In short
- Wear sturdy, non-slip hiking boots for the slippery causeway.
- Pack windproof layers and waterproofs for the boat ride.
- Bring all food and water; the island has zero facilities.
In this article
Visiting Fingal's Cave involves a boat ride across open water and walking on uneven basalt columns. The Isle of Staffa is completely uninhabited. You need to dress for changing weather and bring everything you need for the day.
What shoes should I wear to Fingal's Cave?
You need sturdy, non-slip hiking boots.
The walk to the cave involves crossing a narrow causeway made of hexagonal basalt columns. These black rocks are extremely slippery when wet. You will also need to clean your boots thoroughly using the provided boot washes. This prevents the spread of avian flu among the seabird colonies.
What clothing do you need for the boat trip to Staffa?
Wear warm layered clothing and pack a waterproof jacket and trousers.
The boat ride takes 45 minutes each way from Fionnphort or Iona. Wind chill on the water is significant, even in summer. Sea spray and sudden rain showers are very common, so waterproof outer layers keep you dry on deck.
Should I pack for sunny or rough weather?
You must pack for both rapid weather changes and rough seas.
Bring high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses. The weather changes rapidly on the water, and glare from the sea is strong. If you are prone to seasickness, take motion sickness tablets or wear bands. Boat landings depend on ocean swell, and the ride can be choppy.
Are there places to eat on the Isle of Staffa?
No, there are zero facilities on the island.
You must bring a packed lunch or snacks and a reusable water bottle. If you walk up the steep staircase to the island summit, you will find a grassy top. It is the perfect spot for a picnic with panoramic views of the Treshnish Isles.
What equipment is best for wildlife watching on Staffa?
Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens.
Binoculars help you spot whales, dolphins, and distant seabirds from the boat. A zoom lens is useful for photographing Atlantic puffins. Hundreds of puffins nest on the steep grassy slopes between May and early August. You must stay behind the rope boundaries at all times.
What is the complete Fingal's Cave packing list?
Here is everything you need to bring to the Isle of Staffa.
- Non-slip hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layered clothing
- High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
- Motion sickness tablets
- Binoculars and zoom-lens camera
- Packed lunch and water
Questions travellers ask
How long is the boat ride to the Isle of Staffa?
The passenger ferry from Fionnphort or the Isle of Iona takes 45 minutes each way. The ride can be choppy depending on the ocean swell and weather conditions.
When is the best time to see puffins?
The best time to watch Atlantic puffins is from early May to early August. A recent count found at least 637 occupied burrows on the island.
Can you visit Fingal's Cave on a day trip from Oban?
Yes. You can take a 10-hour full-day tour from Oban. This combined trip uses a ferry, a bus, and a smaller boat to reach Staffa.
