corryvreckan boat trips oban

Seafari Adventures

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Seafari Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

07976 280195

• Corryvreckan

This popular 3 hour tour allows passengers the opportunity to get up close to the world’s 3rd largest whirlpool from the safety of an open RIB. We try to ensure that departure timings are relevant to witnessing the best effect linked to the current tide table. However, there may be times when you will not see the whirlpool at its best as it only happens about 50 times per season. (Photo: The Corryvreckan Whirlpool © Copyright Walter Baxter and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. )

The whirlpool is caused by a large volume of water travelling northward along the narrowing channel called the Sound of Jura and as it gets squeezed it takes the easiest escape route which is the mile wide gap between Jura and Scarba called the Gulf of Corryvreckan. As the water flows west it encounters various obstructions and there are 2 that cause the most dramatic change in water state and that is a 219m hole (or two St Pauls Cathedrals) and a large pinnacle of basalt rock standing some 130m on the northwest side of the Gulf. When the water passes over these impressive areas of topography it gathers speed and on contacting the pinnacle you witness the whirlpool effect.

On this tour you will also see an active nesting site for White Tailed Sea Eagles and the legendary Barnhill where George Orwell wrote his best seller 1984 .

Availability 2024

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All Tours & Services

• Wildlife | Lowlandman’s Bay and Brosdale Island
• Circumnavigate Jura (from Craighouse)
• Circumnavigate Jura (from Port Askaig)
• Sunset Tour
• Private & Commercial Charter

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• Call toll-free tomorrow from 9am EDT 617-223-4521 617-223-4752 or
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Corryvreckan wildlife boat trip

The trip begins at Easdale pier, south of Oban , where you’ll begin with a safety briefing on shore and be kitted out with a waterproof jacket and trousers, a lifejacket and a pair of binoculars. Tours take place on an open rigid-hulled inflatable boat with space for 12 passengers, each with their own seat

You’ll set off in the direction of Jura to the south. The boat can travel quite fast so the boat ride is quite thrilling in its own right, but the skipper will slow down as you approach some of the smaller Inner Hebridean Islands so you can observe the deer and feral goats. The guides are good at pointing out wildlife and you’re also likely to spot seals, otters and plenty of seabirds and possibly frisking pods of dolphins as well as white-tailed eagles.

Soon you’ll reach the Grey Dogs, the narrow channel of water between Lunga and Scarba which is notorious for its tidal races. During a spring tide, there’s an obvious difference between the water level on the ocean side of the islands and that on the inner sound.

From here, you’ll head to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, the narrow channel of water between Scarba and Jura. Strong currents from the Atlantic rush through the narrow gulf and meet a tall pinnacle of rock rising from the depths which can generate waves of up to 9 m (30 ft) during high tides. Under the right conditions, the swell creates the whirlpool and the fast-moving waters attract a vast array of wildlife to the area including minke whales, porpoises, seals and basking sharks.

If safe to do so, the boat will enter the whirlpool so that passengers can feel the force of the swirling water below them before heading back toward Easdale. The trip takes around two hours in total and we recommend bringing lots of warm layers because the boat travels quickly out on open water and can generate a cool wind even on warm days.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Scotland specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4752
• Make an inquiry

Photos of Corryvreckan wildlife boat trip

Other experiences in Oban

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

Argyll Safari castles tour

Explore the castles and fortifications of Scotland’s west coast on this full-day, private guided tour which takes in an Iron Age fortification, a ruined medieval castle and an extravagant 18th-century mansion set on the shore of the country’s longest sea loch.

Kilmartin Glen Neolithic site

Explore the prehistoric burial cairns, stone circles and standing stones in Kilmartin Glen south of Oban. The region was inhabited for more than 5,000 years and with 350 sites of interest has the richest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland.

Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tour below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.

Family Scottish adventure

10 days from $5,895pp

Boat Trips from Oban

Boat trips are an unbeatable way to explore Oban & the Isles and discover the wonderful wildlife that inhabits the region’s waters and coastline.

Oban is a world-class destination for spotting seals, whales, dolphins and porpoises plus minke whales, basking sharks and even the occasional orca.

There are a number of experienced operators offering wildlife-watching boat trips whilst there’s also the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, where tides and currents make it one of the largest permanent whirlpools on earth.

Record-breaking Giant Skate have been caught off Oban and there’s plenty of opportunities to join a game fishing trip.

Boat Trip Experiences

You don’t need to take a wildlife boat trip to spot whales and dolphins in Oban, Lorn & the Isles. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re on a ferry journey and you may well spot something!

Or, why not join one of the many trips available on our ferries, boats or yachts?

There are numerous boat operators that will take you out to the islands or our sea lochs which are also fabulous places for boat cruises.

Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd

Seafari Adventures are a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban. Our Wildlife Tou...

Seafari Adventures The Village Shop Easdale Oban PA34 4RQ

Tel: 01852 300003

Waverley Excursions

Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the We...

Head Office, 36 Lancefield Quay Glasgow G3 8HA

Tel: 0141 243 2224

Sealife Adventures

All our trips visit the Corryvreckan where turbulent tides create one of the world's largest whirlpools and our cruising area is exceptionally rich in wildli...

Clachan Seil By Oban PA34 4TR

Tel: 01631 571010 (daytime) 01852 300203 (evening and weekends)

Basking Shark Scotland

Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...

Oban PA34 5PZ

Tel: 07975 723140

West Coast Tours

Burial sites of ancient kings, geological wonders, unchanged landscapes, idyllic beaches, glorious glens, abundant wildlife and magical islands!  Our day tou...

Head Office 17 George Street Oban PA34 5RS

Tel: 01586 552319

Boat Trip Highlights

Be inspired by our blogs below.

Top 5 Oban Wildlife Boat Tours: Spot sharks, whales, seals and more!

Sharks, whales, seals and more, Oban & Lorn is a great place to get up close and personal with Scotland’s sealife. Here are the top 5 Oban wildlife boat tours.

The Oban Three Isles Tour: Visit Mull, Iona and Staffa in a Day

Looking for the perfect island hopping day trip from Oban? Head on the Three Isles Tour with West Coast Tour and visit Mull, Iona and Staffa in just one day!

Explore Oban

Whether it’s seafood, whisky, chocolate or ice cream, our larder is overflowing with delectable edibles.

From modern luxury in the heart of Oban to family-friendly self-catering, we have just the place.

Looking for clothing, whisky, shoes, soaps, jewellery, art, souvenirs or just a little something for yourself?

Jenny Wren Boat Charter

Adventures in the corryvreckan whirlpool & beyond.

• 01852 500 779 [email protected]
•   Craobh Haven Marina    by Lochgilphead,    Argyll , PA31 8UA  

Jenny Wren Day Trips

We get you there faster so you have more time to spot wildlife, fish, taste whisky and enjoy.

NEW for 2019: Golf Trips

Two new trips for 2019 for golf fans. The picturesque coastal course on the Isle of Gigha or the beautiful woodland course at the Glencruitten Golf Club near Oban.

Golfing Trips  

Corryvreckan Whirlpool Adventure

Journey down the Sound of Jura to the remarkable Corryvreckan Whirlpool – the third largest in the world. This natural wonder is located between the islands of Jura and Scarba. Stunning scenery all the way, rich with wildlife – sea eagles, red deer, wild goats, seals, porpoises, golden eagles, dolphins, minke whales and a huge variety of sea-birds.

£50 Per Person for 3 people or more

£65 Per Person for 2 people 

Corryvreckan & Crinan

A trip to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool followed by a wee jaunt across to Crinan and the entrance to the Crinan Canal. There’s time ashore for lunch before travelling back along the picturesque Craignish Peninsula to Craobh Haven.

£75 Per Person 2 people

£65 Per Person for 3 or more people Lunch not included

Isle of Jura Distillery Trip

A scenic trip down the Sound of Jura, heading for Craighouse on the remote island of Jura where we will find the famous   Jura Distillery . Enjoy a wee dram or three and then perhaps take in a little fishing on the way back?

£85 Per Person min of 4 people.

Maximum 8 people 

Isle of Islay Distillery Trips

A journey further down the Sound of Jura to Port Ellen on the south end of Islay. The starting point of the distillery tour will be Laphroaig distillery for a 10.30 tour. After enjoying several whiskies tasters we then head for the Ardbeg Distillery for a bite to eat in their cafe followed by another dram or two. This trip will leave from Craobh Haven at around 8am and will take 6/7 hrs.

£600 for the hire of Jenny Wren Maximum 8 people

Sunset Cruise

Treat yourselves to a romantic trip with added sparkle… an evening on the waters off the west coast of Scotland. Enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the islands and inlets, as you watch the sun slowly set behind the mountains with canapés and glasses of bubbly in hand.

[Min 4 People

£55 Per Person +£30 per hour waiting time.

Oban Water Taxi

Oban is the largest town in Argyll & The Isles. If you are visiting the area and would like to take the opportunity to see the world famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool,and see the abundant wild life that the Argyll coast has to offer, we can pick you up from Oban by boat. Please contact Barry on 01852 500 779 or by e-mail @ [email protected] for prices.

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Corryvreckan

© Jura Boat Tours

Gulf of Corryvreckan

This popular 3 hour trip allows passengers the opportunity to get up close to the world's 3rd largest whirlpool from the safety of an open RIB.

We try to ensure departure timings are relevant to witnessing the best effect linked to the current tide table. However, there may be times when you will not see the whirlpool at its best as it only happens about 50 times per season. You will however be able to see the difference in water height between the Atlantic and the narrowing channel running to the East of Jura as we will visit another smaller channel to the North of Scarba called the Grey Dogs if the Corryvreckan has no visible tidal movement.

On this tour you will also see an active nesting site for White Tailed Sea Eagles and the legendary Barnhill where George Orwell wrote his best seller 1984 as well as all villages on route from the departure point of Craighouse.

From £50 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

March — October

Contact details

• +44 () 07976280195
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Key facilities

Tour information.

• Argyll & The Isles
• Small Group (1-16)
• Photography

Tour prices

From £50 Per Adult £30 Per Child

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Jura boat tours.

We offer bespoke RIB tours to various areas of outstanding beauty found around our shores which is rich with an abundance of wildlife. There is scope to see Dolphins, Porpoise, Seals, Otters and occasionally Minke Whale as well as Red Deer, Goats and Sea Eagles from the safety of the boat. We are WiSe accredited so that means we can operate tour boats safely in and around marine wildlife and the boat and crew meet the stringent RYA/MCA operation code for passenger carrying vessels. We can cater for both private and commercial charter including sea taxi if required.

Social Channels

Visit Jura Boat Tours

Opening times

0600 - 2200 daily

Other tours from this company

Wildlife/Lowlandman's Bay and Brosdale Island

Departs: Jura, Argyll & The Isles

A tour that lasts for 1 hour but encompasses an Atlantic grey seal colony, a for...

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£25pp

Circumnavigate Jura from Craighouse

This popular tour encompasses many of the attractions from the other trips while...

£60pp

Circumnavigate Jura from Port Askaig

Departs: Port Askaig, Jura, Islay

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£70pp

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Whirlpool Special Tour

See the mighty Corryvreckan Whirlpool at its best. These popular tours are designed to show the mighty “Corry” on big spring tides and occur approximately 30 – 40 times during our operating season.

Our boat will depart Easdale and head directly to the narrow channel of water known as The Grey Dogs. Here it is easy to witness the difference in water levels between the sea on the inside of the island chain and the sea on the other side in the Atlantic Ocean.  

From here we head directly to The Gulf of Corryvreckan to witness the flow of water as it reaches peak velocity. The affect at the whirlpool area is something to be witnessed. The whirlpools are greatly affected by recent winds and sea swell. The result is always dramatic.

ADULTS:  £58 CHILDREN:  £48

Family discount prices are available – see here for more details or contact us for more information.

Please note, we require minimum passenger numbers to confirm our trips – we will inform you when your trip has reached the required passenger numbers. This tour is not suitable for children aged under 8 years old.

Our prices are the same throughout the year – We do not charge extra during peak season.

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool (World’s Third Largest)

The tides flow because of the gravitational affect of the sun and the moon on the waters of the earth. The current flows swiftly and strongly in our area due to the geography of the islands. The whirlpools form due to the bathymetry of the area. There is a massive underwater obstruction to the flow of water which causes the whirlpools.

The Gulf of Corryvreckan where this happens is just one mile wide.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science have worked with Seafari Adventures to monitor and research the tidal flow in the Gulf of Corryvreckan. Their conclusion, on a Spring tide when we run our whirlpool specials, is that a greater volume of water flows in the Gulf of Corryvreckan during a 24 hour period than passes out of the mouth of the Amazon River.

We use our 10m Open RIBs for this tour. Our RIBs are designed and built at our own dedicated workshops and are the ultimate in RIB passenger transport. Every customer has an individual seat with dedicated foot rests and hand holds. The decks are above the waterline. Should we take any water aboard it will pass to the rear of the boat and back out into the sea. Our boats are powered by twin Yamaha 300HP engines which offers us comfortable cruise speeds of 25 knots. Our boats are able to go considerably faster – Hold on tight ! Our boats also offer excellent acceleration which aids their safe operation within the whirlpool area. Our Skippers are the company’s best asset. They are highly experienced with many years service exclusively with Seafari.

These tours only operate during Spring Tides (nothing to do with seasons, spring tides happen when we have a new moon and a full moon) when the tidal range is greatest. These trips are for the more adventurous.

Although it is not our intention for you to get wet on these tours there is always a possibility due to the nature of the activity in the Corryvreckan. As these tours tend to be early morning or early evening it is likely to be quite chilly so you should dress appropriately – we provide full waterproofs. Please see  here  for more details on what to expect.

We consider Whirlpool Specials unsuitable for children under the age of 8.

As the tour requires us to be at The Corryvreckan Whirlpool at a specific time we emphasise the fact we are unable to wait for any customer who is late for departure.

Whirlpool Special departure times – 2024

These tours are date and time specific to coincide with large spring tides.

Sealife Adventures

Wildlife and whale watching boat trips and cruises on the West Coast of Scotland, near Oban, Argyll. Overlooking the Isle of Mull

To book just follow these easy steps! 

Step 1: Check our Trip Calendar below for the dates you wish to book (if you can't see a trip on the days you want, email  [email protected] and we may be able to schedule one that suits!)

Step 2: Click any date on the Trip Calendar with a green box

(Green = spaces available: Orange = fully booked).

To view the time and price of a selected trip, look below the trip calendar and click the green   "AVAILABLE" box. The time of the trip is displayed in this window alongside the date. 

This will open a new window below which tells you the type and cost of trips on that date. We time our trips according to the tide , to give our guests the best wildlife encounters .

Step 3: To make a booking, enter the number of adults and children in your party.  Then click "continue" and enter your contact information and card details.

If this date or trip does not suit you, click the close button on the window and re-select a new date. 

After completing your booking, you should immediately receive confirmation by email of this purchase. If you do not receive this, please contact us.

TRIP CALENDAR

Searching Availability...

If you would prefer to book by telephone, or have any issues with your booking, call us on:

+44 (0)1852 300203 evenings & weekends, +44 (0)1631 571010 during office hours, [email protected].

📍 Finding us - Print out our map

Mobile phone signal can be unreliable, so please print out our map in advance. Just cross the Atlantic Bridge onto Seil Island, carry on for 3/4 of a mile, and look out for our Sealife Adventures signs, the entrance is on your left.📍

Please arrive 15 minutes early. 

What you need to know

🚽 There is an indoor toilet on the boat although, to minimise close contact, please find a restroom before your trip. The nearest one is at Cuan Ferry. Continue past our site and go straight on at the cross roads 100mtrs after the golf course. 🚽

Our private pontoon and car park are designed for ease of access -  wheelchair users please phone us to discuss your requirements on 01852 300203.

What shall I bring?

🧤 You will be safely outside, in the fresh air, watching wildlife. Please bring waterproof jackets and trousers, wooly hats, gloves and lots of layers (there is plenty of room to store them). A rucksack is a good idea to bring if you wish. Wear lightweight non-slip shoes, trainers are ideal. Spares are available if needed.🧤

☕🍪 We serve hot drinks and provide wrapped biscuits. You are also welcome to bring food and drinks, binoculars and cameras. ☕🍪

Best times for wildlife

🐬🦭🦅 We run different trips at different times each day to take advantage of the best tides for seeing wildlife. The wildlife trips and whale search trips are timed to coincide with the best state of tide for wildlife.

The whirlpool special trips are timed for the strongest tides which are generally not best for spotting wildlife.

We operate in a Special Area of Conservation, which has been protected for 16 years and is host to a great diversity of marine life. We always see wildlife, but specific sightings are not guaranteed. 🐬🦭🦅

Rescheduling/cancelling

❌ Trips are subject to weather and numbers, so we may need to contact you to reschedule or cancel. Mobile phone reception can be unreliable. If the weather looks bad, please check your emails. If in doubt, phone or email us the night before your trip to confirm.

If  we  need to cancel we will offer you a choice of an alternative trip or a full refund. If  you  need to cancel or reschedule your trip, please  email us  at [email protected] to confirm your cancellation.  

If  you  reschedule more than four days in advance there is no charge. If you cancel more than four days in advance you will receive a 97% refund.    Between four days - 36 hours in advance of your trip, we won't refund but will give you a voucher for half the price you paid, for use on future trips. There are no refunds or vouchers for a cancellation or reschedule within 36 hours of your trip. Please check your dates carefully, there are no refunds for no shows.

Many thanks & should you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to seeing you on the boat! ❌

To cancel please email: [email protected]

For information on the different trips that we run, click here .

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool

Scotland's maelstrom

The Gulf of Corryvreckan is a narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba, in Argyll and Bute, off the west coast of mainland Scotland. It is famous for its strong tidal currents and standing waves.  The whirlpool which forms  at the right state of the tide is the third largest whirlpool in the world.

One of the  main departure points for boat trips to the whirlpool  and its waters, known as the Gulf of Corryvreckan, is the  small port of Crinan, on the Sound of Jura.  Local skipper Sandy Campbell offers regular whirlpool trips throughout the season in the modern Redbay Stormforce cabin rib Venture West.

Sandy has many years experience in these local waters and takes visitors on a choice of unforgettable boat trips   that combine viewing the Gulf of Corryvreckan or the waters around the Garvellach Islands with whale watching, dolphin spotting, bird watching and discovering the wildlife of this beautiful stretch of coastline.

A two or three hour cruise can take you across the Sound of Jura to the whirlpool (whilst hearing both factual commentary and legendary tales), past a seal colony and a sea eagle nesting site. Slightly longer trips can venture as far as on the spectacular Garvellach Isles, the site of a monastery founded by St Brendan in 542. Tour the island chain looking for eagles soaring above the cliffs and seaward for porpoise, sea birds, seals and if lucky dolphin, basking shark and minke whale. Day trips in the season offer a wonderful day out via the Corryvreckan  to Staffa and the puffin colony on the Treshnish Isles.

Private charters are also available, and sightings from the boat can include a wide variety of sea birds, otters, porpoise, sharks or whales, golden eagles and sea eagles. Whilst on dry land wild coastal deer are often seen.

Learn more about these wonderful West Coast of Scotland Boat Cruises   on the Venture West website, or see our Location and Getting There    page.

Video courtesy of Frank Kowalski of Safe Haven Marine