The West Coast of Scotland is the perfect place to see wildlife and the third largest whirlpool in the world, the Corryvreckan. There is no shortage of boat charters that run whale watching cruises lasting from between 2-5 hours. The most popular trips will usually start by cruising around some of the inner islands such as Seil, Luing, Shuna, before heading further out to the isles of Lunga, Scarba and Jura and the Corryvreckan. The following are some of our recommended companies;
1. Sealife Adventures
Sealife Adventures
Based just past the ‘Bridge Over the Atlantic’ on Seil, Marine biologist David Ainsley set up Sealife Adventures in 1988 and is the most experienced charter skipper in the Forth of Lorn Special Area of Conservation.
Sealife Adventures specialises in whale watching and Corryvreckan whirlpool trips but can be charted for private use to wherever you wish to go in the area.
With nearly 900 horsepower, Sealife Adventures’ boat is one of the most powerful charter boats of its size ever built. The twin engines are efficiently silenced and soundproofed to avoid disturbance to wildlife.
2. Seafari
Seafari
Seafari, based in Ellenabeich, Isle of Seil, run a number of different tours; dedicated whale watching tours when whales are being sighted, tours to the Garvellachs to visit and land on these enchanting islands and should you fancy an all day excursion to an island which would take hours by ferry, join them for tours to Colonsay, Iona and Staffa. Corrywveckan and wildlife tours are run daily, along with their poplular Whirlpool Specials during Spring tides when the tidal range is at its greatest.
They operate a fleet of modern Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats. Seafari were the first company in Scotland to offer dedicated wildlife RIB trips.
3. Craignish Cruises
Ocean Pearl II
Craignish Crusies offer boat trips to view the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery of the Sound of Jura and the Firth of Lorn, or, for a Whirlpool Experience to see the Corryvreckan in action. Puffin and whale watching day trips via Fingal’s Cave and Garvellach tours are also an option.
Ocean Pearl II is licensed as category 2, to carry 10 passengers plus two crew up to 60 miles from a safe haven.
Ocean Pearl II is licensed as category 2, to carry 10 passengers plus two crew up to 60 miles from a safe haven.
Their boat, Ocean Pearl II, is licensed as category 2, to carry 10 passengers plus two crew up to 60 miles.
4. Coastal Connections
Coastal Connections
Coastal connections offer regular ‘Wildlife and Castles’ tours around Kerrera and Mull, and trips to Tobermory. You can charter a boat with them for up to 12 people.
Their 11 metre cabined RIBs provide a safe, dry and comfortable environment in which to relax and take in the scenery and wildlife along the West Coast.
5. Jenny Wren Boat Charter
Jenny Wren
Barry Adamson at Corrie House B&B, just around the corner in Craobh Haven, can offer trips for 2-8 people on his boat Jenny Wren. With a fully qualified skipper the boat has a heated cabin, toilet and drinks are available.
Specialising in Corryvreckan whirlpool trips, wildlife, fishing, distilleries, island picnics and as a fast ferry service.
Private skipper charter available and bespoke packages including the unique Fish, Fillet & Fry incorporating Corrie Cook School. Barry operates all year round, weather permitting.
Corryvreckan Whirlpool