Boat trips to Staffa, a day looking for wildlife, pony trekking or a distillery visit: there are plenty of ways to make a Mull holiday your own. Staying at Aros Mains near Salen gives you a central base for outings towards Ulva Ferry, Tobermory and the Ross of Mull.
Here are our selected experiences to help you plan. Follow the links for current dates, prices and booking arrangements, as programmes vary with the season.
For a trip to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, we recommend Turus Mara. Departing from Ulva Ferry on Mull, its trips combine island scenery, seabirds and opportunities to explore beyond Mull’s west coast. Puffins are a highlight during the breeding season; check the seasonal itineraries to choose the trip that suits your visit.
Choose a Mull departure and check the route and landing arrangements when booking.
Explore Turus Mara trips
Mull Charters’ Sea Eagle Adventure focuses on white-tailed eagles in their coastal surroundings. It is an option for guests with a particular interest in these birds, with trips departing from Ulva Ferry.
Check the current trip details, availability and what to bring before booking.
Visit Mull Charters
If you would like a boat trip with time left to explore Tobermory, look at Tobermory Bay Tours. Its programme includes a one-hour bay tour and other short outings, including Seals & Creels and lighthouse trips.
Choose the tour that fits your day and check the departure details with the operator.
View Tobermory Bay Tours
Nature Scotland offers guided days exploring Mull’s landscapes and wildlife. Its Mull Nature Explorer combines travel by vehicle with optional walking, giving you time to look, listen and learn with a guide.
Check the current programme, meeting point and walking involved to choose an outing that suits your interests.
Explore Nature Scotland day tours
Salen Bay Hire operates from Salen Bay Campsite, offering kayaks and paddleboards for time on the water close to Aros Mains. This is equipment hire, so speak to the provider about suitable conditions, your experience and the arrangements for your outing.
Arrange your hire and confirm the meeting point before setting out.
Find out about Salen Bay Hire
Bendoran Watersports offers guided ways to explore the Ross of Mull from the water. Its programme includes half-day and full-day sea kayaking, family sessions and sailing tasters.
Choose a session with the team to suit your group and experience, and allow time for the journey south.
Explore Bendoran Watersports
Explore the scenery around Killiechronan on a Highland pony. Mull Pony Trekking offers beach and hill outings, with options for beginners, families and more experienced riders.
Tell the team about your riding experience when arranging a trek. Beach outings depend on the tide, and the team will advise on suitable options and times.
Choose a pony trekking experience
Hooked on Mull offers half-day and full-day sea-fishing charters from the southern shore of Loch na Keal. These are private whole-boat trips, which may suit a family or group arranging an outing together.
Sea-fishing bookings are for the boat rather than individual places. Hooked on Mull also offers freshwater fishing on Mull’s rivers and lochs; check the current permits, seasons and guide arrangements.
View Hooked on Mull fishing trips
A tour at Sgriob-ruadh Farm offers a closer look at the work behind Isle of Mull Cheese and the farm’s spirits. The farm, cheese dairy and distillery tours add another dimension to a visit to the Glass Barn café and shop.
Book a tour through the current calendar. If you would also like lunch or a browse in the shop, check their opening arrangements separately.
Find Isle of Mull Cheese tour information
Find out how Tobermory’s spirits are made on a production tour, or choose a tasting to explore its whiskies. The distillery offers several experiences, so you can select the focus that interests you.
Book ahead and check the requirements of your chosen experience. Drivers can ask about taking their tasting samples away to enjoy later.
Explore Tobermory Distillery experiences
Golfers planning a day around Tobermory can check the club’s visitor green fees and tee times. Combine your round with time in the town, or make golf the main event of the day.
Use the club’s booking information to plan your visit and check equipment arrangements if needed.
Visit Tobermory Golf Club
Craignure Golf Club welcomes visiting players and normally operates on a turn-up-and-play basis. It gives guests another option for a round when exploring this part of Mull.
Check the fixtures for occasional competition closures. If you need clubs, arrange these with the club a few days ahead.
Plan a round at Craignure Golf Club
For a slower part of your holiday, Island Sauna Shack offers a wood-fired sauna at coastal locations around Mull. Salen Bay is among the locations listed, making it worth checking the programme during your stay at Aros Mains.
The sauna moves around the island, so use the booking calendar to confirm where your session will take place and read the guidance before booking.
Check Island Sauna Shack locations and sessionsBuild a Turus Mara trip into A Week on Mull, our flexible itinerary with Ben More and quieter days between the bigger outings. For shorter plans combining beaches, culture and food, browse Days Out on Mull.
Book popular trips ahead, allow time to reach the meeting point and read your operator’s current advice. Wildlife sightings and island landings depend on natural conditions.
Our Getting to Mull guide covers travel planning, while Places to Eat can help you choose a meal around your outing. For ideas to explore at your own pace, visit our Explore Mull guide.
After a day out, return to Aros Mains Apartment, Castle Cottage or Dairy Cottage beside Aros Castle. Compare the properties and check availability for your stay.