THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail around Kerrera on a private three-hour catamaran charter with Etive Boat Trips. Discover historic sites, spot local wildlife, and soak in dramatic coastal views on this standout West Scotland adventure.
Set sail around Kerrera on a private three-hour catamaran charter with Etive Boat Trips. Discover historic sites, spot local wildlife, and soak in dramatic coastal views on this standout West Scotland adventure.
Book with Etive Boat Trips
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Etive Boat Trips · Oban
Situated off Scotland’s rugged west coast, the island of Kerrera offers a distinctive blend of coastal beauty and wildlife that draws adventurers seeking an authentic maritime journey. Etive Boat Trips, based in Dunbeg near Oban, presents a compelling way to engage with this environment through their "Around Kerrera - Private Charter." This three-hour voyage aboard the Etive Explorer, a 10-meter Blyth Catamaran designed for stability and comfort, circumnavigates Kerrera’s shores, providing an intimate vantage point to the island’s notable landmarks and surrounding waters.
Your route passes Ganavan Sands’ serene shores, the small but historically rich Maiden Island, and the evocative Gylen Castle, a 16th-century fortress perched on Kerrera’s southern tip. The cruise also skirts Hutcheson’s Monument, a prominent local landmark, while offering sweeping views of Oban Bay. Each mile on the Firth of Lorn and Loch Etive places passengers amidst habitats known for white-tailed sea eagles and golden eagles, common seals basking on rocks, and occasionally porpoises slicing through the tides.
Etive Boat Trips brings forward an experience that goes beyond sightseeing—guests enjoy hot drinks and biscuits, and can bring their own provisions to fully settle into a relaxed rhythm of the sea. The vessel’s spacious deck and sheltered wheelhouse allow comfort regardless of weather, reflecting the often brisk but invigorating conditions of Scotland’s west coast.
This operation stands out in the local outdoor scene for its commitment to combining safety, accessibility, and ecological mindfulness. Licensed for 12 passengers with a seasoned crew, the focus remains on connecting adventurers with nature’s quieter side: the subtle movements of wildlife, the shifting light on water, and the legacy of human history etched into Kerrera’s rocky curves. For visitors seeking a private, thoughtful passage through one of Scotland’s poetic coastal settings, Etive Boat Trips delivers an unmatched maritime adventure.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels, requiring only the ability to move about the boat safely.
Yes, the trip caters to all ages. Children under 1 travel free, and those under 14 receive a reduced rate.
There is a toilet available on the boat, usable only while at sea. Additional facilities are located at Dunstaffnage Marina.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments. Hot drinks and biscuits are also provided onboard.
You may spot seals, sea eagles, golden eagles, cormorants, otters, and occasionally dolphins or porpoises.
Trips are weather-dependent and may be canceled or rescheduled to ensure passenger safety.
Yes, parking is available but requires a daily fee payable at the marina reception.
Gylen Castle, built in 1582, stands as a haunting reminder of clan skirmishes and coastal defense during Scotland’s turbulent past.
Etive Boat Trips practices sustainable tourism by limiting passenger numbers and educating guests on Scotland’s sensitive marine ecosystems.
Etive Boat Trips operates from Oban on Scotland’s west coast, offering shared cruises and private charters aboard the Etive Explorer. The Etive Explorer is a stable 10‑metre Blyth catamaran configured for comfort and wildlife viewing, with ample deck space and seating for sightseeing. Trips range from short 2‑hour sails to full-day 8‑hour charters on Loch Etive and the Firth of Lorn. Popular shared routes include Oban Bay, The Creags, Etive 1, and Around Kerrera, while private charters cover Around Lismore, Loch Etive extended trips, and bespoke full day options. Highlights include the Falls of Lora, Connel Bridge, Dunstaffnage Castle, and scenic island coastlines. Wildlife sightings commonly reported by guests include seals, sea eagles and other birds, with occasional dolphin sightings on longer cruises. Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits or snacks are provided on board, and the crew is described as friendly and attentive. Etive Boat Trips caters to photographers, families, small groups, and anyone seeking scenic sailing on Scotland’s coastal waterways. Safety equipment and briefing are provided as standard for every departure. Booking options include shared seats on scheduled departures and private hire for tailored itineraries, fishing, filming, or special occasions. Operating from Oban, Etive Boat Trips focuses on delivering memorable views of Loch Etive and the Firth of Lorn using a purpose-built catamaran. The combination of coastal scenery, wildlife opportunities and flexible trip formats makes it a reliable choice for West Coast sea outings. Advance booking is recommended during peak season to secure preferred departure times. Schedules are weather-dependent.
Book with Etive Boat Trips