Coll Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Coll is primarily accessible via CalMac ferry services from Oban on the Scottish mainland, with crossings taking approximately 2.5-3 hours. Travelers can reach Oban by train from Glasgow (about 3 hours) or by car via the A85. During summer months, there are also ferry connections from the neighboring island of Tiree. The ferry terminal on Coll is conveniently located near the main settlement of Arinagour. If driving to Oban, long-stay parking is available near the ferry terminal, though spaces can fill quickly during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.

Nestled in the Inner Hebrides, the island of Coll offers a serene escape from the hustle of mainland life. With its pristine white sand beaches, rolling machair landscapes, and crystal-clear waters, Coll presents an untouched Scottish paradise. The island serves as a peaceful ferry destination where visitors can experience authentic island living at its finest. Here, stargazers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility will find themselves immersed in one of Scotland's most unspoiled natural environments.

The summer months from May to August offer the most reliable weather for exploring Coll, with longer daylight hours and temperatures typically ranging from 12-18°C. This period also coincides with more frequent ferry services, making island-hopping more convenient. Spring (April-May) brings abundant wildflowers and the arrival of nesting birds, ideal for nature photographers. September offers a sweet spot of fewer visitors while still enjoying relatively mild weather. Winter visits (November-February) provide a truly authentic experience of island life, though ferry services may be reduced or occasionally disrupted by Atlantic weather systems.

From Coll, the ferry network opens up the wonders of the Inner Hebrides. Neighboring Tiree, just a 40-minute ferry journey away, offers world-class windsurfing and a distinctive flat landscape known as 'the land below the waves.' The sacred island of Iona, with its historic abbey, can be reached by connecting through Mull (approximately 3 hours total journey time). Adventurous travelers can craft multi-island itineraries including Barra, with its unique beach airport, by utilizing Coll's position in the ferry network. The journey between islands offers spectacular views of Scotland's dramatic western coastline and the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and sea eagles.

Coll's 23 pristine beaches, including the stunning Feall Bay, invite visitors to wander along empty stretches of white sand and crystal waters. Wildlife enthusiasts should bring binoculars to spot corncrakes, a rare bird that thrives on Coll, or join a guided tour to observe basking sharks and minke whales offshore during summer months. The island's dark sky status makes it perfect for stargazing – on clear nights, the Milky Way stretches overhead without light pollution. For local flavors, sample fresh seafood at the Coll Hotel in Arinagour, where locally caught lobster and crab feature prominently. The circular walk around Loch Breachacha offers beautiful views and a chance to see the 15th-century castle that stands as a reminder of the island's rich history.

Coll boasts some of the darkest skies in Europe and was designated as a Dark Sky Community in 2013, making it one of the best places in Britain to view the night sky. The island's population hovers around just 200 residents, yet historically supported many more – before the Highland Clearances, over 1,000 people called Coll home. Literary enthusiasts might recognize Coll as the inspiration for 'Katie Morag's' fictional island of Struay in the beloved children's books. Despite its small size, Coll was once known for its distinctive dialect of Gaelic that preserved ancient linguistic features lost elsewhere in Scotland.