Turus Mara

Turus Mara has run wildlife boat trips off the west coast of Mull since 1973, and remains a family business more than half a century on. Sailings leave from the pontoon at Ulva Ferry, with connections available from Oban, and head out to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. Passengers can land on Staffa to walk to Fingal's Cave, then continue to Lunga in the Treshnish group, where puffins, guillemots and razorbills nest close to the paths through the summer breeding season. Crews point out grey seals and seabirds and, on calmer days, minke whales, dolphins and basking sharks in the waters between the islands. Trips run from spring to early autumn and are weather-dependent, given the exposed Atlantic crossing. It is independently run rather than part of a larger tour group, and the long track record shows in the guiding.