staffa
boat trip / island tour | staffatrips.co.uk
A visit to Staffa is one of the most memorable trips you can take from Mull. Just a short boat ride from the island’s west coast, Staffa’s cliffs rise steeply from the sea, their striking hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. The island’s most famous feature is Fingal’s Cave, a vast sea cave that seems almost sculpted by hand. Standing at its entrance, you’ll hear the echo of waves reverberating deep inside — a sound that inspired Mendelssohn’s famous Hebrides Overture.
From April to August, puffins nest on the grassy slopes above the cliffs. These characterful seabirds are remarkably unfazed by visitors, giving you the chance to watch them up close as they come and go from their burrows. A half-day trip to Staffa is perfect if you want to see the cave, spot puffins in season, and still have time for other adventures back on Mull.
Getting there: Boats to Staffa run from several departure points on Mull, including Fionnphort and Ulva Ferry. Journey times vary depending on conditions, but are usually around 45 minutes each way. Trips are weather dependent, so it’s worth checking ahead and booking in advance during peak season.
Booking: There are a number of tour companies that run tours to Staffa. We went with Staffa Trips and would highly recommend.
