Based in the beautiful town of Oban, our night snorkelling adventures offer a unique opportunity to discover nocturnal marine life and the natural light show of bioluminescence. Guided by expert marine biologists and instructors, this tour is perfect for those looking to add an extra thrill to their snorkelling experience. Join us for an unforgettable night exploring the North Argyll Snorkel Trail.
At first, snorkelling at night might seem daunting, but it’s a mesmerising experience. Just as we enjoy fireworks, underwater we witness nature’s light show – bioluminescence. Many marine animals are nocturnal, and with the aid of torches, you’ll spot a variety of creatures that are rarely seen during the day. The focus of your torchlight will reveal intricate details and fascinating marine life. Additionally, with minimal light pollution in our rural location, you’ll be able to gaze up at a star-filled sky, and if you’re lucky, see the northern lights dancing on the horizon.
We run sessions with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 participants per guide/instructor. Please book your preferred date, and we will confirm closer to the time if any adjustments are needed to meet participant numbers.
We will choose the best snorkelling site based on your experience and the day’s conditions. You’ll be emailed the meeting location before your booked date. Upon arrival, your instructor will guide you through your equipment, help you change into your wetsuit, and ensure you’re ready to safely enter the water. You can spend up to 90 minutes snorkelling, followed by a warm hot chocolate and a chat about the marine life you encountered.
Using our 100,000-lumen floodlight, we illuminate sheltered bays to attract marine life and create an enchanting atmosphere. The boat snorkel experience takes around 5 hours, including a 30-minute journey to the snorkel site. We recommend having recent snorkelling experience or participating in a daytime snorkelling session beforehand. We offer individual spaces but require a minimum of 6 participants to run the tour. Alternatively, book as a group for a guaranteed experience date.
Our night snorkelling tours are based in Oban, Scotland. We offer both shore snorkelling and floodlit boat snorkelling experiences. The specific snorkel sites are chosen based on weather conditions and your experience level, ensuring the best possible adventure.
Night snorkelling requires a bit more confidence and skill due to the lack of daylight and unfamiliar surroundings. We recommend that participants have recent snorkelling experience. For those new to snorkelling or needing a refresher, we offer a daytime snorkelling session to prepare you for the night adventure. Participants must be at least 8 years old, and comfortable swimming at least 100 metres unaided in open water.
We are passionate about marine conservation and providing exceptional snorkelling experiences. Our expert guides, consisting of marine biologists and professional divers, ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable adventure. We explore the best snorkel sites around Oban, offering diverse and vibrant underwater scenery. Adhering to a strict code of conduct, we minimise our environmental impact and contribute to marine science. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced snorkeler, we tailor the tour to match your skill level and interests. We also provide high-quality snorkelling equipment and wetsuits to keep you comfortable in the water, regardless of the season.
Book your night snorkelling adventure today and dive into an extraordinary nocturnal marine exploration!
Yes – our minimum age is 8 years old. All under 16s must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian. Our tours are adventurous with long days at sea and are not suitable for young children.
Private charters are available for families with younger children. Contact us for more info.
For those wanting to snorkel on the tour, we advise that you should be able to swim 100m comfortably in open water, along with general fitness to enable boarding a boat via a ladder.
In Coll, due to fluctuating tide levels, we may have to use a vertical pier ladder to board the vessel.
On certain tours, we use a small dinghy to transfer from the boat to shore – the terrain can be very rocky and rough with no structured pier/ pontoon. You will need to be able to get on and off the dinghy. Our guides will be there with you.
Anyone with a serious pre-existing medical condition should consult their GP before booking any of our trips.
All participants are required to complete a Declaration of Medical Fitness for Snorkelling form (under 18s need this countersigned by a parent/ guardian).
We welcome everyone on board – if you have accessibility concerns please get in touch with us.
No qualifications are necessary to come on our trips. All interactions are snorkel based so no scuba qualifications are required.
Snorkel experience is not required but would be advantageous in order to get the best from the trip. The more confident you are the better.
You must be able to swim at least 100m in open water unaided.
The weather can be changeable in Scotland, so we advise you to be adequately prepared. At sea, we are much more exposed and you’ll feel much colder than on land. We advise you to bring plenty of clothes to keep you warm.
Water temperature over the season ranges from 10-16 degrees and we have a range of equipment that will keep you warm. Our rental gear is of high quality and with adequate preparation you will be comfortable in the water.
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Oban has been referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ as from here you can explore the Hebrides by ferry. Oban itself offers an abundance of adventure with epic hiking, great food and water sports. It can be very busy over the summer as it is a popular tourist destination so make sure to book your stay ahead of time.
There are many independently owned guesthouses and B&Bs, one we would recommend is Glenroy Guesthouse.
For a more luxury option you can check out The Perle.
Kintaline house a very nice self catering option, 10 minute drive from marina and close to Tralee beach.
For those joining our Oban tours the boat departs from the pontoon on the Oban waterfront next to the North Pier.
We recommend staying in the town centre as this is where you will find most restaurants, bars and beaches! Look for accommodation that offers parking as the summer in Oban is busy.
About the centre
Oban, Scotland
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Basking Shark Scotland, a partner of adventuro.
