West Coast Tours
West Coast Tours
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
West Coast Tours offers a range of day and sightseeing tours. Our day tours to Mull, Iona and Staffa allow visitors to visit two or even three islands in one day as well as regular bus services to Tobermory and joint tickets with Duart Castle. Our City Sightseeing open-top bus tours operate in Glasgow, Oban and Bute and offer expert commentary and the ability to hop-on and off. We also operate a fast passenger ferry link between Campbeltown and Ballycastle in Northern Ireland called the Kintyre Express which offers visitors the chance to combine both the west coast of Scotland and the rugged Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland.
Oban, Scotland
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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4.5
623 reviews
Excellent
445
Very good
101
Average
34
Poor
18
Terrible
25
Escape07398408230
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Our tour was canceled by West Coast Tours and we have been trying to get our refund ever since. They are not responding by email and we aren't reaching a live person by phone. This is very disappointing because they apparently have an excellent reputation and excellent reviews. We've sent documentation by email several times.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraceyMorris37
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
My tour was cancelled due to the weather which is understandable but everything after that point has been a disaster. There was a typo in the cancellation email so the email address to initiate a refund isn't correct. I popped into the shop to initiate my refund and was told it was done there and then and the money would be in my account within 2-3 days. I am on day 3 and nothing. I sent 2 emails which have gone unanswered.
As I am going home today I went back to the shop to see what is happening. There was some confusion over the fact there are 2 people with the same name, me being 1 of them. I was then told a refund can take 7-14 days and that my refund was only initiated yesterday not on Tuesday as I was told. I asked for a receipt to prove this has even been refunded and apparently they can't even do that! I have managed to take a photo on their computer which apparently shows the refund has been initiated.
We are planning on coming back to Oban in the summer and were going to do this tour but after this experience there is no way we would book with this company. It all sounds a bit shady, sending out emails with typos in their email address, not giving receipts for refunds, not answering emails and lying to customers faces. As it stands I am £200 out of pocket and can see myself having to take this up with my bank to sort this out.
As I am going home today I went back to the shop to see what is happening. There was some confusion over the fact there are 2 people with the same name, me being 1 of them. I was then told a refund can take 7-14 days and that my refund was only initiated yesterday not on Tuesday as I was told. I asked for a receipt to prove this has even been refunded and apparently they can't even do that! I have managed to take a photo on their computer which apparently shows the refund has been initiated.
We are planning on coming back to Oban in the summer and were going to do this tour but after this experience there is no way we would book with this company. It all sounds a bit shady, sending out emails with typos in their email address, not giving receipts for refunds, not answering emails and lying to customers faces. As it stands I am £200 out of pocket and can see myself having to take this up with my bank to sort this out.
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Newbury, UK45 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We took the early bird our over to Staffa and Iona on a rather windy and wet day but we enjoyed it. The trip to Staffa was exhilarating especially on the way back: we got wet from the spray coming over the side of the boat!
Staffa was all I expected it to be but not for anyone uncertain on their legs.
The trip to Iona was a good taster and I really felt I wanted more time there without the wind which was quite strong by then.
But I cannot fault the tour company the travel arrangements worked without problem and they provided the opportunity to visit places I have long wanted to visit.
I also felt that the experience on Staffa brought out the best in the travellers who help other along the uncertain path to Fingal's cave.
Staffa was all I expected it to be but not for anyone uncertain on their legs.
The trip to Iona was a good taster and I really felt I wanted more time there without the wind which was quite strong by then.
But I cannot fault the tour company the travel arrangements worked without problem and they provided the opportunity to visit places I have long wanted to visit.
I also felt that the experience on Staffa brought out the best in the travellers who help other along the uncertain path to Fingal's cave.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ and Darcie B
Wyoming10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
West Coast Tours does a great job with this tour, we did the early bird tour. Not having to drive the road from Craignure to Fionnphort was especially nice because it’s all single track with quite a bit of traffic and buses, it would have worn me out. We really liked how adaptable the Staffa Tours folks were as the weather was lousy but there was a chance of improvement in the afternoon so they took us to Iona first rather than the original plan of Staffa first. Sure enough, the weather improved enough to head the Staffa which was remarkable! Overall, a fantastic day!
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael W
County Durham, UK5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Went to Oban on September 18th the day before my Birthday. I'd booked the Three Isles tour which included Iona for the 19th. I'd always wanted to visit Iona and my 70th birthday seemed a good time to do it. On the evening of the 18th I received an email informing me the tour was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. My wife emailed the company and told them I was gutted and would it be possible to get on another tour which took in Iona. Maureen Cormack emailed the next morning at 7.13, which I presume is outside normal working hours, to inform me she'd got us on a tour for that day!
She saved my birthday and indeed our whole trip! Just one minor detail, for last minute changes like that I think a phone call would help as I only looked at my emails an hour before we were due to leave!
Still we had a fabulous day, the tour was extremely well organised and ran like clockwork.
Thanks again to Maureen!
She saved my birthday and indeed our whole trip! Just one minor detail, for last minute changes like that I think a phone call would help as I only looked at my emails an hour before we were due to leave!
Still we had a fabulous day, the tour was extremely well organised and ran like clockwork.
Thanks again to Maureen!
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim W
Gippsland, Australia260 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
The WCT Three Island Tour covers Mull, Staffa, and Iona. From Oban you ferry to Mull and pick up your coach. Long drive through Mull.
Our coach driver was a cheerful man from Kent but he knew his tour 100% and was very informative, pointing out everything interesting along the route and keeping us entertained. After this leg we transferred to a small boat and on to Staffa. We saw dolphins and seals. Then on to Iona, and finally back to catch another ferry back to Oban.
It is a LONG day, not returning until about 8.30pm. But very enjoyable and wonderful scenery. Dress for the weather and bring snacks and water. Oh yes, no toilets on Staffa but the boat had a basic one below decks. The Americans did not seem too enthusiastic about it. 😄😄
But, this tour is excellent.
Our coach driver was a cheerful man from Kent but he knew his tour 100% and was very informative, pointing out everything interesting along the route and keeping us entertained. After this leg we transferred to a small boat and on to Staffa. We saw dolphins and seals. Then on to Iona, and finally back to catch another ferry back to Oban.
It is a LONG day, not returning until about 8.30pm. But very enjoyable and wonderful scenery. Dress for the weather and bring snacks and water. Oh yes, no toilets on Staffa but the boat had a basic one below decks. The Americans did not seem too enthusiastic about it. 😄😄
But, this tour is excellent.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle T
2 contributions
Jul 2023
The Wildlife Tour was absolutely AMAZING! Seeing all of the puffins on Lunga was the highlight of our whole trip to Scotland. We could have spent DAYS watching the puffins. Visiting the unique geological formations of Staffa was breathtaking. It was easy to get aboard all of the buses and ferries you took from each island.
I will caution anyone with mobility issues or small children to be especially careful if taking this tour. There are NO guard rails next to the cliffs and a lady on our tour did fall down a cliff. Luckily there were other people on the tour nearby to assist her back to safety, but it was a terrifying experience.
Even with that scare, this tour was a highlight of our trip and we would definitely recommend anyone visiting Scotland to take this tour.
I will caution anyone with mobility issues or small children to be especially careful if taking this tour. There are NO guard rails next to the cliffs and a lady on our tour did fall down a cliff. Luckily there were other people on the tour nearby to assist her back to safety, but it was a terrifying experience.
Even with that scare, this tour was a highlight of our trip and we would definitely recommend anyone visiting Scotland to take this tour.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your 5-star review, we will most definitely take your feedback onboard.
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard
Nottingham, UK119 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The Wildlife tour was incredible and worth every penny! The organisation was fantastic and the whole day ran like clockwork! Of course the puffins stole the show but Fingal's cave, rock formations, stunning scenery of all the islands and the hard working staff on the boats made for a special but long day! A special mention must go to our coach driver Adrian who was informative, amusing, entertaining and took very good care of us with his safe driving on the winding roads! He is a credit to the company. We highly recommend this tour!
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for you 5 star review. We will most certainly pass on your comments to Adrian, we also love his commentary :).
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cat
Wales, UK111 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
The Three Islands tour was fantastic, helped by perfect weather.Everything ran smoothly and efficiently. The coach was very comfortable and the driver was brilliant, with just enough commentary and interesting facts and not too much chat.All the ferries were great and everyone was friendly and welcoming. The islands (Mull, Staffa and Iona) are well worth visiting, and the scenery was stunning. We were lucky enough to see puffins up close on Staffa, and the walk to Fingal's Cave was special. There's a handrail to help you along if you need it. The basalt formations are spectacular. Well worth doing. You will be looked after every step of the way.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your 5 star review, we are so glad you enjoyed your day.
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travelsnearandfar
washington325 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
My husband and I arrived the day before our tour in Oban. Premier Inn was our hotel and this was the best location for going on this tour. Because we arrived in Ivan around 4 pm, I was able to go to the main office (4 minutes from hotel) and pick up all the information and tickets for the tour. I would recommend doing this and not picking things up the next morning at the ferry terminal (too busy).
1) Wildlife your starts with a 7:00 am ferry boarding time. Ferry was very nice. We ate breakfast onboard. I believe this was between 90 - 120 minutes. Nice. Arrived in Mull.
2) isle of Mull: once off the ferry you find a bus with the tour company’s name , very easy only bus there. I think it was over an hour to get to the harbor area where we boarded the small boat.
3) isle of Lunga: simply magical. Puffins so close. Just sit down and watch them.
2 hours here.
4) isle of Staffa: great basalt formations and Fingal’s Cave. Puffins are also here, but we couldn’t get to see them, unfortunately not enough time. We had about 50 minutes here.
*****This was the only place I would have asked for about 90 minutes.
5) isle of Iona: boat drops you off here and then you can explore.
We explored the Abbey (10 £/person) I enjoyed this. Also ruins of convent (free) we had sandwiches at the cafe near the ferry.
6) quick ferry from Iona to Mull.
7) board bus back to main ferry station (over an hour drive.
8) ferry back to Oban (90-120 minutes I believe).
9) 5 minutes walk back to our hotel.
1) Wildlife your starts with a 7:00 am ferry boarding time. Ferry was very nice. We ate breakfast onboard. I believe this was between 90 - 120 minutes. Nice. Arrived in Mull.
2) isle of Mull: once off the ferry you find a bus with the tour company’s name , very easy only bus there. I think it was over an hour to get to the harbor area where we boarded the small boat.
3) isle of Lunga: simply magical. Puffins so close. Just sit down and watch them.
2 hours here.
4) isle of Staffa: great basalt formations and Fingal’s Cave. Puffins are also here, but we couldn’t get to see them, unfortunately not enough time. We had about 50 minutes here.
*****This was the only place I would have asked for about 90 minutes.
5) isle of Iona: boat drops you off here and then you can explore.
We explored the Abbey (10 £/person) I enjoyed this. Also ruins of convent (free) we had sandwiches at the cafe near the ferry.
6) quick ferry from Iona to Mull.
7) board bus back to main ferry station (over an hour drive.
8) ferry back to Oban (90-120 minutes I believe).
9) 5 minutes walk back to our hotel.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review, we are so glad you enjoyed the tour.
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
1984Juanita
Poortugaal, The Netherlands83 contributions
Good evening,
We have booked a 10h tour in September. Im just wondering where to leave my car?
Can you park at the railway station or a the car park of Tesco (could you get a long stay pay&display there?)
Any advise?
Regards, Juanita
Lor
MA26 contributions
The best I can tell you is parking fills quick (we were there in late May/early June and there were literally only a few spots left though we did not check Tesco which may have been a better option). All the places you mention are fine - they now do prox/tap credit card only (ie not swipe or chip cards). Some take change, others do not so be prepared.
imary22
Greater London, UK3 contributions
Can you recommend a West Coast tour for two active seventy year olds this 2020 Spring/Summer?
Many thanks.
imary
Marcia H.
Dallas, TX53 contributions
I only know about the day trip we took from Oban to the Isle of Iona. I would recommend it. We particularly enjoyed the bus ride across Mull. It was only our 3rd day in Scotland, and although my husband drove for the rest of the trip, he was very happy not to be driving on the single track Mull roads! (Maybe next time we'll brave it.)
We were there in the fall, so the puffins were gone. If they are there when you go, I'd add Staffa to the trip.
I hope this helps.
audrey69330
Lyon, France
Bonjour, audrey69330. Que voudriez-vous savoir sur cette attraction ?
Bonjour
Combien de temps doit on prévoir à l'avance pour réserver l'excursion 3 islands ?
Si on réserve à l'avance et que la météo n'est pas clémente pouvons nous annuler ?
Merci d'avance
West Coast Motors
Glasgow, UK
Hello, you can book as far in advance as you like. During peak season we do recommend you book at least 48 hours in advance. In the unlikely event that our tour is cancelled due to weather, our customer service team will be able to reschedule your tour for another day or issue a full refund. Many thanks
Can you advise if this trip is suitable for the elderly and disabled. Can it accommodate someone in a wheelchair, but can also walk a wee bit.
Hi Dorothy,
Whilst our vehicles are wheelchair accessible. The three Isles tour may not be as enjoyable for someone elderly with reduced mobility. We would suggest a visit to Tobermory or Fionnphort, Mull. It's a gorgeous day out for people of all ages and mobility.
Thanks.
AlexSantiag0
Portland, OR43 contributions
I am planning to do the three isles tour with my family by early Sep this year. I have a couple of questions. Hope one of you can answer them:
1. We have a 7-month-old baby. Is the tour stroller friendly?
2. Is the Fingal’s Cave open now? If not is it still worth doing the three isles tour or should I just do Iona and Mull Isle tour? Kindly advice.
Trishspit
102 contributions
Tingles cave wasn’t open when we went there. With a toddler I would do just the Iona and mull tour. Both of those islands are stroller friendly. I’m not sure the third island is. I think Staffa is onlysuitable for walking
alex85shila
Imperia, Italy
If it rains there's tour is? Staffa you visit when it rains? the departure time from oban is at 9:50?thanks.
West Coast Motors
Glasgow, UK
Yes our tours operate if it rains.
Tours will only be cancelled if we are advised by our partners Caledonian MacBrayne and Staffa Tours that the weather causes safety concerns. In these instances, we would offer passengers an alternative tour that day (if possible), a full refund or reschedule their tour for another day.
The departure times depends on the tour you book. The departure time for the Three Isles Tour (Mull, Iona and Staffa) is 0950.
flyingdutchman04
Tucson, AZ31 contributions
Are there any Puffins late in September?
Libby B
11 contributions
No, the puffins are only on land from end April until very early August for their breeding season. They return to the Atlantic and will not be back on land again until the following years breeding season begins.
flyingdutchman04
Tucson, AZ31 contributions
Cancellation policy since we are only in Oban for one day to do the tour to Mull, Iona, and Staffa.
EHO1
Henley in Arden, UK106 contributions
The company are exceptionally mean about cancellation. We had a very bad experience re customer service
DJ41
Newport Beach, CA4 contributions
Hi we have two 7 year olds and just want to see the puffins in a short tour (maybe 3 hour tour), is that possible? If so can I find availability and buy tickets online, and guide me where? Thank you
Garpoe
Fort Lauderdale, FL60 contributions
Staffa tours website will allow you to purchase online which is highly recommended in the summer. I am not sure they have a tour that short. From Oban it takes 45 minutes to get to Mull then an hour bus ride across Mull to catch boat to Staffa. There are other islands with puffins. Check the Staffa website or one for West Coast tours and see what the various options are.
Smbelle
Columbia, IL17 contributions
Hi. Is there a chance to purchase food on the trip or we pack a lunch if we go? Also how often dose the early morning tours completely book. We are looking at booking June 23rd should we book now or can we wait until closer to that day? Thanks.
Peter J
Lechlade, UK10 contributions
We booked at the last minute which is possible, but I wouldn’t recommend it - you could miss out if they are fully booked.