Puffins on the Isle of Mull: When and Where to See Them

If you’re heading to the Isle of Mull with hopes of spotting puffins, you’re not alone. These quirky seabirds, with their colorful beaks and comical walk, are one of Scotland’s biggest wildlife draws. But while Mull is a fantastic base for puffin trips, there are a few important things to know about when to see them and where they actually nest.

When to See Puffins on Mull

Puffins are migratory birds, spending most of the year out at sea and only coming to land for the breeding season.

  • Season: Late April to early August.
  • Best Months: May, June, and July are prime months, when puffins are busy feeding chicks and are most visible near their burrows.
  • Time of Day: Puffins are active throughout the day, but tours often aim for mid-morning to afternoon landings when the birds are most reliably seen.

By August, puffins begin to leave the breeding grounds, so plan your trip before then for the best chance to see them.

Do Puffins Nest on Mull Itself?

This is the part that often confuses visitors. Puffins do not typically breed on Mull itself. Instead, their colonies are found on the Treshnish Isles (especially the island of Lunga) and Staffa, both of which are just off Mull’s west coast.

So while you won’t find puffins nesting right on Mull or Iona, the island is the perfect jumping-off point for day tours to these nearby puffin hotspots.

Puffin on Lunga

The Best Places to See Puffins Near Mull

1. Lunga (Treshnish Isles)

  • Why Visit: Lunga is the largest of the Treshnish Isles and home to one of Scotland’s most accessible puffin colonies. You can walk right up to puffins perched on grassy cliffs, often just a few feet away—perfect for photos without a zoom lens.
  • How to Get There: Boat tours to Lunga depart from Tobermory, Fionnphort (near Iona), and Ulva Ferry.
  • Experience: This is where you’ll get the classic puffin experience: hundreds of birds, up-close encounters, and the chance to sit quietly as they waddle right past you.

2. Staffa

  • Why Visit: Famous for Fingal’s Cave, Staffa also has a healthy puffin colony during summer. The landing area allows you to climb up onto the island, where puffins nest on the grassy top.
  • Note: As you discovered, pier works sometimes restrict landings, but even from the boat you can see puffins flying and bobbing on the water.
  • How to Get There: Tours run from Fionnphort (Iona) and Tobermory.

3. Boat Trips Around the Treshnish Isles

  • Even if you don’t land, many tours circle the isles, giving you a chance to see puffins skimming the waves and diving for fish.
  • This option works if you’re short on time or if landing isn’t possible due to weather or construction.
Puffins

Can You See Puffins on Mull or Iona Without a Boat?

Unfortunately, no. Despite the stories, puffins do not breed on Mull or Iona directly. The closest reliable colonies are offshore. Some visitors may see puffins flying over the sea while on ferries or coastal walks, but this is hit-or-miss and not the same as visiting their nesting grounds.

If you’ve heard of “a walk to see puffins on Mull,” chances are it was actually a guided trip that included a boat to the Treshnish Isles.

Tips for Puffin Spotting

  • Book in Advance: Puffin tours fill up quickly in summer, especially from June to July.
  • Bring Layers: Even in summer, the sea breeze can be chilly. Waterproofs are essential.
  • Photography: You don’t need a huge lens on Lunga—the puffins come very close. A mid-range zoom lens (e.g., 70–200mm) is perfect.
  • Respect the Birds: Stay on marked paths and don’t disturb puffin burrows. They may look tame, but they’re still wild seabirds.
  • Combine with Sightseeing: Many puffin tours also include time at Staffa’s Fingal’s Cave, making it a two-in-one experience.

Puffins Near Mull at a Glance

While puffins don’t nest directly on the Isle of Mull or Iona, Mull is the gateway to some of Scotland’s best puffin-watching spots. If seeing these birds up close is a highlight of your trip, make sure to book a tour to the Treshnish Isles (Lunga) or Staffa during the breeding season. From May to July, you’ll have the unforgettable chance to sit just a few feet away from one of the world’s most charming seabirds.

Posted 
Aug 25, 2025
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European Islands
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