7 Day Basking Shark
& Wildlife Tour - Oban

Itinerary

Travel

This 7 day 7 night itinerary is based from Oban.

It is still in peak basking shark time and we will go out and back each day to different locations.

On the Tour

At our meeting spot at Oban transit marina our friendly crew will meet you and take you straight to the boat for your first day at sea. We do keep the itinerary flexible to take advantage of the best weather days to head offshore. We will always swim somewhere sheltered on the first day to get everyone up to speed. Each day will focus on searching for wildlife and snorkelling with some adventures thrown in.

Our day lengths will vary depending on the location. Our offshore trips can be 2hrs one way to reach the destination.

1 x 4 hr local day

3 x 9hrs days offshore

1 x 8hr day offshore

2 x 6hr days around Mull & Slate Isles

Our fantastic itinerary includes many other highlights of the Hebrides, it’s flexible in nature to allow for the wild Atlantic conditions. Here is a flavour of what to expect.

Swimming with Basking Sharks

The Sea of the Hebrides is the only Marine Protected Area (MPA) for basking sharks in the world. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is a moment you will never forget. Visit these endangered animals responsibly, with our dedicated and passionate team.

Over the past decade, we have developed our Code of Conduct for encountering sharks to ensure their welfare & protection. This practice ensures both shark and customer safety which is our highest priority and allows you to get the best chance of a memorable experience.

Basking sharks migrate to the Hebrides every summer to feed and potentially breed. You can find more about them here, along with reading what it takes to find and swim with them here.

Swimming with Seals

Scotland boasts one third of the world’s grey seal population, swimming with these curious animals is a moment you will remember. We have multiple options around the islands where we have resident seal colonies to visit – as well as the cute common seals that can even be spotted from the harbour!

Hebrides Lagoon Swim

A favourite of many visitor. The white shell sand lagoon has fantastic visibility and sheltered conditions. The currents squeeze through the many channels creating lush kelp forest & algae gardens. Making it a haven for lots of marine life and seals.

Whales, Dolphins & Atlantic Wildlife

The Hebrides are known as a worldwide hotspot for marine wildlife. Being situated on the edge of the Atlantic means we have fast access to productive feeding grounds. We have both resident and seasonal marine mammals that we can encounter. Along with the large seabird colonies we have the chance of some great encounters. Check out the marine life guide here.

Explore the kelp forest

We offer a snorkel excursion every day of the trip, whether that be at the lagoon, seal colonies, tidal channel drifts, fingal’s cave. Atlantic kelp forests are more productive than coral reefs and there is a vast amount of marine life to discover around them. The guides will help you find lots of critters ranging from the smallest nudibranch to biggest lions man jellyfish.Have a look at our underwater wildlife guide here.

Fingal’s Cave

Visit the legendary Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa – the basalt columns formed from volcanic activity fringe the cliffs of the island, plunging in to the water. An adventure playground which will be a highlight for snorkellers, swimmers and watchers alike. Snorkelling in this natural wonder should be on every bucket list!

Corryvreckan Whirlpool & Slate Isles

An hour south of Oban lies the Corryvreckan, the third-largest whirlpool in the world. The Slate Isles with hidden lake and the Garvellach islands which have historical stone remains are also close by. This special area of conservation has lots of marine life and some unique snorkel sites. See both species of eagle, bottlenose dolphins and porpoises, along with seals on the shore and stags in the skyline.

South Mull – Carsaig Arches Swim

Our second swim on this day is at the exposed Carsaig Arches – a sought after and seldom visited location. The cliffs here towering over 300m are covered in geological features. The arches comprise of a large keyhole arch and huge cave. The group will swim in through the keyhole arch, scramble over the rocks, through the huge cavern and then snorkel out over the rocky and kelp forest reef. An exhilarating and amazing experience.

Oban Local Day

We plan to start your trip with a half day on the boat exploring locally. Your skipper will brief you on the week ahead, before heading to some of our favourite spots, such as the historic Gylen Castle on the Isle of Kerrera. A great introduction to the hidden treasures of our local marine life. We might save this day for when there is stronger winds offshore, staying in the sheltered areas of the Firth of Lorn.

South Mull Waterfall

Along the southern coastline of Mull, there is epic volcanic geology, including clifftop waterfalls with towering cascades. Swim into huge basalt column archways, and some of Mull’s other hidden treasures without the crowds. Take an unforgettable al fresco shower in the fresh mountain water from 100 metres above you.

Who is the tour for?

For the ocean loving adventurer who wants to maximise their opportunities for shark encounters – the seven day tour is for you. This tour is about the wildlife, however you would like to enjoy it – be it in the water or on board the boat. To join our in water activities you must be comfortably able to swim a minimum of 100m unaided in open water. With the remote location we operate in there are some physical challenges such as boarding the boat by ladder and landing on the islands without facilities, please see here for more information.

Tour expectations

The natural world is very unpredictable, not a zoo or an aquarium, therefore sightings are never guaranteed. We can however promise that you are visiting a wildlife hotspot with a highly experienced and passionate team. Our boats are comfortable cabin RIBs built for the wild Atlantic conditions which are closely monitored by our experienced skippers. We will do our very best to give you a great experience!

Group tours have specific payment terms & conditions. Please email for more information.

What’s Included?

• 7 day wildlife tour
• Knowledgeable and experienced guides
• In water guide for snorkelling and swimming
• Hot drink after swim
• Use of binoculars, books and information guides.

Additional Considerations

• Accommodation in Oban
• Equipment Hire
• Food and Drink

Cancellations

Please see our cancellation policy and terms and conditions here.

Bookings

Our 7 day shark weeks run from mid July till start of Sept, with only 10 spaces per boat these tours sell out annually.

Hire equipment

If you are participating in our in snorkelling activities please check our hire equipment information. You will need to input your requirements and sizes at the time of booking – find our wetsuit size charts here. If you intend to bring your own gear make sure you’ve read the minimum standard of kit needed. Here’s an advice document on what is best.

Accommodation

Oban is a busy town in summer and early booking is advisable. There is lots of different options, hotel/B&B, self catering, caravans & chalets, camping and van parking. The boat  meeting point is at the waterfront in town so if you stay nearby it’s an easy walk. There are a number of car parks but they do get busy if you are staying out of town.