Useful Tour Information
Our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions covers everything you may need to know about our tours. If your query is not covered here, feel free to contact us.
For information on COVID-19 related safety measures, see Our New World.
Frequently asked question categories:
On Board
This depends on the tour or journey you are taking so please ask the driver on boarding. If there is no toilet on board, our drivers will do their best to accommodate passengers with regular rest-stops where appropriate.
Our drivers provide commentary on the coach portions of the Mull & Iona and Three Isles Tours (including Early Bird). On our service linking Craignure and Tobermory recorded commentary is provided in English.
In the instance of Staffa, our driver will transfer passengers to our partner, Staffa Tours, operator of the boat that will take you to Staffa. For Iona, our driver will transfer passengers to the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry which will take you over to Iona and be waiting for you on your return from Iona.
Wherever possible, we will assist the wheelchair bound passenger. However, we ask that all passengers who require special assistance or disabled access contact us at least 24 hours before departure to ensure we can accommodate their specific requirements as some tours may have parts that are unsuitable for wheelchair bound passengers.
There are no refreshments included within your ticket price which covers all transportation during your trip. We strongly recommend you bring food, snacks and refreshments with you as there are limited opportunities to purchase these on the islands.
On our tours that require a change of transport during the tour, we recommend that you bring hand luggage that you can take with you throughout as we cannot guarantee the safety of any luggage left on the vehicle.
Only registered ‘helper’ dogs are allowed and we would ask that you give us prior notice so we can make necessary arrangements.
For tours that include an element of ferry travel, we are guided by our partners Caledonian MacBrayne and Staffa Tours who will alert us when the weather causes safety concerns. In these instances, we would offer passengers an alternative tour that day (if possible), a full refund or reschedule their tour for another day.
Our tours are suitable for all ages with the exception of Staffa where, due to possible slippery rocks on the island and some steep steps, we would suggest it is not suitable for very young children or those who would find it difficult when conditions are wet and paths may be slippery underfoot.
Like all of Scotland, the weather can be changeable therefore we would recommend ‘layers’ and a waterproof jacket. For those travelling to Iona and Staffa, we recommend sturdy and comfortable footwear so you can maximise your experience by walking around during both of these island excursions. A backpack is also recommended for storage of snacks, waterproofs, cameras etc.
Upon disembarking from the ferry, proceed to the end of the pier where you will be met by a member of staff who will direct you to the coach allocated to your tour.
While Staffa is spectacular all year round, many visitors particularly enjoy seeing the nesting puffins. These birds arrive during March and April and depart in early August.
Booking & Ticket Questions
The sections of your ticket will depend on how many partners are involved in your tour. So, for example, when you are taking the Three Isles Tour, there are six portions which allow each partner to retain a portion on the outward leg of the tour and on the return.
When you book online you will be required to print out a voucher for redemption at our centrally located office in at 17 George Street, Oban. You exchange your printed voucher for your travel tickets. You can do this on the day of your tour or (we recommend) the day before. Our West Coast Tours office is just five minutes walk from the Oban Ferry Terminal.
You can book as far in advance as you would like as long as your tour is shown available for booking on our website. During the peak months our services can be very busy and while we work hard to accommodate all those who wish to travel, we recommend that you book at least 24 hours to help ensure availability on your chosen tour.
The Company will only cancel tours due to circumstances outwith our control or that might jeopardise your safety. We always offer you the choice of a rearranged tour or a refund if we cancel your tour.
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.
We offer concession fares for children aged under 16. Children under 5 travel free.
Some tours such as the Three Island Tour involve multiple stages, requiring separate tickets for a partner, eg the ferry crossing to Mull.
If you present your online voucher to our friendly staff in our Oban office they will exchange it for the required tickets.
Our office in Oban is close to the ferry terminal at 17 George Street and is open 0900-1700 Monday to Friday and 0900-1200 on Saturday and Sunday.
