General Information
Oban is a key hub for CalMac ferries serving Mull, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Barra and Lismore from the Railway Pier. There are frequent ferry movements throughout the year, particularly in the summer. Other large commercial and fishing vessels use the North and South Piers. From April to October a large number of leisure vessels use Oban including the start of a number a major yacht races. There are fish farms in the Sound of Kerrera.
Oban Bay and the north end of the Sound of Kerrera are often busy and, at times, congested areas. As a result vessels wishing to anchor should seek advice from Oban Harbourmaster on VHF channel 12 or using the contact information here.
Cruise liners
The recognised anchorages for vessels above 24m and cruise vessels at Oban are:
Anchorage 1. Dunollie light bearing 284°T x 9.5 cable. Position 56° 25´·585N, 5° 30´·690W
Anchorage 3. Dunollie light bearing 326°T x 9.8 cable. Position 56° 26´·160N, 5° 30´·065W
Anchorage 4. Dunollie light bearing 225°T x 4.25 cable. Position 56° 25’.07N 005° 29’.56W
Anchorage 4 - This is the only recommended anchorage for large cruise ships in Oban Bay. Northern Lighthouse Board’s Pharos (loa 84.3m draught 4.3m) and fish farm servicing vessels such as Norholm (loa 33m draught 6m) also use this area for anchoring. Large cruise ships (up to 179m) have anchored between anchorage position 4 and the Sgeir Ratheid Reef whilst visiting. This is acceptable if the depth is not too great for your vessel.
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Vessels up to 24m
Anchorage 2. Dunollie light bearing 230°T x 3.1 cables in position 56° 25’.19N 005° 29’.47W
Position 2 is recommended for vessels up to 24m anchoring closer to Rubh a Chruidh.
Please note anchoring is no longer permitted between North Pier and the Corran Ledge moorings, or, on the designated ferry approach routes.
Alternatively, use can be made of the visitor moorings provided by:-