I have never been to Tobermory. I have heard lots of good things about the town. I was also warned… there is a lot of traffic moving in and out of the harbour: boat traffic, ferry traffic, dive boats, tour bouts, etc.
Those were all good warnings. It was a very busy harbour with a narrow channel to get in an out. As I entered, a large multi-hull motorboat was going out. It has a couple decks with people all expecting to see local wildlife.
Even though I expected to see it, the first sight of the Tobermory waterfront was striking.
Tobermory Waterfront
That waterfront is mostly shops. A Fish ‘n Chips, shop, a couple restaurants and bars, the CoOp (grocer), a pharmacy, and of course Ice cream. There is one auto repair shop that is also the petrol station. That’s where I got the oil for my engine.
There are also a couple art galleries, and a church.
Of course, as is most inhabited islands, there is a Distillery.
Other than that, there isn’t much else… What you see is what you get.
Among those cruising around in their yachts, Tobermory is known as the place to provision, do laundry, shower, and take on water. … and as a favorite watering hole for your thirst. The Mishnish being my favorite source for Guinness.
I returned to Tobermory a week later. Having been there before, I knew what to expect.
What I didn’t expect to see was a tall ship. Not your everyday ordinary tall ship, but a 17th century Spanish Galleon replica ship.
17th Century Replica Spanish Galleon
Looking up at the Bow as I Approach the Marina
They were not giving tour. Instead, you pay 15 pounds and can walk about and see anything you want… no guide. It seemed a bit costly to me. Then a man came off and said the outside might be a replica, but the inside is quite modern. I didn’t go.
Later, I saw people climbing the rat lines! Insurance must be quite different in Europe! That would never happen in the US.