Boat Trips
One of the highlights of a visit to Iona is to take a boat trip. Destinations include Staffa, with Fingals' Cave and the Treshnish Isles to local trips around the immediate coastline with and expert Skipper and Guide. Below are two such operators. For Boat Trips starting on Mull, click here
Alternative Boat Hire and boat trips
Experience the joys of sail power – inshore trips under sail or power in a stable traditional wooden boat. Island visits, exploring inlets and bays, watching sea birds and seals, or fishing with a hand line. Wildlife, history, stories. Family friendly, help work the boat or sit back and watch the coast go by.
Can take up to 12 passengers. Join a scheduled Alternative Boat Hire trip (3 hours or day trip; charged per head) or hire the whole boat, charged for hire of the skippered vessel.
Birthe Marie is an unashamedly old fashioned boat with a gaff ketch rig and a solidity that is reassuring. The whole concept of our trips is of an unhurried drinking in of the landscape. The boat fits into the coastal scene, disturbing little, quietly finding her way into places hidden from life ashore.
Operates from April to October.
Tel: 01681 700537
Email: info@boattripsiona.com
Web: https://boattripsiona.com
Staffa boat trips
Enjoy the journey on MV Iolaire of Iona as she takes you to Staffa to experience Fingal’s Cave. Marvel at the wonders of our local area as our experienced crew point out things of interest along the way.
Staffa Trips skipper Graham Tindal, a local Iona man, has been taking visitors to Staffa for 20 years, sailing from Fionnphort and Iona twice a day.
On arrival at Staffa, you’ll be given at least one hour ashore to visit Fingal’s Cave, created 59 millions years ago by volcanic activity. You’ll also have time to explore the island and appreciate the unique landscape.
Puffins can be seen ashore in season and often guillemots, fulmars, great skuas, eider ducks, gannets, kittiwakes, black-backed gulls, great northern divers and razorbills are visible on the water.
Staffa Trips’ boat, Iolaire of Iona is a beautiful wooden boat, purpose built to take visitors to Staffa. She’s constructed from larch planks on an oak frame in the carvel style and powered by two diesel engines.
She’s lifted out of the water each winter and inspected twice yearly by the MCA.
Staffa boat trips depart daily from Iona at 09.45am & 1.45pm and Fionnphort at 10am & 2pm.
Full journey time is a 3 hours. Trips operate March to October.
Prices: £35 Adult, £17.50 Child (5-15). Under 5’s free.
NEW: Full day tour from Oban
From 2017, they have introduced a full day guided tour from Oban. Commencing from when you meet our guide in Oban, all arrangements will be taken care of leaving you free to relax and enjoy the beauty of your destination and the day ahead. Our minibus is perfect for small groups and individuals. As we are catering for small numbers it allows us to provide a bespoke service, aiming to accommodate your needs where possible.
Staffa Boat Trips
Departs twice daily from Iona or Fionnphort, with over an hour on Staffa.
Please check www.staffatrips.co.uk for more details.
Adult £30, Child (5-15) £15
Address: Graham & Sara Tindal
Tel: +44 (0) 1681 700755 (Landline) or +44 (0) 7809 136694 (Mobile)
Email: iolaire@staffatrips.co.uk
Web: https://www.staffatrips.co.uk
Staffatours boat trips
departing from Fionnphort or Iona
Join us from either Iona or Fionnphort for a boat trips to Staffa or a full day to Staffa and Lunga, the main island of the Treshnish Isles.
It is also possible to get off the boat at Iona on the way back and spend a few hours on this magical island and make your own way back to Fionnphort via the Calmac ferry when you are ready.
This option would incur a small additional charge for the single ticket on the ferry, payable onboard.
Boat trips to Staffa and Treshnish Isles
Staffatours options
Tuesday – Friday departs at 9.50am returning to Fionnphort about 15.20, however there is an option of spending a couple of hours on Iona as well at the end of the trip.
Sunday and Monday trip departs at 12.00am and will return about 17.30. Both these Staffatours trips give you an hour ashore on Staffa and 2 and a quarter hours on Lunga.
Check website for costs and more information
We look forward to seeing you on one of our tours. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch and if you would rather discuss over the phone you can contact us on 07831 885985 or 07732912370