Fingal’s Cave and Lunga Island Exploration by RIB
Fingal’s Cave and Lunga Island Exploration by RIB
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting islands of Staffa and Lunga, where nature’s drama unfolds in spectacular and often surprising ways. Your private charter adventure begins as you board a covered RIB vessel at the Tobermory pontoons, designed for both speed and shelter as it slices across the sparkling waters toward the remote and storied Treshnish Isles. Your guide and skipper—an experienced marine biologist and professional photographer—bring deep insight into the region’s natural wonders as you cruise across open waters toward the island of Staffa.
As you approach Staffa, prepare to be captivated by the majestic Fingal’s Cave, a cathedral of basalt columns shaped by ancient volcanic forces and steeped in myth and music. Viewing the cave from the water provides a striking perspective of its towering hexagonal formations rising from the sea. When waves crash inside, the echoes and resonant tones sound like musical notes, inspiring composers and poets for centuries. Known in Gaelic as An Uamh Binn, or the Cave of Music, it was immortalised by Felix Mendelssohn in his Hebrides Overture. After time to admire and photograph this remarkable natural formation, continue by boat toward the island of Lunga.
Landing by tender on Lunga, step ashore with your guide to explore this wild sanctuary alive with seabirds. Between May and August, puffins brighten the island’s slopes, while fulmars glide on coastal winds and razorbills and guillemots gather along the cliffs. Shags perch on rocky ledges, and the occasional great skua may sweep overhead. After time exploring the island and observing its birdlife, return by tender to the waiting RIB before beginning the scenic cruise back toward Tobermory.
Back aboard for the return voyage, the sea itself may reveal its secrets. Sometimes seals bask on sunlit rocks, and the surrounding waters may reveal fleeting silhouettes of porpoises, dolphins, minke whales, the gentle drift of a basking shark, or on rare occasions the unmistakable presence of orcas.
Notes: Terrain on Lunga is challenging, with steep, rough, and narrow paths leading toward cliff tops and areas with slopes and exposed cliff edges. There are no formal footpaths in some areas, and ground conditions may be boggy, wet, and uneven. Landing on Lunga requires stepping from the pontoon onto wet boulders. This excursion is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or for wheelchair users. Warm waterproof clothing and comfortable, supportive walking boots are recommended. Cameras and binoculars are also recommended. All birds and their habitat are protected by law, and walking on or close to puffin burrows is not permitted as this may cause burrow collapse. Puffin season runs from May to the beginning of August. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Sailing to Staffa takes approximately 1 hour each way. Weather and sea conditions around Staffa and Lunga can change quickly and may affect the itinerary. If approaching the islands is considered unsafe or uncomfortable, alternative and more sheltered wildlife viewing locations may be used. The tour may be cancelled if the weather forecast indicates unsuitable conditions. Guests should be prepared for variable weather conditions in the Treshnish Isles, and visibility of coastal features and distant islands may vary depending on cloud cover and sea mist common in the Hebrides. As this excursion operates with a small group and limited seating capacity, early booking is recommended.
This Yachting Land Adventure must be confirmed no later than 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival in port; bookings may still be accepted after this deadline, up to the time of arrival, if space is available. Please note that cancellations made within 72 hours of arrival in port are non‑refundable. A minimum number of participants is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures, and some may have limited capacity. Please book on the Seadream.com website, or onboard, early to avoid disappointment. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departure times will be published on board.
Port: Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Duration: 5 hours
Current Price: 559 USD
Voyages where this land adventure may be found: