West Coast Swim Adventure
Oban, Scotland | 18th-21st September
£995 per person (excluding accommodation)
FULLY BOOKED
An unforgettable swim adventure on Scotland’s wild west coast
Over this long weekend, we’ll explore some of the most spectacular wild swimming locations on Scotland’s west coast – combining island exploration, boat-access swims, and an unforgettable night swim experience.
Based in Oban, this is a small-group, guided adventure designed for swimmers who want more than just a dip – but a rich, immersive experience shaped by the sea and the landscape.
What makes this trip special
- Two full days on a private charter boat
- Remote swim locations only accessible by water
- A unique floodlit night swim experience from the boat
- Exploration of Easdale’s iconic slate quarries
- Small group experience with high guide support
- Flexible, conditions-led adventure
Trip Overview
Friday – Arrival & Easdale exploration
We’ll begin with a relaxed afternoon visiting Easdale Island.
Exploring the slate quarries, we’ll wander between different pools before heading to a favourite swim spot for our first proper dip.
There’s time to explore, take in the views, and ease into the weekend.
Saturday & Sunday – Boat-based adventure days
Two full days exploring the coastline by private charter boat.
Each day will be shaped by the conditions, allowing us to seek out the best possible swim locations.
Across the weekend, you can expect:
- 2-3 swims per day
- A mix of longer swims and shorter exploratory dips
- Incredible variety – from calm bays to dramatic coastline
Depending on conditions, this may include:
- Remote beaches and bays
- Tidal channels
- Sea caves and dramatic rock formations
- Swimming alongside waterfalls
- Iconic locations such as Fingal’s Cave
The night swim experience
On one evening (conditions dependent), we’ll head out for a floodlit night swim from the boat.
Swimming beneath the stars, with light illuminating the water below, is a completely different way to experience the sea.
On the right night, bioluminescence may be visible – but even without it, the experience is something special.
Feeling a little unsure about swimming in the dark? Don’t worry – this is a fully guided, supported experience. And if you’d prefer not to take part, you’re very welcome to relax on the boat or have an early night and sit this one out.
Monday – Closing swim
A relaxed local swim around Oban before heading home.
Is this trip right for you?
Who is this trip for?
To get the most out of this trip it is great if you:
- Are comfortable swimming around 1km in open water (front crawl or breaststroke)
- Enjoy exploring new places
- Are happy with a flexible, conditions-led plan
You don’t need to be fast.
And if you would rather just dip, that is ok too. We can adapt swims so that you can still get in and enjoy yourself.
SwimWild is about swimming in incredible places, not distance
There is always flexibility within the group, with a mix of longer swims and shorter dips.
If you’re unsure whether this trip is right for you, feel free to get in touch.
A typical day on the water
Across the weekend, you can expect a rich mix of swims and exploration:
- Friday: 1 swim at Easdale
- Saturday & Sunday: typically 2-3 swims per day
- One evening: a floodlit night swim from the boat (conditions dependent)
- Monday: 1 relaxed swim
Most swimmers enjoy around 6-9 swims across the weekend, depending on conditions and energy levels.
Some swims are longer and more immersive, while others are shorter dips and exploratory swims in unique locations.
Safety & water confidence
For all participants, you must be able to:
- Swim confidently and independently in open water
Please also be comfortable with:
- Ladder entries into the water
- Swimming in areas where you cannot stand (boat-based swims)
There will always be guide support, but a basic level of water confidence is essential.
How the adventure works
Conditions & flexibility
This is a conditions-led adventure, which allows us to choose the best possible locations each day.
Some iconic locations (like Fingal’s Cave) are highly dependent on swell and sea state.
Instead, we use our experience to:
- Choose the best possible locations each day
- Adapt plans based on conditions
- Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
Wherever we go, the focus is on making the most of what the west coast offers.
Optional adventure elements
Some locations offer the opportunity to go beyond swimming.
For those who are feeling adventurous and sure-footed, there may be opportunities to:
- Go ashore
- Clamber over rocks
- Explore coastal features such as waterfalls or rock formations
These elements are always:
- Optional
- Conditions dependent
- Guided and safety-managed
If you’d prefer to stay in the water, you’ll still have an incredible experience.
Water temperature
Sea temperatures around Oban in mid-September are typically:
12-15°C
This is generally warmer than spring conditions, but still cool – especially across multiple swims.
Wetsuits & kit
- Wetsuits are not compulsory
- However, they are recommended to help you stay warm across multiple swims
You’re free to wear:
- A wetsuit
- Skins (swimsuit/trunks)
- Additional neoprene layers
Some wetsuits may be available to borrow in limited sizes.
Booking & Pricing
Price
£995 per person
A small-group, fully guided swim adventure with two full boat days and a unique night swim experience.
What’s included
- All guided swims and safety support
- Two full days on a private charter boat
- Experienced skipper and wildlife guide
- Floodlit night swim experience (conditions dependent)
- Friday Easdale swim session
What’s not included
- Accommodation
- Travel to/from Oban
- Food and drinks
- Lunches for boat days
- Transport to Easdale (lift sharing organised)
Payment & booking
To secure your place, a £250 deposit is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due by 10 July 2026.
If you have any questions before booking, feel free to get in touch – we’re always happy to help.
Payment methods
You can pay via:
- UK bank transfer (BACS) – no additional cost
- Card payment – processing fees apply:
- UK Visa / Mastercard: 1.5%
- American Express: 2.9%
- International cards: from 3.25%
These fees are set by the payment provider and will be clearly shown before completing your booking.
If you’d prefer to avoid card fees, simply select bank transfer at checkout.
Cancellation
Deposits are non-refundable unless your place is resold.
If you need to cancel, we will always do our best to help resell your place where possible.
For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Practical Information
Arrival & departure
- Friday: Optional meet at 2:00pm in Oban
- We’ll then travel to Easdale for our first swim (approx. 3:00pm start)
- Monday: The trip finishes late morning after a relaxed final swim
Accommodation
This trip is based in Oban, where there is a wide range of accommodation available.
You’re free to choose what suits your budget and preference, including:
- Campsites and campervans
- Hostels
- Guesthouses and Airbnbs
- Hotels
Many options are within walking distance of the harbour.
Accommodation is not included, giving you flexibility to choose what works best for you.
We’re happy to share accommodation recommendations across a range of budgets if helpful.
Typical additional costs
To help you plan, here’s a rough guide to additional costs for the weekend:
Accommodation (3 nights)
- Camping: £30-£60
- Hostel: £75-£120
- Guesthouse / Airbnb: £210-£360
- Hotel: £390-£600+
Food
Evenings are flexible — you can keep things simple or treat yourself.
- Fish & chips / casual meals: £10-£15
- Restaurants: £15-£30+
Typical total: £60-£120 over the weekend
Lunches (boat days)
You’ll need to bring a packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
There are plenty of shops and supermarkets in Oban to pick up supplies.
- Approx: £5-£10 per day
Typical additional spend: £120-£300+ depending on your choices
Evenings
Evenings are relaxed and flexible.
You’re free to:
- Explore Oban’s restaurants and food scene
- Self-cater
- Or join optional group meals organised by the guides
We’ll usually organise group dinners on:
- Friday evening
- One of the weekend evenings
On the night swim evening, we’ll have a shorter turnaround before heading back out on the water.
Getting there
- Direct trains run to Oban Railway Station from Glasgow
- Driving to Oban is straightforward, with parking available around town
We’ll help coordinate:
- Lift sharing for Friday
- Transport to Easdale for the first swim
? You don’t need a car to join the trip.
- Direct trains run to Oban Railway Station from Glasgow
- Driving to Oban is straightforward, with parking available around town
We’ll help coordinate:
- Lift sharing/transport to Easdale for the first swim
You don’t need a car to join the trip.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to have you along.
This is a small-group experience, designed to give you access to some of the most incredible swim locations on Scotland’s west coast – with the flexibility to adapt to conditions and make the most of every moment.
Whether it’s swimming from the boat in remote locations, exploring the slate quarries of Easdale, or experiencing a night swim under the stars, this is about more than just swimming – it’s about being part of something memorable.
⚠️ Places are limited and expected to fill quickly.
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