Gateway to the Isles
The largest town in Argyle, Oban is situated right on the coast and is a popular destination among tourists, attracting thousands during peak season. There are many reasons for this popularity. The town looks out over the picturesque Oban Bay and provides fantastic views out towards the Isle of Mull and Kerrara. The surrounding area also boasts some stunning scenery, with dramatic regions of coastline that rise up towards inland mountains. The ferry links to the nearby islands give rise to Oban’s romanticised name – the Gateway to the Isles.
The town is notable for its variety of cultural events and historic attractions, including several castles and an annual Highland Games. Oban’s wildlife is also one of the main highlights, with a particular focus on the marine fauna in the region. Many boat trips are available, offering chances to get out on the water and experience some of Scotland’s most amazing wildlife. These trips also allow visitors the opportunity to see one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world – the Corryvreckan. This is formed by the combination of strong currents and unusual topography in the area and can be a dramatic sight, with fast-slowing water and large waves.
Visitors From the Deep
The narrow channels between the islands off the west coast of Scotland are some of the best places to see whales and dolphins, as the animals are funnelled through as they journey along the coast. Although there is a great prevalence of marine mammals, one of the most impressive sights to be seen from Oban is a species of fish. The Basking Shark is one of the largest sharks in the world, reaching lengths of up to 11 metres. It is second only to the Whale Shark and is bigger than the Great White. Despite its size, the Basking Shark is completely harmless to humans and feeds only on plankton and small invertebrates. Being slow movers, they feed by swimming towards their prey and opening their cavernous mouths wide, a behaviour that can be impressive to see.
The summer months are the best time of year to see these ocean giants around Oban, as they migrate northwards from warmer waters. A variety of boat trips and tours offer chances to get up close and personal with the Basking Sharks, with some even allowing you to get in the water with them. Due to their size, its also possible to see the sharks from the shore and there is always the chance you will spot a large dorsal fin on one of Oban’s many coastal walks. Top tip for spotting Basking Sharks from Oban: visit between June and September, when the sharks are at their most common.
Fish on the Menu
The nutrient-rich waters surrounding Oban host a great diversity of plankton and small fish, and this is a powerful magnet for larger animals. Many of Scotland’s common marine animals can be seen here, with seals fishing close to the shoreline and porpoises venturing into Oban Bay. Further out, the Common Dolphin is regularly sighted, as well as Bottlenose Dolphins. Rare dolphin species can be seen too, with Risso’s and White-Beaked Dolphins moving along the coast during the summer months.
This time of year is also the best season in which to spot whales. Some of the largest cetacean species in the world visit Oban’s waters, with both Minke Whales and Humpback Whales gracing the seas. Humpbacks in particular can be an excellent species to see, due to their tendency to engage in spectacular behaviours such as tail slapping and breaching – where they launch themselves completely out of the water. Western Scotland is also home to a resident pod of Killer Whales, which can occasionally be seen off the coast. Despite their name, Killer Whales are not actually a species of whale at all, instead belonging to the dolphin family. With its range of attractions and opportunities to see marine life, Oban is therefore one of the best destinations in Scotland and truly offers something for everyone.