Oban is a well-established town that owes much of its success to the shelter provided by the island of Kerrera which creates the natural harbour.

The port is home to many commercial, fishing, fish-farm and leisure vessels and is one of the main hubs for Caledonian MacBrayne ferries that provide life-line services to the islands of Mull, Lismore, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree and Barra. In addition, Oban is an important stopping-off point for a wide range of leisure vessels enjoying some of the best cruising that is available anywhere and is increasingly a port-of call for cruise liners.