Explore Loch Etive: Wildlife Cruises from Oban

Oban boat trips and Loch Etive cruises

Discover scenic Loch Etive cruises departing from Oban aboard the Etive Explorer. Etive Boat Trips specialises in wildlife-focused sailing on the Firth of Lorn and Loch Etive, offering both shared trips and private charters to match short excursions and full-day adventures.

Key trip types

• Oban Bay - Shared Trip — 2-hour scenic sail around Oban Bay.
• The Creags & Etive 1 - Shared Trips — 2 to 4-hour sails featuring the Falls of Lora and Connel Bridge.
• Around Kerrera & Around Lismore — 3 to 4-hour island circumnavigations, available as shared or private.
• Loch Etive cruises — 5–6 hour routes and full 6-hour journeys up Loch Etive, with scenic lunch stops.
• Full Day Charter — 8-hour exclusive hire for fishing, filming, celebrations or bespoke itineraries.

Wildlife & scenery

Etive Boat Trips highlights include wildlife spotting and coastal landmarks: seals, sea eagles, seabirds and occasional dolphin sightings. Routes commonly pass Dunstaffnage Castle, Connel Bridge, the Falls of Lora, and picturesque island coasts around Kerrera and Lismore. These naturally rich areas make the cruises popular for photography and wildlife watching.

Vessel & onboard experience

The Etive Explorer is a stable 10-metre Blyth catamaran designed for comfortable sightseeing with generous deck space and seating. Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits or snacks are provided on most trips. The crew offers safety briefings and assistance, and private charters can be tailored for groups, filming, fishing or special events.

Who the trips suit

• Visitors seeking wildlife cruises near Oban
• Families and small groups wanting relaxed coastal sailing
• Photographers looking for Highland seascape opportunities
• Groups needing private hire for events, fishing or filming

Booking & practical information

• Trip durations range from 2 hours to 8 hours depending on itinerary.
• Options include shared seats on scheduled departures and private charter for custom plans.
• Departures operate from Oban, with schedules subject to weather conditions.
• Advance booking is recommended during busy months to secure preferred departure times.

Why choose Etive Boat Trips

• Focused itineraries around Loch Etive and the Firth of Lorn
• Options for shared trips and private charters (3-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour and 8-hour formats)
• Wildlife-focused routes featuring seals, sea eagles and island coastlines
• Comfortable catamaran vessel with onboard refreshments

For travellers searching for "Oban boat trips", "Loch Etive cruises", "Firth of Lorn wildlife boat tours", or "private boat charter Oban", Etive Boat Trips provides a clear set of options with factual itineraries and a purpose-built vessel. Whether booking a 2-hour shared sail or an 8-hour private charter, the Etive Explorer delivers scenic Highland coastal sailing from Oban with opportunities to encounter local wildlife and historic coastal landmarks.