📌 Various departure points, Argyll & Bute / Isle of Jura
★★★★
Scotland’s coastal waters have been famed and feared since Viking times for their unpredictable currents, tides and weather conditions. One of the most unusual spots is at the fantastically-named Gulf of Corryvreckan: the channel between the islands of Scarba and Jura. Unusual submarine topography – an underwater cliff between a deep ravine and a pyramidal pinnacle – combined with tides racing out of the sounds and sea lochs east of Jura has created the world’s third largest whirlpool. It presents itself as a foaming mass of currents and standing waves during spring tides, and as an area of uneasy eddies and swell even during neap tides. The maelstrom is said to be audible from up to 10 miles distant when at its angriest – and indeed, we were once able to hear it from several miles away in the hills above Crinan. Our photos show the gulf at its calmest – but a trip is well worthwhile no matter the sea conditions, not least because of the seals, porpoises, seabirds and other wildlife you’re likely to encounter on the way there. We loved our tour out of Ardfern with Craignish Cruises, but several other operators are available.
🌍 Location
📌 Corryvreckan Whirlpool is at the Gulf of Corryvreckan between the islands of Scarba & Jura – see below for trip departure points
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NM 687021
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.155818,-5.726247
💬 Passenger ferries depart from several locations including Ardfern (Craignish Cruises – temporarily closed at time of update in April 2024 | 🔗 craignishcruises.co.uk), Craighouse, Jura (Jura Boat Tours | 🔗 juraboattours.co.uk), Crinan (Venture West | 🔗 venture-west.co.uk) & Ellenabeich (Seafari Adventures | 🔗 seafari.co.uk)
🚌 Infrequent bus to Ardfern / Craighouse / Crinan / Ellenabeich | 🚢 Craighouse
🚗 Parking available at all departure points
📝 Key info
⌚🎫 Check dates, times & prices with individual providers
