Colonsay Ferries

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

Colonsay is accessible via regular ferry services operated by CalMac from Oban on the Scottish mainland, with crossings taking approximately 2.5 hours. During summer months, additional connections operate from Islay and the Isle of Jura as part of an island-hopping route. From Glasgow, travelers can reach Oban by train (3 hours) or car (2.5 hours) before connecting to the ferry. The ferry terminal in Oban is centrally located with nearby parking facilities, though booking ahead is recommended during peak season. Upon arrival at Colonsay's Scalasaig pier, the compact nature of the island means all accommodations are within easy reach.

Nestled among the Inner Hebrides, Colonsay offers an unspoiled island escape just a ferry ride from the Scottish mainland. This tranquil island spans only 10 miles long and 2 miles wide, yet packs in stunning white sand beaches, rich wildlife, and a warm community of around 130 residents. As your ferry approaches Colonsay's shores, you'll immediately sense the peaceful rhythm of island life that has captivated visitors for generations.

May through September offers the most pleasant weather on Colonsay, with longer days and temperatures typically ranging from 12-18°C (54-64°F). Spring brings wildflowers and nesting seabirds, while summer allows for swimming at beautiful beaches like Kiloran Bay. The Colonsay Festival of Spring (May) and Ceòl Cholasa music festival (September) provide cultural highlights worth planning around. Ferry services run more frequently during summer months, making island-hopping more convenient. For those seeking tranquility and lower rates, April and October offer fewer crowds while still providing reasonable weather for exploring the island's natural beauty.

Colonsay serves as an excellent starting point for exploring neighboring Hebridean islands. Islay, just a 1-hour ferry journey away, beckons with its world-famous whisky distilleries and rich birdlife. The mystical isle of Jura, visible from Colonsay's eastern shores, offers wilderness adventures and is home to the famous Paps of Jura mountains, reachable in about 1.5 hours by ferry. Mull, with its colorful harbor town of Tobermory and eagle-spotting opportunities, can be accessed via Oban. The summer island-hopping ferry route creates a perfect opportunity to experience the distinct character of each island without needing to return to the mainland.

Colonsay rewards visitors with pristine natural beauty and authentic island experiences. The stunning Kiloran Bay, with its sweeping golden sands, offers perfect walking and swimming conditions when weather permits. History enthusiasts will appreciate Colonsay House Gardens, home to one of Scotland's finest rhododendron collections, and the ancient Oronsay Priory, accessible at low tide across the strand. The island's microbrewery and bookshop in Scalasaig provide local flavors and culture, while the Pantry café serves excellent seafood and home-baked treats. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with seals, otters, and over 200 bird species calling the island home throughout the year.

Despite its small size, Colonsay holds several distinctive records and quirky facts. The island is home to the smallest traditional Scottish island brewery, producing distinctive ales using pure Hebridean water. Colonsay boasts the world's finest honey, produced by the native Colonsay Black Bee, the last remaining pure population of native black bees in Britain. The MacPhies of Colonsay challenge invites hikers to climb all 22 hills over 300 feet on the island in a single day. Perhaps most unusually, Colonsay operates the most remote bookshop in the UK, hosting a popular annual Book Festival that draws literary enthusiasts from across the country.