Looking for recommendations and experiences of others on evaluating these options for day 5 (May 16, 2026) when we are in Oban on our RS Best of Scotland Tour. The itinerary says short excursion to Kilmartin Glen then free time. We are likely going to book the recommended tour that day with Staffa tours to visit Tobermory, Trennish and Staffa to see puffins and other wildlife. It leaves early (7:15) and is 12 hours long. So I guess we would miss the Kilmartin Glen excursion (prehistoric sites and stones). Just wondering if many choose this and if it was amazing or if we will regret choosing to miss the included excursion. Also, if you have any comments about the physicality of the activity. (we are older; but can do most walks/hikes with some extra time). Also, if you are in our tour group (day 1 is May 12) are you taking this optional tour?
Posted by
Massachusetts
1582 posts
The excursion to Kilmartin Glen was not on the tour itinerary when I took this tour in summer of 2024. We had the entire day free. I (and many others on the tour) had reserved spots on the Staffa tours to see the puffins. Unfortunately, the afternoon before, Staffa cancelled due to high winds and rain. So we did not get to see the puffins. The weather was really yucky that day so any outdoor activities in Oban were not great options.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9859 posts
Landings on Staffa require cooperative weather. They have rebuilt the landing stage since I was there last, but at that time there were two choices after disembarking. You could follow one path to the cave or climb up a series of steps up to the top of the island. Once on top there was an additional walk to the nesting area. It was magical to sit and watch the puffins swoop into their nests and to be close by.
A few of my fellow passengers did not have a delightful time. The stairs were too much and the boat leaves to free up the landing area. They stood at the bottom of the stairs just waiting for the boat to return.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16357 posts
"The weather was really yucky that day so any outdoor activities in Oban were not great options."
My guess is this is why they've built in an activity on this day as weather can be iffy any time.
I love Neolithic sites but I also love Puffins. What's the cancellation policy on the day tour? I might consider booking this and then seeing what the weather forecast is for this day the day before.
Do you have a preference over birds vs Neolithic sites?
I've done the Best of Scotland tour but it was pre-covid and they've changed it significantly. I have not done the Staffa tour and we did not go see Kilmartin Glen. We did go over to Iona on a stormy day and the seas were kind of rough.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10910 posts
The West Coast Tours cancellation policy is-
Where the Customer cancels the tour reservation prior to 24 hours before departure a full refund less a cancellation charge of £1.50 will be provided. If the cancellation is less than 24 hours before departure a refund is entirely at the Company’s discretion.
But if the weather forecast is too windy then either Staffa Tours or CalMac (or both) will cancel their boats anyway. If CalMac are running, but Staffa Tours aren't you may get a land tour of Mull instead.
Posted by
Glasgow
146 posts
The full day tour to the Treshnish Isles after you land on Staffa, is THE one to do for puffins.There are thousands of them and they waddle about virtually at your feet. It’s an amazing, uplifting experience if you love puffins. There are thousands island of Lunga is also quite beautiful in May, covered in bluebells - a lilac haze on the low hillsides.
There’s a stony walk across a beach then up onto a low rise of grassland where the puffins are - maybe 10 or 15 mins walk.
You really do need half decent weather for it as it’s a very long day albeit wildly scenic too.
If of interest, my own experience a bout 4 years back of the trip…it was billed as Puffin Therapy and while thought this was just a bit of fun, it’s actually very true.I’m sure there will be online YouTube stuff on the trip too for a good idea of it.
https://annestravelsandhikes.com/2021/02/13/staffa-and-the-treshnish-isles-aka-puffin-therapy-2/
Posted by
Massachusetts
1582 posts
What's the cancellation policy on the day tour?
When West Coast tours cancelled via email, the email stated “we will issue full refund to your card.” However, over two weeks after the date of the cancellation, I still hadn’t received a refund, not did others on the tour. I sent a friendly email, they apologized and immediately initiated the refund.