The Sea Life Centre (aka Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary)

The Sea Life Centre, or Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary as they are now called, is an interesting, educational and fun day out. It has grown steadily over the years and is now a "must see" if you're in the area.
The sea life centre runs a seal pup rescue program with a view to releasing them back into the wild. The pups can usually be viewed when they are fit and being prepared for release.

The regular feeding times at the seal pond is the highlight of many visitors day - the staff member doing the feed that day will give a running commentary and information.

Tip:- --- The feeding times are well posted in the centre and this is a vey busy and popular activity so if you want a good view get to your seats early.

Ugly? - Who - Me? - Huh!

While the seal feeding time is extremely popular my personal favourite activity is looking round the exhibits in the main building, especially the pool with the rays which seem as keen to observe you as you will be to see them.

Then there's the herring ring - you will definitely get dizzy watching this lot - they just go round and round and round and round and round and .... you get the idea?

Think of the ugliest person you know (No mother- in-law jokes please) then check out some of the deep water fish on display and make the comparison.......... if the fish doesn't win then you know some real ugly people!

That Otter do It! (Yeah, awful pun, sorry)

Let Me Whisper Sweet Nothings?

Well worth a look are the two resident otters, Sula & Fingal - I spent ages watching them feed and play, dive and swim and generally have what appeared to be terrifc fun.

Otters are fairly numerous in the wild around Argyll and it's possible to see them running on the rocks and swimming around the bays.

However, they are elusive creatures and unless you're very lucky the most you'll get is a quick glimpse before they disappear under water or behind a rock. Here you get the opportunity to watch them without breaking your neck slipping on seaweed!

Pretty Dresses & Dirty Hands

We had one of my daughters birthday parties here. As the special guest she was chosen to help feed the seals. The look of absolute horror on her face when a bucket of dead fish was shoved under her nose is a vision I treasure. (The contorted grimace on my wifes face as dirty, scaly hands were wiped on the new party outfit is also something I smile at even now.)

She did however get into the swing of things and was eventually chucking fish to the seals like there was no tomorrow and had herself a whale of a time. (Next time I'll think I'll run a book on whether the seal or the opportunist seagulls get the fish first.....)

Where? When?

The centre is situated on the shores of Loch Creran in a woodland setting and in addition to the fishy bits n pieces offers a playpark for the kids, a shore walk, restuarant and gift shop.

Opening times are 10am to 5pm March to October with varying opening times in the winter.

How to get there:-
The facility is situated about 10 miles from Oban - public transport, an hourly bus service, is available with a stop at the centre entrance - check bus times at the station/taxi rank. Any bus for Barcaldine or Fort William will get you there

By car from Oban head north on the A85 following signposts for Fort William. Cross over Connel bridge on the A828, (Check out The Falls of Lora as you go over - somedays they're fairly tame, others a raging torrent).

A couple of miles on you'll pass through Benderloch village and a couple of miles further on you'll find a signpost for the centre.

If you're in the area then your visit isn't complete without a day at the sea life centre.

Have a great day!