One for the early risers - a tour to the most dramatic of all the Scottish islands: the Isle of Staffa, with its hexagonal pillars and Fingal's Cave. On the way to Staffa keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises and minke whales which are often seen during the warmer months.
Approaching the Isle of Staffa & Fingals Cave
MV Ullin of Staffa alongside the pier at Staffa
Dolphins playing next to one of our boats, The Islander
Two of our boats at the mooring on Staffa
Visiting Fingals Cave
Basking Shark sighted on our tours
Minke Whale surfacing next to the boat
For early risers, this tour starts earlier than our standard Isle of Staffa Tour departing from Fionnphort on Mull and the pier on Iona. Take an early morning boat tour to the most dramatic of all the Scottish islands: Staffa, with its hexagonal pillars and Fingal's Cave. Since all the caves face south east (with the exception of Clamshell which faces due east) they are best seen by morning light.
Tour details
The approach to Staffa by sea is breathtaking, great basalt columns flanking the deep caves which have inspired so much praise. Since all the caves face south east (with the exception of Clamshell which faces due east) they are best seen by morning light.
If you are fortunate with weather conditions you will be able to land and explore the natural wonders of Fingal’s Cave or Clamshell Cave where the columns are intricately curved and distorted.
Wildlife
On the way to Staffa keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises and minke whales which are often seen during the warmer months.
A large colony of puffins breed on Staffa every summer and are always a firm favourite with visitors who can see them congregate on the cliffs, diving into the water then return with a beakful of fish. The best time to see the puffins is during the breeding season between the start of May and start of August when the birds have their distinctive colourful beaks. The puffins are very tolerant of people and its possible to get very close to them, making for some create photo opportunities.
2.5 hours. 1 hour ashore on Staffa
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING YOUR TIME ON STAFFA: The National Trust for Scotland has advised us that there has been erosion over the Winter months at the entrance to Fingal's Cave that requires urgent repair. This means that while you can still walk to the cave and see inside, you cannot enter the cave until these repairs are complete. At present there is no definite timescale for repairs but we will update as soon as we know they are complete.
On all our tours you will always be accompanied by local and knowledgeable crew to guide your experience.
Got a question about this tour? Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
| Departures | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iona | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 |
| Fionnphort | 9.45 | 9.45 | 9.45 | 9.45 | 9.45 | 9.45 | 9.45 |
| Returns | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iona | 12.15 | 12.15 | 12.15 | 12.15 | 12.15 | 12.15 | 12.15 |
| Fionnphort | 12.20 | 12.20 | 12.20 | 12.20 | 12.15 | 12.20 | 12.20 |