The aircraft gets you onto Mull in the morning. The boat is the right way to see Fingal's Cave and to land on Iona. We do not put a helicopter down on Staffa.
Inverness to Mull is about 45 to 55 minutes, usually into Glenforsa or a similar agreed site. Staffa and Iona are then by boat from the Ross of Mull.
On the ground
- Fly to Mull. Vehicle meets you for the run to Fionnphort or the boat skipper we have booked.
- Staffa by boat: Fingal's Cave, and puffins in season (typically late April to early August).
- Time on Iona for the Abbey, on foot. The island is small and that is the point.
- Back to the aircraft on Mull for the flight home, or stay on Mull if the itinerary is overnight.
What we do not do
Staffa is National Trust for Scotland. There is no helipad. You reach Fingal's Cave by boat, and landings depend on weather and swell. Iona Abbey is on foot from the jetty.
If the aircraft cannot fly
If the helicopter cannot lift, this becomes a long west-coast road day to Oban or Lochaline and the CalMac ferry to Mull, with the Staffa boat still the target. If the boat cannot land on Staffa, you still have Mull and, when the swell allows, Iona.
Luggage: one soft bag each in the aircraft. Suitcases travel in the car. The charter is arranged through a licensed operator; we do not fly the helicopter. Arrangement of the aircraft, boat and any tickets carries a 10% + VAT concierge booking fee on those third-party costs. Our touring chauffeur and vehicle are quoted separately.
More on the ground: Oban and the west coast.
Ask about this day
Send dates, passenger count, hotel in Inverness or nearby, and whether you want a guide in the aircraft as well as the car on the ground. Prices on request.
Other helicopter days
Frequently asked questions
Can we land the helicopter on Staffa?
No. Staffa is National Trust for Scotland. You reach it by boat from Mull or Iona. That is how Fingal's Cave is done, and it is the only honest way to sell the day.
When are the puffins on Staffa?
Usually from late April into early August. Outside that window Staffa is still worth the boat for the cave. We will not promise puffins in September.
Do you operate the helicopter?
No. The aircraft is a licensed Scottish operator, typically lifting from Inverness. Venture Highland runs the day: the car, the touring chauffeur, the boat booking, and the weather plan.