Boat Trips

In the spring and summer you must try to take a boat trip. The coast around Mid Argyll is magical and a trip to the Corryvrechan Whirlpool, between the islands of Jura and Scarba, is unforgettable. You will see seals and sea eagles, and possibly also dolphin, basking sharks, minke whales and porpoise, not to mention a host of sea birds. The Corryvrechan Whirlpool is the third largest in the world, created by a huge basalt pinnacle called ‘ The Hag’ deep beneath 300 feet of water. The tides rushing in and out of the Gulf of the Corryvrechan create huge standing waves and in spring tides the  whirlpool is classed as unnavigable. The writer George Orwell famously nearly drowned here with his little nephew when he was living at Barnhill on Jura. Most reliable and informative  boat trip is Venture West ( www.venture-west.co.uk phone 07789 071188) Sandy will take you on 2-4 hr trips, all day trips to Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Jura, or you can hire private charter(more expensive.) See his website for recent film of dolphins! You will need to book ahead, he gets very busy. Venture West launches from Crinan Harbour – drive towards Crinan and then take a left turn down the hill, it’s all signposted. Operational 7 days a week from March 27th.

Also good boat trips with Seafari, a fast RIB company based on Easdale, about 40 minutes from the lodges off the main road to Oban. They offer similar tours to Venture West and you’ll need to book online www.seafari.o.uk or call 01852 300003.