The Experience
Day by Day
DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO TOBERMORY
Our puffin tour leaves from Edinburgh as we travel west towards beautiful Loch Lomond. Explore the picturesque village of Luss and take in the mighty Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint before free time in Inveraray for lunch. Discover the ancient Dunadd Fort before we journey to the bustling port town of Oban, where we catch our ferry to Mull. Our home for the next two nights is the colourful fishing village of Tobermory.
{Overnight: Tobermory)
Edinburgh → Tobermory
DAY 2: TOBERMORY
Today’s the day! After breakfast, brace yourself for an immersive wildlife cruise to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa*. Keep a look out for bustling bird and sealife with live commentary from a wildlife guide. Depending on the season, you may spot seabirds, seals, eagles, dolphins, or whales. Our marine adventure takes us to Fingal’s Cave, risen to fame not just for its stunning rock formations but also for its powerful organ-like acoustics as the waves crash against its walls. We land on Staffa island, where we finally get to meet the puffins! As we observe these adorable birds in their natural habitat, we lose ourselves in the island’s gorgeous uninhabited landscapes. Enjoy the epic island views on our return to Tobermory.
*The islands are rugged, so this optional add-on might not be suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
Tobermory → Tobermory
DAY 3: TOBERMORY TO OBAN
Today we journey alongside the mountains of Mull to visit the peaceful Isle of Iona, which is known as the sacred heart of Scotland. Grab a tasty bite for lunch, visit Iona Abbey, wander the tropical-style beaches, and just let the island’s special atmosphere wash over you. Afterwards, we hop on the ferry back to Oban where you can sample fresh seafood and share a wee dram with the locals on our final night.
Tobermory → Oban
DAY 4: OBAN TO EDINBURGH
We depart Oban and travel through the jaw-dropping landscapes of famous Glen Coe and onto the wilderness of Rannoch Moor. No Scottish adventure is complete without a distillery visit and the chance to taste and learn about our favourite national drink – whisky! After four awesome days, our puffin tour arrives back into Edinburgh in the early evening.
Oban → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
Day 4
Day 4
What's Included
Optional Experiences
These experiences can be added at checkout and are operated by independent local providers.
Cruise out to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa in search of whales, dolphins and basking sharks. If you're lucky you'll meet famous, friendly puffins and spot seals and seabirds among stunning island scenery. Explore the dramatic Fingal’s Cave (pictured), a natural wonder of towering basalt columns. Please be aware that visiting the Tresnish Islands requires walking on rough, uneven ground, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Puffins encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Iona Abbey has been at the heart of the Isle of Iona since AD 563. Explore this historic site, once home to early Christian monks and still an important place of pilgrimage today. Subject to availability.
In the Moment
Accommodation
You’re in for a proper Highland welcome. Your first two nights are in a comfy hotel, and on the final night, you’ll round things off with a classic B&B stay. Breakfast is included each morning, so you can load up on local goodies and maybe even tackle the mighty Full Scottish. The exact places may change from time to time, but we always choose stays that deliver great hospitality and a solid night’s sleep before another epic day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your 4-Day Puffin Island Hopper tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.
Yes, 3-star hotel accommodation and breakfast is included in the tour price. Hotel room types available are double room and twin room. Please note, that we can accommodate a limited amount of solo travellers for this particular tour.
Our hotels are handpicked by our crew to ensure that all our travellers enjoy a warm Scottish welcome. The specific hotel may vary, so we can't provide the exact details in advance. Rest assured, wherever you stay will be a cosy introduction to Scotland!
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
3 hearty Scottish breakfasts are included in your tour price. Lunch and dinner is not covered by us, but don’t worry, your Guide will stop at amazing places to indulge in local treats and will recommend great dinner options for the evenings.
Puffins typically nest during the summer months, however, encounters aren’t guaranteed. Nae worries, on your excursion to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles you can except to spot a variety of wildlife around.
Some of our tours run in conjunction with our mates at Highland Explorer Tours, creating a diverse mix of couples, friends, and solo adventurers. If you’re looking for a HAGGiS-only trip, with groups exclusively staying in hostel accommodation, check out the 3-Day Easter in Scotland tour.
