Basking Shark Map

Swim Fingal’s Cave Tour

Swimming Fingal's cave
Explore your adventure
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Prices
  • Bookings

Highlights


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 into the water. An adventure playground that will be a highlight for snorkellers, swimmers and watchers alike. Snorkelling in this natural wonder should be on every bucket list!

  • 1 day boat trip travelling through the stunning scenery of the Sound of Mull.
  • Visit the natural wonder of Fingal’s Cave.
  • Look out for both grey and common seals in the Treshnish Isles.
  • Ample time to swim, snorkel or soak in the view.*
  • Opportunity to see whales, dolphins and eagles along the way.
  • Visit responsibly guided by a marine biologist.
  • Opportunity to add on a visit to the puffin colony.
  • Group charters only, available Apr-Oct, contact us for availability.
  • 10pax max for full sea distance trip, 12pax for short sea distance.
  • Stunning lagoon dip, waterfall swim or even swim from Mull to Iona as nearby wild swimming options.

* Snorkelling participation requires a minimum experience level, see more information here.

Logistics


Your 1 day boat tour starts from  Oban town centre.  Those staying on the Isle of Mull have the option to join the trip in Tobermory. We may also be able to pick up at Fionnphort or Iona area for a shorter sea journey.

For more information on travel and staying in Oban please see our FAQs.

On the Tour

Once you arrive at the marina a member of our friendly crew will meet you, and show you to the facilities and boat. We will then start our journey by passing many iconic landmarks such as Lismore Lighthouse and Duart Castle as we make our way into the Sound of Mull.

You will be surrounded by the stunning scenery of Mull on one side and the Morvern and Ardnamurchan Peninsula on the other. Our local guides will tell you more about this special area and which wildlife to look out for.

The search for wildlife begins as soon as we leave the marina. The rich waters bring plentiful wildlife to the Inner Hebrides and the West Coast of Scotland. During the trip, we will keep an eye out for dolphins, eagles, seals, minke whales, porpoises and in addition to abundant bird life.

To learn more about which species can be seen in the area visit our Hebrides Wildlife Guide.

Arriving at Fingal’s Cave

At the cave, your guide will brief you on all aspects of safety for undertaking this challenging snorkel. Then it’s time to get into your pre-booked activity equipment with some help from our guides, whilst marvelling at this natural phenomenon.

Those who would prefer to stay on board can enjoy the incredible scenery and keep an eye out for curious seals and puffins flying overhead.

Enjoy hearing the legend of the giants rumoured to inhabit the cave whilst you enjoy a hot chocolate after your swim.

Who is the tour for?

The cave requires very specific conditions to safely swim, you are required to be an experienced swimmer to take part in this activity.

We recommend using snorkel equipment for the experience,for swimming groups we adovocate the use of wetsuits and mandatory tow floats. Wetsuits not only given you that additional buoyancy but also avoiding the number of jellyfish which are pushed into the cave with the currents.

8 is the minimum age for this trip – swimming on the day will be dependent on conditions.

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 please see here for more information.

Tour expectations

Fingal’s Cave is a challenging swim to schedule, as we need very calm weather and swell to take you inside the cave. This is one of the most exciting locations we visit, but the most difficult to plan for. We will try our best to offer you an alternative date, to increase your chances of reaching the cave – consider our multi-day tours where you have more flexibility in the schedule.

Will we see wildlife?

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!

Please note puffins are only spotted on the island from April – July.

Ready to join us on an adventure?

Prices


TOUR PRICES

Private charter rates

from £1600

Rates depend on boat availability and start location – to help us give you a quote please get in touch.

Important Info Icon

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the final balance due 12 weeks before tour departure.

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

What’s Included?

  • 1 day boat tour
  • Visit Fingal’s Cave
  • Responsibly guided by a marine biologist
  • Hot drink
  • Use of binoculars, books and information guides.

Additional Considerations

To see all our private tour options visit here.

Cancellations

Please see our cancellation policy and terms and conditions here.

 Bookings


Our private charters to Fingal’s Cave can be organised at any time of year, depending on the conditions on the day and boat availability, get in touch to check available dates.

If you would like to combine your visit to Fingal’s Cave with our other activities check out our multi-day trips

Hire equipment

If you are participating in our in water 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.

Ready to Book?

After booking your preferred date you will receive a confirmation email with a linked information document.

We will be in touch during your tour lead-up regarding sea conditions. We will do our best to get you offshore, allowing some flexibility in your schedule gives you extra opportunity to visit us.