Staffa Trips
Staffa Trips
5
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About
Iolaire sails twice daily from Iona at 9.45am or1.45pm OR from Fionnphort at 10am or 2pm. The trip lasts 3 hours and you can get on or off at Fionnphort or Iona. The Iolaire is a brown wooden boat and returns to Fionnphort first at 1pm or 5pm and then to Iona 10 minutes later. The sea journey takes 45 minutes and en route a wide variety of sea life may be observed. Once at Staffa a commentary is given and Fingal's Cave can be seen from the Iolaire. Passengers are landed weather permitted and given at lease one hour ashore which allows time to walk into Fingal's Cave or up the ladders to see the puffins when they are in season. There is always something exciting to see and the crew will be happy to welcome you on board the Iolaire.
Isle of Iona, Scotland
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
752 reviews
Excellent
720
Very good
28
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
DavyP
16 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
What a great trip and the knowledge of the crew is fantastic, making sure you miss nothing in the water or the birds flying by, they constantly keep you updated on what is happening around you. As a family run boat this was far more personal than the other corporate trips on offer. A great trip and highly recommended.
Written 18 November 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.
psmitera
Edinburgh, UK15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Great service and experience. A family run operation by locals. Sarah was particularly responsive and helpful in us getting on a last minute trip. Would've loved to have more time on Staffa, but weather was changing.
Written 6 November 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.
Anna W
Chelmsford, UK3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We were very lucky to have a fantastic day with staffa trips. Unfortunately our 1st date had to be cancelled as bad weather was coming in but we had plenty of notice and were able to book another day during our stay. Great weather, knowledgeable skipper and staff ready to help everyone safely board and depart. We had a lovely day
Written 1 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.
Steve J
Exeter, UK17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We needed to change date as the weather forecast was poor. Staffa trips answered the phone immediately and were very helpful indeed, suggesting a different day. This worked out perfectly with a sunny visit to Staffa and Fingal’s Cave. The boat was ideal for a trip like this and the skipper came back on the return journey answering our questions and providing much added interest and information. Highly recommended.
Written 22 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.
Sue
Holmfirth, UK2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This trip was fantastic ! Not only did we see the amazing geology of Staffa and Fingles cave, but we had the bonus of dolphins on the journey back. The staff were knowledgeable and very helpful when getting on and off the boat. Highly recommended!
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.
Jazmin C
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
The trip to the Isle of Staffa was magical. The Staff Trip crew were great and provided historical details as we made our way to the Isle. We had the chance to hear fun facts about Fingal's Cave. This is a locally-owned business run by folks from the area so it was good to know that we were supporting a local business!
Written 18 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.
Simon L
Kirkintilloch, UK1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
We had an excellent trip with Staffa Trips last week. The crew were super friendly and helpful. The boat is in great condition, really clean and tidy and well set-up for both good (like we had) and poor weather conditions. It was great to be able to take the dog on board, given than so many people visit the area with their dogs and are staying in campers/motorhomes this is a real plus.
The timings are worked out well in cross over with other trips, we had a brief period of Fingals Cave to ourselves which was unexpected.
We would have liked a bit longer on the island as we felt we never to to properly explore it or take it in, however, in normal Scottish Weather I probably wouldn't have had the same opinion!
having the option to be dropped of at either Fionnphort or Iona was nice too and staff proactively check in with you to make sure you know what's happening and you are having a good time.
The timings are worked out well in cross over with other trips, we had a brief period of Fingals Cave to ourselves which was unexpected.
We would have liked a bit longer on the island as we felt we never to to properly explore it or take it in, however, in normal Scottish Weather I probably wouldn't have had the same opinion!
having the option to be dropped of at either Fionnphort or Iona was nice too and staff proactively check in with you to make sure you know what's happening and you are having a good time.
Written 18 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.
JLT263
Chippenham, United Kingdom34 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We had a truly memorable trip to Staffa. From start to finish the crew were friendly, helpful and informative. They took their time to show us seals and we were accompanied for a way by 3 or 4 pods of porpoises and dolphins. We were unfortunately unable to land because of a large Atlantic swell which would have made it too dangerous but we were warned about this by the captain before we left and had the opportunity not to go - but nobody did and if they had they would have missed a treat. The weather was stunning and when we got to Staffa we were taken around the whole island by sea with great views of Fingal's Cave. The opportunity to be dropped off at Iona on the way back is great one to consider.
Written 16 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.
johnasutherland
North Yorkshire, UK29 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great trip, helped by beautiful weather. Professional and highly competent staff. Friendly and helpful during the trip with good passenger interactions.
Written 15 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.
Lisa und Henry S
Cologne, Germany56 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The cute old boat was on time and clean, staff very helpful and friendly, and we were grateful there wasn’t a constant spiel via tannoy. What information there was on the speakers was to the point and relevant, including when we met a school of dolphins and porpoises en route to Iona. Time on Staffa was great, advice given useful. Boat could provide a more modern toilet. Otherwise everything great.
Written 14 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.
Hazel S
7 contributions
We are staying on the Isle of Mull on the 27th and 28th August 2021 and are interested in a trip to Staffa to see Fingels Cave and a trip to Iona. Would it be possible to do a combined trip returning to Fionport or would we have to book separate trips? Also how many people does your boat accommodate ? There are six people in our party.
Kind regards
Hazel Stewart-Davies
Freddy
Dundee, UK6 contributions
Hi there. Staffa trips take you to staffa. Drop you for an hour, then take you back to finnofort or drop you at iona. There are calmac ferries back from iona all the time. Its a short trip and the ferry is always in sight. Costs £1.80. Iona is amazing. You must pre book the Abbey. We never and missed out.
Hazel S
7 contributions
We are staying on the Isle of Mull on the 27th and 28th August 2021 and are interested in a trip to Staffa to see Fingels Cave and a trip to Iona. Would it be possible to do a combined trip returning to Fionport or would we have to book separate trips? Also how many people does your boat accomodate ? There are six people in our party.
Kind regards
Hazel Stewart-Davies
Sarah R
Bradford, UK35 contributions
You can take the trip from fionphort to Staffa and then on return get dropped at Iona then get the regular ferry back when you want to.
radhika25k
London, UK25 contributions
Hi, my mum and dad both are in their late 60s and have knees problem that make strenuous climbing difficult, including getting in and out of boats without some sort of stepped access. Would the Staffa tour be suitable for them? I've heard the rocks in the cave can be v. wet and i'm worried that if it's raining, there won't be anywhere scenic and dry for them to sit and enjoy the view.
saraisleofiona
Isle of Iona8 contributions
Hi
Staffa can be difficult underfoot and the staircase to the top is steep. There is a step to get onto the boat but they also have to step over into it. The crew are there to help though. If they don’t want to go on the island they can stay on the boat and the crew will take them on a wee sail to see more of it and the cave.
If you have any more questions please message or call 01681 700755.
Thanks
Sara
(Owner)
Are dogs allowed on the boat and island?
Jillian L
Manchester, NH144 contributions
Yes! The boat can be choppy and the rocks are uneven, but if you have a sure-footed dog on a lead, you should be fine. I saw quite a few dogs on the boat.
Jan C
Heybridge, UK41 contributions
Hello, do you run trips at the end of October?
Sara Tindal
Isle of Iona, UK6 contributions
Hi Jan
Trips at the end of October are very weather dependent. If the weather is good throughout the month they we will still be sailing at the end of October but if it has been bad weather we may have stopped. Unfortunately we won't know till the time.
Thanks
Staffa Trips
Gail C
Canada26 contributions
Hello, we will be on Mull fro May 6-10 2019. Is it possible to take your ship from Fionnphort at 10 am, see Staffa, Fingals Cave,spend time on Iona and take the return boat back from Iona at 5pm to Fionnphort? I will forward to your reply. Thank you very much ,Gail
Christiane K
Jordan19 contributions
You have a dress coat for tourists on the boat?
Sara Tindal
Isle of Iona, UK6 contributions
Hello, we do have oilskins available on board for wet and windy days which you are welcome to use to keep dry however we do hope you get a sunny day to see the puffins.
Christiane K
Jordan19 contributions
Bekommt man Regenkleidung an bord ?
Sara Tindal
Isle of Iona, UK6 contributions
Yes we do have oilskins available for use on board for wet weather. Hope you make it Carol
MariaFromTheStates
San Francisco, CA18 contributions
Hello. I am looking for advice on catching a tour with Staffa. I'm afraid I did not plan so well and need help. 5/27 - We will arrive in Oban at 12:00PM by Citylink bus from Glasgow. We plan to make our way to Iona for an overnight stay. Unfortunately, the reservation in Iona cannot be changed or cancelled. 5/28 - We check out of Iona and would like to catch a late train out of Oban. We also have the option to stay in Oban overnight to give us more time to catch one of your tours. Is there any way we can catch a tour to see Fingal's Cave and the Puffins? We have to see the Puffins. Your suggestion and feedback would be appreciated. Thanks so much! P.S. I tried sending a message through the website but I think the inquiry would not go through. I clicked SEND about a dozen times. If the message actually went through, sorry for the redundancy!
Sara Tindal
Isle of Iona, UK6 contributions
Hello, yes you can come with Iolaire to Staffa leaving Iona at 9.45am on 28th May, you will return to Fionnphort for 1pm.
To book please go to Staffa trips website.
Hope you make it to see the puffins. Carol
Ian B
Newport, UK22 contributions
Hi, We are coming up to Oban this summer, and i would like to take my family to see Staffa / Fingals cave. I think the experience would be amazing.
Just looking at the other Q & As, and using google, I am trying to work out best times to catch the ferry from Oban to get your 10am boat trip to Staffa ?
I was thinking of catching the 0730hrs ferry from Oban, which it says arrives at Craignure at 0820hrs. With the travelling to Fionnphort, and then foot ferry from Fionnphort, will that put us in time for the 10 o clock trip ?
Or would you advise to leave Oban earlier ?
Many thanks
Ian
Sara Tindal
Isle of Iona, UK6 contributions
Hello Ian,
Yes you would catch the first ferry out of Oban at 7.30am on Tuesday to Saturday, Monday and Sunday are different. You would have time to come straight to Fionnphort and catch us there at 10am to go to Staffa. Driving from Craignure to Fionnphort takes at least one hour and as it is a single track road the flow of traffic dictates that time. It is good form to allow any vehicles coming up behind you to pass by using lay-bys. Once at Fionnphort give yourself 5 minutes to park the car at the free car park ( left turn at the top of the village) and to walk down to the pier at Fionnphort to catch Iolaire. We would drop you at Iona around 1pm to visit there afterwards, you don't need to go to Iona to get us at 10am at Fionnphort.
You have to book your car and tickets with Calmac and also be at the pier 30 minutes before sailing time from Oban to Craignure. It is also possible to catch a service bus from Craignure to Fionnphort if you are a foot passenger.
Hope this helps, Carol