiday has to offer ⚓

Enjoy the nostalgia of steamboat cruising and relive the romance of a generation gone by... a participation holiday like no other & one that makes a real difference!

Spaces still available for 2025 cruises & day trips 🎟️

Explore the ports & piers of the Clyde, adventure along the coast to the island of Jura or discover the Great Glen as you transit the Caledonian Canal - the choice is yours ✨

Book via our new look website - www.savethepuffer.co.uk 🔗

15/09/2024

Life on our puffer always throws up happy coincidences. Today our 1st Mate met the nephew of Roddy McMillan, a resident of Inverness.
Who was your favourite Para Handy ? 🧐

26/08/2024

Public Open Day. *** Booking essential ***
Don't forget this Saturday (31st August) we are welcoming the public onboard S.L. VIC 32 for one hour guided tours, alongside at Muirtown canal basin. Come along and learn the history of our Puffer, meet our engineer and learn about our bio-fuel.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/inverness/s-l-vic-32/inverness-open-day/e-gbraxl

06/07/2024

✨Late season 10% discount on remaining Caledonian canal berths✨

Looking for a late summer holiday? Join us on board VIC 32 for an authentic cruising experience like no other 🚢

Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Great Glen - visit hidden historic locations, transit the iconic Loch Ness, experience a bit of Burns and enjoy delicious food - with the opportunity to participate in running a traditional steamboat ⛰🌲🌈🏰⚓

5 night all-inclusive cruises embark from Inverness or Corpach. Just a few Double and Twin cabins available (single travellers welcome)

As seen on 'Great Canal Journeys' and ‘Three Men in a Boat’