How to get to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool

How To Get To The Corryvreckan Whirlpool By Boat

Corryvreckan Whirlpool Pictures, Argyll, Scotland - View From Boat Called Gemini

There are a number of tour boats that offer boat trips out to see the Corryvreckan Whirlpool - these include:

Sea Leopard - based in Ardfern By Lochgilphead
A 3 or 4 hour cruise to the whirlpool
Farsain - no website, but based at the Watersports Centre in Craobh Haven
Just off the A816 road south of Loch Melfort and Oban
Porpoise II - boat trips from Seil
A few miles to the south west of Oban
Seafari Adventures - high speed ribs to the whirlpool
From Easdale, also south west of Oban

Each of the website links in the list above will open a new web browser window on your computer screen.

Craignish Cruises [Sea Leopard]

Ardfern, By Lochgilphead, Argyll, Scotland PA31 8UA
Mobile: 07747 023038
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 397 9824
Email: lindsay@sealeopard.org

Farsain Cruises

Watersports Centre, Craobh Haven, Argyll, Scotland PA31 8AU
Telephone: +44 (0) 1852 500664

Sealife Adventures [Porpoise II]

Balvicar, Seil, By Oban, Argyll, Scotland
Telephone: +44 (0) 1631 571010 Daytime and +44 (0) 1852 300203 Evenings and Weekends
Email: info@sealife-adventures.com

Corryvreckan Whirlpool Pictures, Argyll, Scotland - View Of A Seafari Boat Racing Across The Bay

Seafari Adventures

Easdale, By Oban, Argyll, Scotland
Telephone: +44 (0) 1852 300003
Email: seafari_oban@yahoo.co.uk

Corryvreckan Whirlpool Pictures, Argyll, Scotland - View Of A Seaplane

How to Get To The Corryvreckan Whirlpool By Seaplane

Probably one of the most exciting ways to get to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool is to take an excursion on a seaplane! Loch Lomond Seaplanes offer a range of excursions throughout the year [weather permitting] from the Loch Lomond area.

Loch Lomond Seaplanes excursions include the 'Explorer' trip, flying over the ancient Argyll forest and romantic castles such as Inverary Castle on Loch Fyne. On their Explorer trip enjoy views of Mull, Jura and The Corryveckan - all in approximately 1 hour!

How To Get To The Corryvreckan Whirlpool By Land [And Sea]

Using the A83 road, drive or take a bus to Kennacraig in Argyll. From the port of Kennacraig [which is at the northern end of the Mull of Kintyre only a few miles to the south of Tarbert] take the ferry to Port Askaig, on the island of Islay.

The ferry from Kennacraig leaves bright and early at 7:00am so you have to be there at least half an hour before this time - and if you are driving, it is recommended that you book your car onto the ferry well in advance.

Corryvreckan Whirlpool Pictures, Argyll, Scotland - Map Showing Location of Whirlpool

You can - view the ferry timetable - on the Caledonain MacBrayne website.

This ferry crossing [Kennacraig - Port Askaig] takes about 2 hours. Please see the Caledonian MacBrayne website for more information.

Ferry Timetable - Click For Larger Image

Directions From Port Askaig - there is a ferry to the Isle of Jura from Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay, and this journey is a very short one. Once on Jura, drive or take a bus to Ardlussa, then walk 9 miles to the north end of the island, and from here you can observe the waters of the Gulf of Corryvreckan.

The bus service on Jura is run by Alex Dunnachie - he can be contacted by telephone on +44 (0) 1496 820314 or 820221.

From August - October walkers should be aware that deer stalking takes place regularly on the hills. This is the principal source of income for the Estates on the island and should be respected. Telephone hotlines are posted on the island to indicate active areas on a day-to-day basis. Walkers should stick to the paths and tracks or stay on the coastline, for their own saftey during this period.

The ferry back to Kennacraig leaves from Port Askaig at 3:30pm so it doesn't leave a huge amount of time for a day out. The wee ferry across to Jura is quite frequent [see timetable and fare guide page] and leaves from just beside the big ferry pier.

Alternative Route Using Ferry to Port Ellen

The ferry service from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is the easiest route, but you could also take a ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen, which is at the southern end of Islay. Mike Murray went over on this ferry recently, and the crossing takes about 2.5 hours.

Once you arrive at Port Ellen, drive north [or take the scenic bus journey] across the island of Islay to Port Askaig, then follow the 'Directions From Port Askaig' above. When Mike used this route, there was no space on the ferry for his car, so he was a foot passenger, and hired a car from John MacKenzie for the day.

John MacKenzie's car hire on Islay can be contacted by telephone on +44 (0) 1496 302300 - and Mike says this option actually worked out as a cheap and convenient option.

Other Island Boat Trips in Argyll and Bute

Another popular destination for visitors to this part of Argyll and Bute is the island of Colonsay. To the west of Jura and to the south west of Mull, this tiny island is reached by boat from either Oban on the Scottish mainland, or from Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay.

The Isle of Colonsay is a part of a peaceful and scenic corner of Scotland - wild animals and tourists share the white sand beaches below the stark coastal cliffs. Inland there are lochs, moors and woodland to discover.

For further information specific to Colonsay, please see The Colonsay Community Website - a comprehensive and useful resource.