The Heart of Argyll has so much to offer, from stunning scenery to fascinating historical sites. But to make the most of the area you need to take to the water. Discover West Loch Tarbert to the south; Loch Fyne to the east; and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Explore the long sea lochs that reach far inland, experience Loch Awe, one of Scotland’s loveliest sea lochs, take a trip to the Gulf of Corryvreckan to see the world’s third largest whirlpool, and make your way along the Crinan Canal, ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’. You’ll discover remote beaches, exquisite islands and wildlife galore. Take a boat trip, catch a ferry, try your hand at kayaking of even climb aboard the Waverley. Here are eight boat trips from the Heart of Argyll that should be on your list!
1. Corryvreckan Whirlpool
The Heart of Argyll is perfectly placed for taking a boat trip to the Gulf of Corryvreckan and its famous whirlpool – the third largest in the world! The stretch of water lying between the islands of Jura and Scarba is considered by sailors to be one of the most treacherous anywhere in the British Isles. It’s a magnificent sight to behold, with whirlpools, powerful currents and standing waves. The strength of tide, wind strength and direction, atmospheric pressure, and whether it is a flood or ebb tide will affect what you see. A spring flood tide tends to produce standing waves, a spring ebb tide a series of upthrusts and whirlpools with sometimes one big whirlpool.
2. Craignish Cruises
Join skipper/wildlife guide, Lindsay Johnston from Craignish Cruises, on board 'Venturer' for an unforgettable boat trip. Operating from Ardfern Yacht Centre, Lindsay offers a selection of trips, from a short voyage to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool to a whole day excursion to see puffins at the Treshnish Isles and Fingal’s Cave. The two-hour whirlpool and wildlife trip is perfect for young adventurers. You’ll pass a seal colony at the north end of Jura before heading up the east side of Jura looking for deer, otter, sea eagles and other birds of prey.
3. Venture West
Visit the beautiful MacCormaig Islands with Venture West, which operates from Loch Sween. Cruise out from Loch Sween and land on Eilean Mór to visit the bothy telling you about the island. Investigate the chapel and take in the history, then head back to the boat to continue exploring the other islands. You could also visit the Garvellach islands with Venture West. Travel out from Crinan passing through the Corryvreckan and tour around the Garvellach islands. If the conditions are right you can sometimes land on Eileach an Naoimh the most southern Garvellach island where you can visit the ruined remains of an ancient Celtic monastery.
4. Sealife Adventures
Head out to a whale, dolphin, eagle and seal hotspot with Sealife Adventures, which is based near Oban. All their trips visit the Gulf of Corryvreckan too. Enjoy a tour in a powerful, spacious and seaworthy boat.
5. Climb aboard the Waverley
The magnificently restored PS Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, has been magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and burnished brass. Trips run throughout the summer in the west coast of Scotland with many options for the waters around the Heart of Argyll. Cruise up Loch Fyne to Tarbert where you can come ashore to explore this lovely fishing village or head further up the loch to Ardrishaig, the start of the Crinan Canal. Or how about the ‘LOCHS & A WHIRLPOOL’ cruise, when you steam past the Isles of the Sea to cruise the four lochs of Shuna, Melfort, Craignish and Crinan before heading to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
6. Catch a ferry
If you’re exploring the western coast of the Heart of Argyll, then you can’t miss the magnificent views of Jura. If those views of Jura inspire you to visit the island, then you can catch the Jura Passenger Ferry from Tayvallich directly to Craighouse on Jura. It runs from Easter until the end of September. Vehicles are not accommodated on this route. Look out for wildlife as you zip across the sound.
7. Paddle power
The Heart of Argyll offers incredible kayaking opportunities, including the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail. From the protected waters of the Crinan Canal to the beautiful sea lochs with their fascinating islands and inlets, to the open waters of the Atlantic, this is a world-class sea kayaking destination. There are some great sea kayaking instructors and guides in the area, including Andy Craven who will take you canoeing or kayaking on the areas’ rivers, lochs and open ocean. Or how about a bespoke trip with Wild Argyll? Delve deeper into the landscape, explore these ancient seaways with new eyes and journey to unspoilt places tucked away off the beaten track.
8. Take a dive
Or if you fancy to going under water, discover some of Scotland’s best dive sites with Loch Fyne Dive Charters, based in Tarbert. Loch Fyne has stunning and unspoilt dive sites suitable for all interests and experience levels, including pinnacles, wrecks and reefs. There is abundant marine life, giving plenty of scope for keen underwater photographers.
Find out more about things to see and do in the Heart of Argyll.
Header image: Venture West