Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking and experiencing a Seafari adventure


Booking & Payment
Tours & Experiences
Weather & Cancellations
What to Bring
Accessibility & Requirements
Wildlife
Getting There
Gift Vouchers
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our friendly team is here to help.
How do I book a tour?
Do I need to pay in full when booking?
How far in advance should I book?
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
What's your cancellation policy?
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel. Our cancellation policy is outlined in your booking confirmation. We offer full refunds for cancellations made 48+ hours in advance. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Can I change my booking date?
Yes, you can change your date free of charge if you notify us more than 48 hours before your original booking. Changes within 48 hours incur an admin fee. All changes are subject to availability.
Will I receive a booking confirmation?
Do you offer group discounts?
Is there a minimum age?
Can I book a private tour?
Which tour should I choose?
It depends on your interests and time:
- 1hr 45min Whirlpool Special: For the more adventurous. Visit the world’s third-largest whirlpool in full flow
- 2hr Corryvreckan Wildlife Tour: Perfect for families and first-timers
- 3hr Corryvreckan Wildlife & Whales Tour: Best for dedicated wildlife watchers
- Full Day Tour to Iona, Staffa & Puffins: Epic all-day adventure, island landings, puffin colonies
- Private Charter: Fully customisable, exclusive experience
How long are the tours?
Our scheduled tours range from 2 hours to a full day (approximately 7 hours). Private charters can be 2-12 hours, tailored to your preferences.
What's included in the tour price?
All tours include:
- Expert skipper and WiSE-accredited guide
- All safety equipment and briefings Waterproof jackets and trousers (all sizes)
- Life jackets (infant to adult sizes)
Not included: Food, beverages, gratuities.
Where do tours depart from?
What time do I need to arrive?
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows time for check-in, safety briefing, and getting kitted out in waterproof gear. Tours depart promptly at the stated time.
How many people are on each tour?
All boats accommodate up to 12 passengers (plus crew). Private charters are exclusively for your group.
Are tours suitable for children?
Yes! Many families love our tours. Minimum age is typically 4 years. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Is it scary or dangerous?
Not at all! All boats can be fast and exciting, but safety is our absolute priority. You’re in the hands of experienced, qualified skippers with nearly 30 years of local knowledge. We provide comprehensive safety briefings and all necessary equipment. Seafari offer wildlife tours, not thrill rides and your boat is monitored throughout your tour in our office via our dedicated tracking system. That said, tours can be bumpy, and you may get some spray – it’s part of the adventure!
Will I get wet?
Boats may get some spray, especially on more adventurous tours or in choppier conditions. That’s why we provide waterproof jackets and trousers! You’ll stay dry underneath. Some people love the refreshing spray – it’s part of the experience!
Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely! Many guests take amazing photos. We recommend:
- Waterproof case or bag (spray can occur)
- Strap for cameras/phones (in case of drops)
- Keep items secure when not in use
We accept no responsibility for water-damaged equipment, so protect your devices.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is our top priority. If conditions are unsuitable (high winds, poor visibility, rough seas), skippers will cancel the tour. You’ll receive either:
- Full refund, or
- Option to reschedule to another date, or
- Credit voucher valid for 12 months
How do I know if my tour is cancelled?
We’ll contact you directly by phone and email if we need to cancel. Please ensure you’ve provided correct contact details and check your emails (including spam folder) the evening before and morning of your tour. You can also call us for an update.
What if it's raining?
Can I cancel if I'm worried about weather?
What time of year is best for tours?
Is it cold on the boat?
It can be! Even on warm days, it’s cooler on the water due to wind chill and spray. We provide waterproof layers. Wear warm clothing underneath (see “What to Bring” for a full list).
What if only some of my group can come due to cancellation?
If we cancel the tour, everyone must reschedule or receive refunds – we can’t run tours for partial groups when conditions are unsafe. If you choose to cancel and some members of your party still want to attend, contact us to discuss options.
What to Bring
What should I wear?
Dress in layers suitable for Scottish weather:
- Base layer: Thermal or warm clothing (trousers and long sleeves recommended)
- Mid layer: Fleece or jumper
- Outer layer: Windproof jacket
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good grip (trainers, walking boots, deck shoes)
- Accessories: Warm hat, gloves (even in summer!), sunglasses, sunscreen
For RIB tours, we provide waterproof jackets and trousers.
Can I wear shorts and flip-flops?
What shoes should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential:
- Trainers (most popular choice)
- Walking boots
- Deck shoes
Avoid high heels, flip-flops, open-toed sandals, brand new trainers (they may get wet!).
Should I bring food and drinks?
2-3hr tours: Not necessary, but you’re welcome to bring snacks and water in a waterproof bag.
Full day tours: Definitely bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. We stop on an island where you can eat lunch. No alcohol permitted on board.
Can I bring a backpack?
Yes, but please keep it small and waterproof. There’s limited storage on RIB boats. Essentials only! We recommend:
- Small dry bag or waterproof backpack
- Phone/camera in waterproof case
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
Snacks and water (especially for longer tours)
Do I need to bring a life jacket?
Should I bring seasickness tablets?
A difficult question. On open RIBs, even those prone to motion sickness are generally unaffected. On catamarans especially when stopped, looking for whales, people prone to motion sickness can be affected. Take tablets before departure (follow package instructions for timing). Fresh air and looking at the horizon help too.
Can I bring binoculars?
Accessibility & Special Requirements
Are tours accessible for wheelchair users?
We’re committed to making our tours as accessible as possible. Our catamarans have a side loading door at deck level (850mm) for easy wheelchair access. On our RIBs, wheelchair access may be possible. One RIB can have a seat removed for wheelchair use but we do require plenty of notification. Please contact us before booking to discuss your specific needs, and we’ll advise honestly about suitability.
I have limited mobility - can I still come?
Possibly! It depends on the extent of your mobility limitations. You need to be able to:
- Step onto the boat with assistance
- Independently sit on a dedicate seat with a backrest
- Hold on when the boat is moving
- Tolerate bouncing/movement
Contact us before booking, and we’ll discuss your situation and recommend the best tour option.
I'm pregnant - can I go on a tour?
We do not recommend RIB tours during pregnancy. This is for the safety of you and your baby. We’re unable to accept liability for any complications. However, you’re welcome to book for after your baby arrives!
I have a bad back/neck - is this suitable?
RIB tour boats can make sudden movements, which may aggravate back or neck problems. If you have back/neck issues or recent injuries, we advise against participating. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Do you cater for food allergies?
We do not provide food on tours. You may bring your own snacks/lunch. This means you have complete control over dietary requirements and allergen avoidance.
I'm deaf/hard of hearing - will I understand the guide?
Do you have facilities for people with disabilities?
Toilet facilities at Ellenabeich are standard public toilets. Our boats don’t have disabled toilets due to size, so please use facilities before departure. Full-day tours also stop at locations with public toilet facilities.
Can you accommodate autism or sensory needs?
Yes, we’re happy to work with families to make the experience comfortable. Some considerations:
- Ear defenders are fine (but you’ll need to hear safety briefings)
- We can provide a visual schedule of the tour in advance
- You can bring comfort items/fidget toys
- Tours can be quite loud (engine noise) and stimulating
Contact us before booking to discuss specific needs.
Will I definitely see wildlife?
While we have excellent success rates, we cannot guarantee specific wildlife sightings. Wildlife is wild and unpredictable – sightings depend on weather, sea conditions, time of year, and simply being in the right place at the right time. However, we would be disappointed not to see seals, eagles, many species of seabirds, deer, porpoise, dolphins, whales, otters and more. Our experienced guides know the best spots!
What wildlife might I see?
Sightings vary between tours and season. Common sightings include:
- Very likely: Seals (common and grey), seabirds (guillemots, razorbills, gannets, shags)
- Regularly: Dolphins, porpoises, otters, eagles (sea and golden)
- Seasonally: Puffins (Apr-mid August), minke whales (May-September), basking sharks (May-August)
When's the best time to see whales?
Minke whales are most common mid-May to early September. Orcas are rare, but there are two male Orcas than roam between Ireland and the north of Scotland. Remember, these are wild animals – we can never guarantee sightings.
Can I see puffins?
Yes, on our full-day Iona, Staffa & Puffin Colony tour! Puffins are present on Staffa from early-May through end-July (they leave to spend winter at sea). Peak puffin season is May-July. We get close enough for excellent photos without disturbing them.
How close do you get to wildlife?
We follow WiSE (Wildlife Safe) guidelines and maintain appropriate distances:
- Seals: Close enough for photos, but we don’t disturb them
- Dolphins/porpoises: They often approach us!
- Whales: 100m+ distance, we let them approach if curious
- Seabirds: Close but respectful
We never chase or harass wildlife – it’s about ethical wildlife watching.
What if we don't see much wildlife?
While rare, sometimes wildlife is elusive. We can’t offer refunds for lack of sightings as this is beyond our control. However, the scenery, Corryvreckan whirlpool, coastal geology, and overall experience are spectacular even without abundant wildlife. Our guides share fascinating information about the area regardless of sightings.
Can we feed the wildlife?
- Changes their natural behaviour
- Can make them dependent on humans
- May be harmful to their health
- Is against WiSE guidelines
We take responsible wildlife watching very seriously.
How do you find the wildlife?
Our skippers have nearly 30 years of local knowledge! They know:
- Where seals haul out
- Feeding areas for seabirds
- Whale and dolphin hotspots
- Seasonal patterns and behaviours
- How to read sea conditions for wildlife activity
Plus a bit of luck and keeping a keen eye on the water!
Getting There & Parking
Where exactly do I go?
Tours depart from Easdale Harbour, Ellenabeich. Full directions:
- Drive to Ellenabeich village (Cross the Bridge over the Atlantic onto the Isle of Seil, 16 miles south of Oban)
- Park in the public car park at Ellenabeich (free parking)
- Walk to the harbour (2 minutes, well signposted)
Is there parking?
Yes, free public parking is available at Ellenabeich. Please park in what is known locally as the “Back Car Park“, postcode PA34 4RE. What3Words: ///rivers.rated.unite
How far is it from Oban?
Approximately 16 miles (40 minutes drive) south of Oban via the A816 and B844. You’ll cross the famous Atlantic Bridge to reach the Isle of Seil, then drive to Ellenabeich at the southern tip. Postcode PA34 4RE. What3Words: ///rivers.rated.unite
What if I'm coming from far away?
Many visitors travel from across Scotland and beyond:
- From Glasgow: 2.5 hours
- From Edinburgh: 3 hours
- From Inverness: 2.5 hours
- From Fort William: 1.5 hours
Oban is well-connected by road and rail. See our Plan Your Visit page for detailed travel information and accommodation options.
Is there accommodation nearby?
Yes! Options include:
- Easdale Island (self-catering cottages on the island)
- Ellenabeich village (B&Bs, guest houses)
- Oban (full range of hotels, B&Bs, hostels – 16 miles away)
- Isle of Seil (various self-catering options)
Are there facilities at the departure point?
Ellenabeich (on the mainland side) has:
- A pub-restaurant
- The village / Seafari shop!
- Public toilets
Easdale Island has:
- Pub & café (seasonal opening)
- Easdale Island Folk Museum (worth a visit!)
- Siabann Eisdeal (handmade soap)
Gift Vouchers
How do gift vouchers work?
Our gift vouchers are valid for any Seafari tour. The recipient contacts us to book their chosen tour (subject to availability). Vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase date.
How will the voucher be delivered?
You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately. Physical vouchers can also be posted to the address you provide (or directly to the recipient if you prefer). Allow 3-5 working days for postal delivery within the UK.
Can I buy a voucher for a specific tour?
Yes! We offer tour-specific vouchers:
- 1hr 45min Corryvreckan Whirlpool Special
- 2hr Corryvreckan Wildlife Tour
- 3hr Corryvreckan Wildlife & Whales Tour
- Full Day Iona, Staffa & Puffins
Or you can contact us and purchase open vouchers that can be used for any tour.
How long are vouchers valid?
12 months from the date of purchase. The expiry date is clearly printed on the voucher. We may also be able to extend the voucher, please contact us to discuss.
Can I use multiple vouchers for one booking?
What if the recipient loses the voucher?
Contact us with the order details (purchaser name, email used) and we can verify the voucher in our system. We recommend recipients photograph or scan their vouchers as backup.
Can vouchers be refunded?
Can I purchase vouchers by phone?
Yes! Call us on 01852 300003, and we can process your voucher purchase over the phone. We’ll send email confirmation and can post the physical voucher on request.
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