Adventure Collective
Private Sailing Charter Around Kerrera with Etive Boat Trips - Oban

Private Sailing Charter Around Kerrera with Etive Boat Trips

Obaneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels, requiring only the ability to move about the boat safely.

Overview

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.

Dunbeg,

Around Kerrera - Private Charter

For all ages! • 3 Hours • Circumnavigate The Island Of Kerrera On Your Exclusive Charter!

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About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 3-hour sailing adventure aboard the Etive Explorer, a stable 10-meter Blyth Catamaran. Circumnavigate the picturesque island of Kerrera while spotting diverse wildlife, from seals to eagles. Enjoy hot drinks and stunning views as you cruise through the scenic Firth of Lorn and Loch Etive.

Duration: 3 Hours

From the marina we make our way south and then around the island of Kerrera, we will pass Ganavan Sands, Maiden Island, Hutcheson’s Monument, Gylen Castle, Heather Island and Oban Bay. We will hope to see seals, cormorants and possibly porpoise.

Highlights

Sailing on our 10 meter Blyth Catamaran the Etive Explorer, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise circumnavigating the small island of Kerrera (the island opposite Oban Bay).

The Firth of Lorn and Loch Etive are also home to a wide and varying selection of wildlife, some of which you will hopefully see on our tours, including: white tailed sea eagles, golden eagles, osprey, guillemots, common seals or the elusive otters and if you are really lucky you may even spot a pod of dolphins or porpoise.

Includes

We provide hot drinks, water and biscuits on all trips and on private charters. You are also very welcome to bring your own food. We have a toilet on board which can only be used out at sea, however there are toilet facilities at the marina.

About Our Boat - The Etive Explorer

Etive Explorer is a 10 m Blyth Catamaran, licenced annually to carry 12 passengers and two crew members. This type of boat is very stable with a 5m beam, making her very comfortable as a cruising vessel. She has twin 170hp Yanmar diesel inboard engines and cruises at 8-9 knots, a perfect speed to enjoy the views. As a coded passenger vessel, we carry all the required safety equipment in the unlikely event of any emergency.

The island wheelhouse and ample deck space enables passengers to freely walk around to get their preferred vantage point, which includes up forward. There is plenty of seating available on deck and a mixture of sheltered seating and standing room in and behind the wheelhouse which allows shelter from even the wettest West coast weather. There is also a small galley area for preparing hot drinks etc.

Important to Know

Please arrive at the marina 10 minutes before departure time and wait at the safety barrier, a member of the crew will meet you and escort you to the boat.

Please bring warm waterproof clothing even in summer, as the weather can change quickly and there is nearly always a sea breeze.
Car park with extra fee per day, please pay for this at the marina reception on arrival Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee seeing some or any wildlife mentioned above. Trips are weather and tide dependent and therefore subject to cancellation.

Trip durations quoted are approximate. Children under 1 year go free of charge. Children aged 14 and under have a reduced rate. Please NO alcohol or smoking on board. Children are to be supervised at all times. We reserve the right to maintain our advertised departure times, please let us know if you are going to be late.

Meeting Point

Dunstaffnage Marina - Please arrive at the marina 10 minutes before departure time and wait at the safety barrier, a member of the crew will meet you and escort you to the boat.

Adventure Tips

Dress for Changeable Weather

Bring warm, waterproof layers even in summer as conditions on the water can shift quickly with wind and spray.

Arrive Early at the Marina

Plan to be at Dunstaffnage Marina at least 10 minutes before departure to meet the crew and board smoothly.

Bring Binoculars

Binoculars enhance spotting distant wildlife like eagles and seals along the coastline.

Avoid Alcohol on Board

For safety and comfort, alcohol and smoking are not permitted during the trip.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Common seals lounging on sun-bleached rocks near Kerrera.
  • White-tailed sea eagles soaring overhead with a majestic wingspan.

History

Gylen Castle, built in 1582, stands as a haunting reminder of clan skirmishes and coastal defense during Scotland’s turbulent past.

Conservation

Etive Boat Trips practices sustainable tourism by limiting passenger numbers and educating guests on Scotland’s sensitive marine ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Oban

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof Jacket

Essential

Protects against wind and spray on open waters.

all specific

Warm Layers

Essential

Keeps you comfortable against chilly Scottish coastal breezes.

all specific

Binoculars

Helps spot distant wildlife and scenic details along the shore.

all specific

Non-slip Footwear

Essential

Ensures safety moving on the boat’s deck in damp conditions.

all specific