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7 Islands to Visit on a Day Trip from Oban

The busy port town of Oban is known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, and it’s a fantastic base for an island adventure. Look out over Oban Bay and you’ll see ferries coming and going, with the promise of beautiful scenery, fascinating history and wildlife just a boat trip away.

You don’t need to head to far-flung places to enjoy an island day out. Explore nearby Kerrera or Lismore, head across to Mull and Iona, or discover Seil and the neighbouring Slate Islands of Easdale and Luing. Some journeys begin with a ferry from Oban itself, while others start with a trip along the coast.

Here are seven islands to choose from for your next adventure.

Isle of Kerrera

Beautiful Kerrera is Oban’s closest island neighbour, with quiet tracks, coastal views and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

The CalMac ferry from Gallanach to Kerrera leaves from just south of Oban. Once you’re across, head out on foot to explore the island. Don’t miss the ruined Gylen Castle, a small tower house dating from 1582, perched above the rocky shore.

If you’re exploring the south of the island, Kerrera Tea Garden makes a lovely refreshment stop. In the north, you’ll find The Waypoint restaurant at Kerrera Marina. Check opening times before setting off, as this will vary depending on the season.

For a visit to the marina, you can also book its own water taxi from Oban’s North Pier. This arrives at a different part of Kerrera from the CalMac ferry, so check which crossing best suits your plans.

Background image - Kerrera Gylen Castle And Sea, Katy Runacres Kelpie Media (1)

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Isle of Lismore

Lismore is another nearby island that’s well worth a visit, with wildlife, fascinating historical sites and glorious views. Around 10 miles long, Lismore is a lovely place to explore by bike or on foot.

Take the CalMac ferry from Oban to Lismore, arriving at Achnacroish, with a crossing time of around 55 minutes. Alternatively, travel north to Port Appin for the foot-passenger ferry to Point at the northern end of the island.

One must-visit is the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre, which offers an insight into the history and cultural heritage of this small island. Check its seasonal opening arrangements when planning your visit.

Why not explore with a local? Explore Lismore offers private Land Rover tours tailored to your interests, taking in the island’s scenery, wildlife and rich heritage. It’s a great way to discover more of Lismore and hear the stories behind the places you visit.

Isles of Mull and Iona

For many visitors to the west coast of Scotland, a trip to Mull and Iona is a highlight of their holiday.

The ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull takes around 45 minutes. Mull has plenty to tempt you, from the towering peak of Ben More and historic Duart Castle to sandy beaches and opportunities to spot wildlife. Look out for the island’s famous white-tailed eagles.

Choose a part of Mull to explore rather than trying to fit the whole island into one day and, if you’re travelling as a foot passenger, plan your onward transport from Craignure before you arrive.

To visit Iona, you’ll need to travel across Mull to Fionnphort, then take the short ferry crossing as a foot passenger. Iona’s peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches and religious heritage make it a memorable place to spend a few hours.

Visiting both islands from Oban is a full day out, so check the ferry connections and your transport across Mull carefully. Allow enough time for the return journey, particularly if you’re relying on buses.

Once you’ve had a taste of these beautiful Hebridean islands, we’re pretty sure you’ll be back for a longer visit!

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Isle of Seil

Around 12 miles south of Oban, cross the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ to the Slate Island of Seil for an island adventure without a ferry journey.

The humpbacked Clachan Bridge spans the narrow channel separating Seil from mainland Argyll. It’s a memorable introduction to an island with wonderful coastal scenery and a fascinating slate-quarrying history.

If you fancy leaving the car behind, check West Coast Motors’ service 418 from Oban for journeys to Clachan Seil and Ellenabeich. Plan your return connection before setting off.

Spend some time exploring Ellenabeich, where whitewashed cottages overlook the water towards Easdale Island. There’s plenty of history to discover, as well as lovely views across the surrounding islands.

You could also take a wildlife-watching boat trip with Sealife Adventures from Seil, or Seafari Adventures from Ellenabeich harbour, opposite Easdale Island.

Easdale Island and Luing

From Seil, you can also visit the neighbouring Slate Islands of Easdale and Luing. Each makes a lovely day out, with island scenery and a chance to discover more about the area’s slate-quarrying past.

Catch the foot-passenger ferry from Ellenabeich to Easdale Island. The short crossing brings you to a small island where you can wander between the cottages, explore the shoreline and take in views across the surrounding waters.

Easdale also hosts the World Stone Skimming Championships. If you fancy watching the action or trying your hand at the competition, check out their website to get involved.

To visit Luing, head to Cuan at the southern end of Seil for the short ferry crossing.

There’s plenty to enjoy on this peaceful island, from coastal walks and slate-quarrying heritage to views towards the surrounding islands. At Cullipool, the Atlantic Islands Centre is a good place to learn more about Luing, with local history displays and a café - do check opening arrangements before you visit.

If a day doesn’t feel long enough, consider staying on the island with WildLuing and giving yourself more time to explore.

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Other Islands to Explore from Oban

If you have a few days spare, there are plenty of other islands to explore from Oban.

Coll and Tiree, the westernmost isles of the Inner Hebrides, are magical places, each offering something different. The ferry journey from Oban to Coll takes roughly 2 hours 40–45 minutes, depending on the sailing, with some services continuing to Tiree.

You can also reach the Outer Hebridean island of Barra by ferry from Oban. The crossing to Castlebay takes around 4 hours 45 minutes, making this an option for a longer trip rather than a quick day out. From here you can catch a ferry to Uist, Harris & Lewis.

Places to Stay in and around Oban

Planning a few island adventures? From seafront guest houses to rural cottages and lochside lodges, you’ll find plenty of places to stay in Oban and the surrounding area.

Stay in Oban

Barriemore Oban — room-only accommodation on Oban’s seafront, overlooking the bay and within walking distance of the town centre.
Arbour Guest House — guest-house accommodation on Dunollie Road, convenient for exploring the town on foot.
The Royal Hotel — a town-centre hotel close to Oban’s harbour, shops and ferry terminal.
Fàilte B&B — bed-and-breakfast accommodation on Rockfield Road, uphill from the town centre towards McCaig’s Tower.
The Turret — a self-catering apartment in a converted shoreside Victorian mansion on the outskirts of Oban, with views over the harbour and Sound of Kerrera.
The Lantern — self-catering accommodation overlooking the Sound of Kerrera, near Oban.

Stay South of Oban

Knipoch House Hotel — a country house hotel overlooking Loch Feochan, south of Oban.
Cologin Farm Lodges — self-catering lodges and chalets in a countryside setting south of Oban.
Clan Cottages — self-catering cottages beside Loch Nell at Kilmore, for a peaceful lochside stay outside Oban.
Melfort Village — self-catering holiday cottages by Loch Melfort, near Kilmelford, for a coastal stay further south of Oban.

Stay Around Connel and Loch Creran

Boathouse Chalet — a two-bedroom self-catering chalet beside Loch Etive, on the outskirts of Connel village.
Dundonald Landing — self-catering accommodation in North Connel, close to the shores of Loch Etive.
Appin Holiday Homes — self-catering holiday accommodation overlooking Loch Creran at Creagan, in the Appin area north of Oban.

Stay a Little Longer on the Islands

If a day trip leaves you wanting more, consider Seil Holiday Cottages on Seil or WildLuing on Luing. Staying on an island gives you more time to explore and enjoy its quieter corners.

Check the journey from your accommodation to the relevant ferry departure point before booking, particularly for early sailings or if you’re travelling without a car.

FAQs

Which islands can you visit on a day trip from Oban?
Kerrera, Lismore, Mull, Iona, Seil, Easdale and Luing are all options for island day trips from an Oban base. Some ferries depart from Oban itself, while other journeys involve travelling to a nearby departure point. Choose your destination and check return connections before setting off.

Can you visit islands near Oban without a car?
Yes. You can travel as a foot passenger to Lismore or Mull, take the ferry from Gallanach to Kerrera, or use a bus to reach Seil and the ferry to Easdale. Check how you’ll reach your departure point and get around once you arrive, as well as your return connections.

Can you visit Iona on a day trip from Oban?
Iona can be visited as a full-day trip when ferry and onward transport connections allow. Take the ferry from Oban to Craignure, travel across Mull to Fionnphort, then cross to Iona as a foot passenger. Plan the whole journey in advance, including your return transport across Mull.