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Sailing Around Kerrera with Etive Boat Trips - Oban

Sailing Around Kerrera with Etive Boat Trips

Obaneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.

Overview

Set sail on a 3-hour journey circling Kerrera Island aboard the stable Etive Explorer. Witness seals, eagles, and stunning coastal views on this immersive British Isles boat tour.

Dunbeg,

Around Kerrera - Shared Trip

For all ages! • 3 Hours • Join The Etive Explorer And Circumnavigate The Island Of Kerrera!

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About This Adventure

Embark on a memorable 3-hour sailing adventure around Kerrera Island aboard the stable 10-meter Blyth Catamaran, Etive Explorer. Experience breathtaking views of wildlife, including seals and eagles, while enjoying complimentary hot drinks and snacks. With ample deck space and comfortable seating, this cruise promises relaxation and stunning scenery on the Firth of Lorn.

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 charge 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

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at Dunstaffnage Marina at least 10 minutes before departure to receive safety briefings and boarding instructions.

Dress for Changeable Weather

Wear layers and waterproof clothing; coastal weather can shift rapidly, and sea breezes keep temperatures cool even in summer.

Bring Binoculars

To spot wildlife such as seals and sea eagles more easily, binoculars will enhance viewing beyond the deck’s rail.

Respect Wildlife

Keep noise to a minimum and avoid feeding animals to ensure natural behaviors are undisturbed during your trip.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Grey seals
  • White-tailed sea eagles

History

Gylen Castle, perched on Kerrera, dates back to the late 16th century and showcases the area's historical defense significance.

Conservation

Etive Boat Trips operates with strong environmental ethics to minimize impact on the Firth of Lorn's fragile marine ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Oban

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof Jacket

Essential

Protects against rain and sea spray on open water.

spring specific

Warm Layers

Essential

Keeps you comfortable against chill from wind and spray.

fall specific

Binoculars

Enhances wildlife viewing from the deck.

Non-slip Footwear

Essential

Ensures safe movement on boat decks, which can be wet and slippery.