Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know for your Seafari adventure
Getting Here
All Seafari tours depart from the picturesque village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil, approximately 16 miles south of Oban. Our boats launch from Ellenabeich harbour, directly opposite Easdale Island.
Our Address:
Seafari Adventures
Ellenabeich
Isle of Seil
Oban, Argyll
PA34 4RF
Coordinates: 56.3008° N, 5.6536° W
By Car
From Oban (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes):
- Head south on the A816
- Turn right onto the B844 (signposted “Easdale”)
- Cross the famous Bridge over the Atlantic (Clachan Bridge)
- Continue through Balvicar
- Follow signs to Ellenabeich
- Parking available at Ellenabeich village square (free)
Important: The final stretch involves single-track roads with passing places. Please drive carefully and allow extra time.
From Other Locations:
- Glasgow: 2.5 hours (95 miles via A82/A85)
- Edinburgh: 3 hours (125 miles via M9/A85)
- Fort William: 1.5 hours (50 miles via A82/A85)
- Inverness: 3 hours (115 miles via A82)
Sat Nav Note: Use postcode PA34 4RF. Some sat navs may say “Easdale” – this refers to the same area.
By Public Transport
Bus Service:
West Coast Motors operates the 418 bus from Oban to Ellenabeich
- Route: Oban (Station Road) → Balvicar → Ellenabeich
- Journey Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Frequency: Check West Coast Motors website for current timetable
- Cost: Around £2 one way
Drop-off Point: Ellenabeich village square (2-minute walk to harbour)
Connecting to Oban:
- Train: ScotRail services to Oban from Glasgow (3 hours) and Edinburgh (4+ hours)
- Coach: Scottish Citylink services from major Scottish cities
By Taxi
From Oban: Approximately £45 one way
Journey Time: 25 minutes
Local Taxi Services:
- West Coast Taxis: 01631 566 809
- Oban Taxis: 01631 564 744
By Private Boat
Ellenabeich has mooring facilities for those arriving by sea. Contact the Harbour Master for availability and fees.
Finding Us at the Harbour
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in and safety briefing.
We want you to be comfortable and safe on your Seafari adventure. Here’s what we recommend bringing with you.
Clothing
We Provide:
- Waterproof suits (worn over your clothes)
- Lifejackets
You Should Wear:
- Warm layers (fleece, jumper, long sleeves – even in summer!)
- Long trousers (jeans or similar)
- Warm socks
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip (trainers or walking boots)
Try To Avoid:
- Sandals, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes
- Shorts (you’ll get cold quickly on the water)
- Cotton clothing as your base layer (doesn’t dry well)
What to Pack
Essentials:
- Sunglasses (with retaining strap)
- Sun cream (SPF 30+)
- Camera or phone (in waterproof case/bag)
- Binoculars (great for wildlife spotting)
Optional but Recommended:
- Light snacks and water bottle
- Seasickness tablets (if prone)
- Hat with strap or chin cord
- Gloves (spring/autumn/winter)
We Provide:
- Waterproof bags for your belongings
- Dry storage on board
Travelling with Children?
We provide children’s flotation suits and lifejackets in various sizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult on all tours. Minimum age requirements vary by tour – check your specific tour page for details.
We recommend bringing:
- Extra warm layers for kids
- Comfort items (small toy, snack)
What to Leave Behind
Please Don’t Bring:
- Valuable jewellery
- Excessive cash
- Items that can’t get wet
- Loose items that could blow away
Important:
All tours involve sea spray and possible waves. While we provide waterproof suits, some splash is inevitable – especially on our high-speed RIB adventures! Embrace it as part of the experience.
Ready to Book?
Happy Customers
Wild Places Visited
Positive Reviews
Award Wining
Frequently Asked Questions.
How long have you been operating?
Seafari has been operating from Easdale Island since 1997—almost 30 years of sharing Scotland’s west coast with visitors from around the world. We were Scotland’s first RIB-based wildlife tour operator and remain family-owned and operated.
What does your WiSE accreditation mean?
WiSE (Wildlife Safe) is the UK’s highest standard for wildlife watching operators. It means we follow strict codes of conduct developed by marine scientists, maintain respectful distances from wildlife, never chase or herd animals, and our skippers receive ongoing training in responsible practices. We put animal welfare first, always.
Are you insured and certified?
Absolutely. All our vessels are fully insured, commercially coded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and undergo regular safety inspections. Our skippers hold all required maritime qualifications and certifications. We carry comprehensive passenger liability insurance on every tour.
Do you operate in all weather?
We operate in most weather conditions, but safety comes first. If conditions are unsuitable, we’ll reschedule your tour at no cost. Our experienced skippers make weather decisions based on forecast, sea state, and passenger comfort. We’d rather reschedule than compromise safety or your experience.
What makes you different from other tour operators?
Honest answer? Experience. With 30+ years operating these waters, our skippers have unmatched local knowledge. We’re also family-owned (not a corporate operation), WiSE accredited for responsible wildlife watching, 5-star VisitScotland rated, and genuinely passionate about what we do. Our reviews speak for themselves.
Can we book private tours?
Yes! We offer both 2-6 hour private charters and full-day bespoke experiences. Private charters give you complete flexibility with timing, route, and duration. They’re perfect for families, special occasions, corporate events, or anyone wanting a tailored experience. Visit our Private Charters page for details.
Are children welcome on all tours?
Most of our tours welcome children from age 3+, though we provide age guidance specific to each tour type. Some tours (like the extended whale watching) recommend a minimum age of 8 due to duration. We’re happy to discuss which tour best suits your family—just call us on 01852 300003.
What if we don't see any wildlife?
We’ll be honest: we cannot guarantee specific wildlife sightings because we’re watching wild animals in their natural habitat. However, we see seals, seabirds, and porpoises on virtually every tour, with dolphins and whales depending on season. Our skippers have decades of experience, and we’ll make every effort to find wildlife. That said, unpredictable nature is part of what makes these experiences so special.
Do you support local conservation?
Yes, actively. We operate in a Marine Protected Area, hold WiSE accreditation for responsible practices, contribute sighting data to marine research, and educate every guest about conservation. We also employ locally, support island businesses, and operate with the long-term health of the environment and community as priorities.
Can we visit Easdale Island before or after our tour?
Absolutely! The island is car-free, peaceful, and worth exploring. There’s a small heritage museum, community café, and beautiful walks. Many guests arrive early to look around or stay after their tour. The island community is welcoming, and it adds to the overall experience.