Nature & Wildlife

Get up close and personal with the natural habitat

Our marine environment is an ecosystem of international significance with a very diverse coastline and it is home to the first Mission Blue Hope Spot in Scotland and on the UK mainland.

Our celestial - or extra-terrestrial - environment is pretty special too with some of the darkest skies in Europe and the perfect west coast conditions for stunning sunsets.

 

OBAN MAP REVERSE

Eco-tourism in Oban, Lorn & the Isles

Getting out on the water has always been popular in Oban, Lorn & the Isles. Today, there are many eco-tourism providers that offer trips focussing on the amazing wildlife and marine environment and promote responsible tourism. 

And what a wealth of wildlife and outstanding natural history this area offers.

There are deserted islands, ancient castles and monasteries on the land and an amazing diversity of wildlife on land and above and below the seas.

How better to spend a day of your holiday than at sea with a licensed operator who will take you to the best spots to view wildlife while all around you is the magnificent scenery of the west coast of Scotland?

For many visitors, such a tour is the highlight of their stay around Oban.

The Firth of Lorn Special Area of Conservation just south of Oban is an area of outstanding natural beauty, of uninhabited islands with dramatic sea cliffs and one of the largest whirlpools in the world, the Gulf of Corryvreckan.

Rich feeding grounds make this area a hot spot for sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and an amazing number and variety of seabirds. Sea eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and buzzards are resident and are frequently seen. Along the rugged coastline are seals, otters, deer and wild goats.

Are you ready to experience more?

Nature Experiences

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Basking Shark Scotland

Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...

Oban
PA34 5PZ

Tel: 07975 723140

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Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd

Seafari Adventures are a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban. Our Wildlife Tou...

Seafari Adventures
The Village Shop
Easdale
Oban
PA34 4RQ

Tel: 01852 300003

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West Coast Tours

Burial sites of ancient kings, geological wonders, unchanged landscapes, idyllic beaches, glorious glens, abundant wildlife and magical islands!  Our day tou...

Head Office
17 George Street
Oban
PA34 5RS

Tel: 01586 552319

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Sealife Adventures

All our trips visit the Corryvreckan where turbulent tides create one of the world's largest whirlpools and our cruising area is exceptionally rich in wildli...

Clachan
Seil
By Oban
PA34 4TR

Tel: 01631 571010 (daytime) 01852 300203 (evening and weekends)

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Top reasons to visit

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Forests and nature reserves
SUSTRANS 01
Sustrans cycle network
Whale 01
Basking sharks & Hebridean whale trail
FARM 01
Farms and agritourism
HILLS 01
Hills and landscapes
WILDLIFE 01
Wildlife

Glorious gardens in Oban, Lorn & the Isles

The mild west coast climate and historic connections with some of Scotland's best known Victorian plant collectors and horticulturalists have provided ideal growing conditions for some spectacular gardens across Oban, Lorn & the Isles.

Most are open to the public all year round, some have seasonal opening and others are privately owned and only open for charity as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme.

Flower and plant lovers won’t want to miss the ancient gardens at Ardchattan Priory, to the spectacular rhododendrons and Asian flowers of Arduaine Gardens, where visitors can discover native and exotic species of plants and trees and spend hours wandering the miles of landscaped paths amongst fragrant flowers and beautiful foliage.

No two gardens are alike- some are more formal - while others have a bit of a wild feel. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot for contemplation or a place to let the kids explore, visitors will be sure to find the gardens of Oban & Lorn glorious indeed!

Be inspired by our blogs below

Explore Oban

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EAT & DRINK

Whether it’s seafood, whisky, chocolate or ice cream, our larder is overflowing with delectable edibles.

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STAY

From modern luxury in the heart of Oban to family-friendly self-catering, we have just the place.

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PLACES TO SHOP

Looking for clothing, whisky, shoes, soaps, jewellery, art, souvenirs or just a little something for yourself?

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