Turus Mara

Turus Mara

Boat ToursEco ToursFerriesSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
About
Turus Mara run seabird and wildlife Cruise-tours to Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and Iona. Get some Puffin Therapy on Lunga in the Treshnish Isles, wonder at the awe inpiring Fingal's Cave and experience the serenity of Iona, cradle of christianity.
Dervaig, Scotland
Meets animal welfare guidelines

Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024

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Turus Mara
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles401 reviews
Excellent
309
Very good
67
Average
13
Poor
9
Terrible
3

Sarah Huxtable
Cowdenbeath, UK86 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
Fantastic boat trip to Staffa last week! We went from Ulva Ferry on one of the afternoon sailings. The crew were very friendly, informative and funny. On the way to Staffa they pulled in close to another island and pointed out the seals there. They gave us plenty of time on Staffa to explore - myself and my husband did both the walk inside Fingal’s cave and also up on top of the island to spend time with the nesting puffins. It was so magical - I could have spend all day sat watching the lovely puffins! To start with I didn’t think we were going to see them as it was all quiet, but as we sat watching them a few came out of their burrows to see us, then we noticed more and more, some were flying in with mouthfuls of fish. By the time we headed back to the boat there were loads flying around the cliffs and also sat on the ground watching! It was a wonderful experience, very worthwhile and we felt it was good value for money. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys nature, who is fairly mobile! The steps up from the jetty are very steep and although it was a dry day when we went, I imagine that the rocky path around to the cave could get very slippery at times, so caution is required.
Written 16 July 2024
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.

alicia d
Ithaca, NY111 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
We took the "Big Bird" trip which includes a close look at the caves and rocks of Staffa - seemed like the captain got us practically inside Fingal's Cave! - and then 4 hours on Lunga. Lunga, the island where hundreds of puffins walk within a couple feet of you with sand eels hanging out of their mouths while thousands more fly back & forth to the sea! So many nesting puffins waddling around! Plus nesting guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, shags, and fulmars, and a bonxie or two. I stayed only on one side of the island but a knowledgeable guy said on the other side he saw arctic skuas and long-tailed skuas. So birdwatchers heaven but also really cool for anyone who likes puffins. The skipper and crew are great, they give everyone a hand getting on and off of the ship and get you set up on Lunga. They also point out things you might miss like the massive sea eagle sitting on a treetop as we got back to Mull. They also diverted so we all could see a bunch of seals hauled out, including some little ones only a month old. HIGHLY recommend!!!
Written 1 July 2024
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.

Claire K
United Kingdom279 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Solo
The day dawned rainy but the trip was confirmed. The hour long crossing from Ulva Ferry to Lunga was undertaken in lumpy seas which was an interesting experience. The boat was attached to a floating pontoon which was then rammed onto the boulders. These were very slippery when wet and needed to be negotiated cautiously. Whilst there the weather improved and it was dry. The island was alive with puffins which was wonderful. Rafts of these endearing birds were bobbing on the sea below the cliff. There were bunnies doing their best to help in the creation of burrows for their feathered neighbours. I saw many other sea birds such as fulmars and razorbills.. In the bluebells there were pipits. However I have reservations about some of the people who go there with babies strapped to chests and toddlers. Selfies were being taken with people lying on top of Puffin burrows. Puffins were prevented from going past people who did not stand back. I think it would be a good idea to have someone in authority present to gently remind people that wildlife comes first on a place such as this. No sooner had we left the island than the weather took a turn for the worse and we were unable to approach Staffa. It was too dangerous. The landing area had vanished under the waves and as for Fingal's Cave it was hardly visible.
Written 19 May 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.

Jeanie L
Preston, UK13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
This was our second trip to Staffa and Lunga withTurus Mara was as enjoyable as our first a year ago. Having watched the weather forecast we booked to do a trip on the Sunday (15th May) because it was showing as the best day of the week, and the forecast prior to this was correct with strong winds and rain almost every day. This meant we were unable to do the Big Bird trip we wanted to do , as it did not run on Sundays. However, as we set sail the rain arrived! This did not stop us from sitting on the top deck and admire the views as we sailed.. That's what waterproofs are for :). The stop at Staffa was not what we wanted, having visited Fingal's Cave already. It was very busy there with another tour company dropping off visitors numerous times while we were there, but once we got to Lunga, and across the slippery boulders from the boat to the grassy area, we were in heaven! The sun came out, we saw lots of puffins and we had a fantastic time.
The crew were fabulous, friendly and helpful, especially when landing on Lunga. The skipper deserves a mention as he was very amusing with his information he shared with us. Possibly lost on some, but he made me and my friends laugh.
The weather may not have played ball on the day, and was not as forecasted all week, but we were very lucky to go on the trip as I am aware a lot of folk had their boat trips (generally) cancelled due to wind and sea swells before and after we visited.

One thing I would say to anybody considering doing these trips and have not been before - wear sensible clothing - good footwear and waterproof clothes if the elements are unsettled. Also, please don't sit/lie/stand too close to the puffin burrows as they are so fragile! There are eggs/chicks and adults in the burrows that will come to harm if the burrows collapse.

Thank you Turus Mara for a great day.
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Written 22 May 2022
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.

lesanjo
scotland262 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
We went across to Staffa and then on to the Treshnish islands with Turus Mara last week and it really was a great day out. The crew were first class, taking care of everything and explaining all sorts of things throughout the trip. We had almost 2 hours off the boat at Staffa. Fingels cave is just amazing and really is worth the trip on its own. But we saw an amazing pod of dolphins, maybe up to 30 of them as they entertained us for 10 minutes or more. Lots of other birds and many seals, some with their pups were seen throughout. Just fabulous, so glad we did this, thanks very much
Written 19 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.

Peter88888888
Brisbane, Australia81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
We took their boat from Ulva Ferry on Mull to Staffa, via the Treshnish Isles where we landed on Lunga using their clever pontoon technology. We were not in puffin season but the island was still great. Then to Staffa with the amazing Fingal’s Cave. The captain’s superb judgement and skill allowed us to land and we walked on top of the basalt columns right into the amazing cave - a stunning experience.
The crew were friendly and attentive, the captain skilful, calm, witty and caring. The weather was quite rough but we never felt in danger or neglected. If you are susceptible to seasickness, take Kwells or similar beforehand. Bring food and water if you will need it, plus waterproof and warm clothes, wellies or other waterproof footwear.
Written 25 August 2024
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.

Jackie M
28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Family
Excellent day out visiting Staffa & Treshnish Isles (ashore on Lunga).
Many other tour boats also visit these islands & I would recommend going to Fingal cave first on Staffa - as track is quite narrow.
Fingal cave is just stunning & my highlight on Staffa. The close proximity to the puffins on Lunga the highlight there.
Handy hint - the cafe at Oban pier is excellent- can get a good coffee & breakfast & all food provisions needed for the day out on the boat.
Waterproof & warm gear a definite for 2nd half of our trip.
Crew very knowledgeable, coming onto the islands to point out wildlife and answer questions, plus very accommodating and considerate, with once rain started shifting passengers on another boat heading back to Ulva, giving them an undercover trip back & leaving more undercover spaces on our boat to make sure everyone was comfortable.
Communication before trip via phone & email excellent.
We arrived on the morning car ferry from Oban & easily managed the trip around to Ulva Ferry in under an hour.
Would highly recommend.
Written 21 June 2022
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.

VLA
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
Brilliant experience for adults and kids aged 7 and 10. Free parking at Ulva, boat ride to Staffa was 1 hour, very scenic and we were blessed with beautiful, warm sunny weather. Staffa is stunning and the puffins are very cute. Wear sturdy footwear as you can walk along the columns to Fingals cave and up steep steps to see the Puffins. The views off Staffa were unreal. We had about 1 hour on Staffa. I could of quite happily spent a few hours just relaxing watching the Puffins and looking at the views (although i can imagine 1 hour would be enough if the weather wasn't as favourable). Friendly staff, clean boat and we spotted seals on the way back. Overall a brilliant experience. Would highly recommended.
Written 3 June 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.

NorthumberlandJulieR
Northumberland, UK244 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
I deliberately left booking until the last minute as I didn't want to risk poor weather conditions. Not only was I lucky with the weather, the trip proved to be one of the ultimate events of my life. The expertise of the skipper is phenomenal and his fellow crew member was also very accomplished. Whilst they joked about the "special effects" the passengers gave them a round of applause when we safely left the island because the conditions were very challenging - but we were in no doubt at all that they would not have landed if it had not been safe to do so and we would have respected that decision. Even if you don't get to land and walk into the cave you get to see and experience the caves at close quarters and also see the puffins. I'm not quite sure how I can ever top this trip as it exceeded all my expectations. THANK YOU Turus Mara for one of the best days of my lfe.
Written 21 April 2022
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.

Happy-traveller365
Edinburgh, UK147 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
We knew there was no guarantee of landing on Staffa and that it was weather dependent- but it was still very disappointing not to.

The skipper and young lad helping were very pleasant and answered lots of questions. But I really don’t think this trip should’ve gone ahead in the weather conditions. £120 for a family of 4 and it was basically a 3 hour boat trip in the rain. Puffins too far away to see.

Lots of people being seasick. If we ever go back to Mull I would possibly give it another try and I would be happy enough to use this company again…but I would make sure it was a dry and calm day!
Written 7 July 2024
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.

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