Oban Sea Life Centre

The Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary is set amidst the pine trees on the shores of picturesque Loch Creran, near Oban in Scotland. The Centre combines a spectacular aquarium with a busy rescue and rehabilitation facility for both common and grey seal pups.

Nestling in a mature spruce forest on the shores of beautiful Loch Creran the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary enjoys one of the most picturesque settings in Britain, and is home to some of the UK´s most enchanting marine creatures.

In crystal clear waters you can explore over 30 natural marine habitats containing everything from Octopus to Sharks. Come nose to nose with the graceful rays as they swim to the surface to greet you or stand in the middle of a huge shoal of salmon making you dizzy as they constantly swim around you in the unique shoaling ring.

Every day there is a range of talks and feeding demonstrations from the team of marine experts which may allow you to hand feed some of the sharks and rays or perhaps to learn about and hold some starfish and crabs. When you have done that, take a look at the SOS seal rescue facility which includes a busy Seal pup nursery and find out about the work involved in caring for the numerous stray, sickly or injured seal pups which are received each year. Always present are the two resident common seals - Lora and Brendan. The enchanting mammals can be viewed in our Underwater Seal Observatory.

Outside in the forest grounds there is a children´s play area - can you stay on the trim trail; plus nature trails and a new forest walk.

There is a coffee shop and small shop as well.

Travel Directions to Oban Sea Life Centre

At Connel Bridge, take the A828 and drive over the bridge and follow this road north towards Fort William. Drive through a small village called Benderloch and two miles after this village, you will see the "Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary" on your left hand side (5 miles from the Connel bridge).

Directions from Fort William - If you are travelling south to the centre from Fort William, follow the A828 to Barcaldine and the centre is one mile past the village on the right hand side.

West Coast Motors provide a regular bus service from Oban and Fort William to the Sanctuary. Oban bus No. 405 / Fort William bus No. 918.

Address Details

Barcaldine, Oban

Connel

Argyll PA37 1SE

Nearby Castles

Castle Stalker

Privately owned castle set in splendid isolation in the middle of a loch. Truly a fairytale castle. You expect a damsel in distress to appear at a window.
- Show Details
Dunstaffnage Castle

three miles north of Oban, standing on its own peninsula into the Firth of Lorn with a massive curtein wall. Ancient Campbell and MacDougall castle now in care oif Historic Scotland. Open to Public
- Show Details

Nearby Visitor Attractions

Loch Etive Boat Trips

Wonderful new operation that takes you along Loch Etive and around the Firth of Lorn from Dunstaffnage Marina (near Oban) aboard wide beamed catamaran. Booking required.
- Show Details