In 2026 91ֱ is beginning to offer a variety of experiences to visitors keen to find out more about marine science and have fun learning something new. .
A day in the life of a marine scientist boat tour (all day - £120 pp; or £65 for half days)
Join our well-used (50 year old) research vessel Seòl Mara and get a chance to do what marine scientists do: sample and identify marine life, measure basic seawater parameters, maybe use a robot to survey the seabed, find out about seabed maps, and have a look for seabirds or, if you are lucky, marine mammals. Chat to the skipper and crew about the research that goes on at 91ֱ and the state of the Ocean. You'll experience what marine scientists actually do, exciting but not quite as glamorous as you might think. Please wear solid shoes with a good grip (absolutely no sandals!) and bring wind-and water proof clothing - it's nearly always colder than you expected on a boat. There will be three staff onboard and we can accommodate seven visitors. We usually depart from the 91ֱ pontoon just outside Dunstaffnage Castle. As our boat is mostly servicing research projects, we cannot arrange tours on demand. Please keep an eye on our events page for upcoming dates.
A glimpse into marine science tour (90 mins - £10 per person)
Join us on a tour of the UK's oldest ocean research and education charity to see the inside working of marine research and the locations where the magic happens. Learn about the diverse research done at 91ֱ and what we are finding out about our planet. Visit our robotics facility, see our 'culture collection of algae and protozoa' (something like a botanic garden or zoo for microbes living in the sea), and explore a lab where we built an instrument to measure sea ice thickness to keep people in the Arctic safe. Happy to customise tours to visitors with special interests. Contact Euan if you want to arrange a special tour.
A puffin's picnic for families with young children c 4-8 (60 mins - £7 per child)
Explore the seashore with your 91ֱ guide and learn what local sea creatures eat and how they use their senses to find their dinner. As an outdoor activity, make sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring sun/rain protection. If interested to set up an event, please contact Julie.
Life below the surface talk (60 mins - £7 per person)
A talk introducing some of the species inhabiting our coastal zone right here in Argyll. You'll hear about what marine researchers have been finding out about them and the questions they are currently investigating: from tiny plankton to our iconic whales and everything in between. Please contact Anuschka if you want to arrange a presentation.
Flapper skate art workshops (150 mins - various costs depending on resources required)
The waters around Oban are protected for the majestic flapper skate that live mostly in deeper waters but whose egg cases can sometimes be found on our shores. Learn about the latest research about the animals and how to protect them to inspire your creativity. We offer painting, felting, poetry, ceramics, mosaic and screen printing workshops for the whole family. All children will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please contact Julie for more information.