Frequently Asked Questions
Some FAQs are listed below.
Our Information page, Terms and Conditions page and About Us pages may also have some of the answers you require. If you can’t find what you are looking for please don’t hesitate to contact us
What does Turus Mara mean?
Turus Mara is Scottish Gaelic for a trip or excursion by sea.
When was Turus Mara established?
Turus Mara was first established in 1973 as Croig Cruises, running a small up to 12 passenger vessel from the tidal harbour of Croig in the North of Mull. Trips were run for a couple of years in the early 80s from the old pier at Calgary before a permanent move to Ulva Ferry and expansion into running class VI passenger ferries allowing greater numbers to be carried. 2026 will be our 54th season of operation.
How do I get to The Treshnish Isles?
Visitors based on Mull join our trips from the sheltered pontoon at Ulva Ferry on the west side of Mull – where the Island of Ulva comes closest to Mull. Customers based in Oban will join the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Oban to Mull where minibus transport awaits for the short (about 40 minutes) journey across Mull to Ulva Ferry to join our boats.
Are the Treshnish Isles inhabited?
No, the Treshnish Isles have not had permanent human inhabitants since the mid nineteenth century. They are home however to many thousands of seabirds and a significant colony of Atlantic Grey Seals!
When can you see puffins on Lunga?
Puffins arrive back from winter at sea in early to mid April and are present, breeding on Lunga until early August.
Where can I see puffins on the Isle of Mull?
There are no Puffins on the Isle of Mull itself – the best place to see them is on Lunga in the Treshnish Isles or on Staffa where a smaller, but still significant colony can be found.
Can you go inside Fingal’s Cave?
On most days it is possible to land (always weather permitting however) and make the short walk from the Clamshell Landing Place to Fingal’s Cave where you can walk a short way inside.
Can you swim in Fingal’s Cave?
On calm days some visitors do swim in Fingal’s Cave, entirely at their own risk, however we do not actively encourage it. We do take organised groups with qualified leaders occasionally.
How was Fingal’s Cave formed?
Fingal’s Cave was formed by the action of the sea and weather on the basalt over the last 60 million years. The Hexagonal Columnar basalt that makes up the sides of the cave, and the Great Face, was formed by the uniform (slow) cooling of the lava floe.
Fingal’s Cave music?
The music most associated with Fingal’s Cave is the Hebrides Overture, written by Felix Mendelssohn between 1830 and 1832. He had visited the island in 1829 and was allegedly a little seasick. He was inspired to write the music once he got his land legs back! There is also a traditional Scottish tune called Fingal’s Cave.
How long is the ferry to Staffa?
It normally takes around 50 minutes from Ulva Ferry to Staffa, depending on what distractions we find on the way.
What does Staffa mean?
The name Staffa comes from Old Norse and means pillar island.