FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Read facts about boat crossings, island rules, and the famous basalt columns.
How do you get to Fingal's Cave?
You must take a passenger ferry or tour boat. Boats depart from Fionnphort, Tobermory, Iona, and Oban. The crossing from Fionnphort takes 45 minutes.
Can you go inside Fingal's Cave?
Yes. You can walk inside the cave entrance via a narrow causeway. The cave is about 72 meters (230 feet) deep and 22 meters (72 feet) high.
Where is Fingal's Cave located?
It is located on the Isle of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island is half a mile long and uninhabited.
When is the best time of year to visit Fingal's Cave?
Tour boats run from April to October. The best time is between May and early August. This is when the puffin colony is visible.
Are there puffins on the Isle of Staffa?
Yes. Staffa is a major breeding ground for Atlantic puffins. A recent count confirmed at least 637 occupied burrows on the grassy slopes.
How was Fingal's Cave formed?
The cave formed roughly 60 million years ago. It was created by the same ancient lava flow that formed the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
What is the legend of Fingal's Cave and the Giant's Causeway?
Celtic giant legends connect the two sites. Both feature identical 60-million-year-old Paleocene lava flows with hexagonal columns.
Can you see whales on the way to Staffa?
Yes, whales and dolphins are sometimes visible during the boat crossing. Bring binoculars and watch the water carefully.
Who owns the Isle of Staffa?
The National Trust for Scotland owns and protects the island. It is managed as a National Nature Reserve.
How long is the boat ride to the Isle of Staffa?
The direct boat from Fionnphort or Iona takes 45 minutes each way. Combined tours from Oban take 10 hours for the round trip.