Welcome to Waverley

2026 Sailings Aboard Paddle Steamer Waverley

Waverley operates in passenger service until Sunday 18th October for what will be her longest operational season in well over a decade. Bookings are open for all sailing areas, tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Booking office. Later this season on 2nd October we will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Waverley’s launch back in 1946 as the last steamer built for the London & North Eastern Railway.

2026 Timetables:

Outline dates for each sailing area are available on the Timetables Page.

2026 FUEL SURCHARGE

Unfortunately we are now facing a severe price increase of over 65% compared to 2025. This level of increase is more than we can possibly bear or there will not be sufficient funds available for the 2026-27 winter refit and dry docking.

Reluctantly, we have therefore had to introduce a modest Fuel Surcharge to partly meet the increased cost of fuel. A Fuel Surcharge of £2 will be applicable on Adult or Senior Fares under £45, or £4 on Adult and Senior Fares set at £45 or over. No Fuel Surcharge will be applicable on Child or Dog fares.

Key Fuel Price Figures:

  • At today’s price it will cost £13 PER MINUTE in fuel to sail Waverley (she is in steam for about 10-12 hours per day);
  • Fuel increase of over £3,000 PER DAY compared to 2025;
  • Fuel increase of £400,000 across the 2026 season;
  • An average ticket fare will afford us to purchase less than 4 minutes worth of fuel.

The Fuel Surcharge will be kept under review as the season progresses and will be amended if the cost of fuel changes significantly. We hope our customers and loyal supporters will appreciate the very difficult situation we now face in affording the fuel to operate Waverley this coming season.

WAVERLEY’S ONLINE SHOP

The shop that never closes – pick up an exclusive Waverley souvenir or purchase a gift. Visit our Online Shop for all things Waverley.

Book Now

Bookings for all of Waverley’s 2026 sailings are now open.

Book online by clicking the BOOK NOW link below or by calling the Booking Office on 0141 243 2224. The Booking office is open Monday to Friday 0930-1630 and Saturdays 0930-1300.

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Sailing Updates

SATURDAY MAY 16 Sailing operating as timetabled

STEAM ROUND LITTLE COLONSAY & STAFFA

Waverley will sail from Oban North Pier (1030) and Tobermory (1230) for a cruise viewing Ulva and circumnavigating Little Colonsay and Staffa.

Coach connections to join the steamer at Oban will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 10) at 0700, and Glasgow (Killermont Street outside Buchanan Bus Station opposite John Lewis) at 0730. Tickets for these coach connections should be booked in advance.

Tickets for this sailing are available and can be booked in advance online or by calling 0141 243 2224 during office hours (Mon – Fri 0930 – 1630).

SUNDAY MAY 17 Sailing operating as timetabled

Waverley will sail from Oban North Pier (1145) and Craignure (1245) for a cruise via the Sound of Luing to Crinan (1500-1545), then for a cruise viewing the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, Scarba and the Isles of the Sea.

Coach connections to join the steamer at Oban will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 10) at 0815, and Glasgow (Killermont Street outside Buchanan Bus Station opposite John Lewis) at 0845. Tickets for these coach connections should be booked in advance.

LOCH LINNHE & CORRAN NARROWS EVENING CRUISE

Waverley will sail from Oban North Pier at 1800 for an evening cruise up Loch Linnhe and through the Corran Narrows to Fort William, with coach return to Oban available.

A coach connection to join the steamer at Oban will depart from Fort William West End Car Park at 1615.

Tickets for both sailings are available and can be booked in advance online or by calling 0141 243 2224 during office hours (Mon – Fri 0930 – 1630).

MONDAY MAY 18 Sailing operating as timetabled

TS KING GEORGE V CENTENARY CRUISE

Waverley will sail from Fort William (tender operates 0830-0900) and Oban North Pier (1130) for a cruise through the Kerrera Sound and along the Mull Coast to Iona where passengers will be able to go ashore via small tender boat.

As this cruise uses small tender boats, this cruise is unsuitable for passengers in wheelchairs.

Coach connections to join the steamer at Oban will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 10) at 0800, and Glasgow (Killermont Street outside Buchanan Bus Station opposite John Lewis) at 0830. Tickets for these coach connections should be booked in advance.

Tickets for this sailing are available and can be booked in advance online or by calling 0141 243 2224 during office hours (Mon – Fri 0930 – 1630).

Plan Your Cruise

Timetables, Fares & Brochures, Departure Point Information, Catering and more.

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Book Tickets

Tickets can be booked online or by calling 0141 243 2224.

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Introducing Waverley

Learn more about Waverley, her history, steam engine, videos and gallery.

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Supporting Waverley

Become a Friend of Waverley, Join the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Donate, Volunteer.

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Shop

Exclusive Waverley Merchandise, Books, Clothing, DVDs, Gift Vouchers and much more.

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Groups & Exclusive Use

Accommodating groups of 10 to 700, Paddle Steamer Waverley makes an ideal venue for your event.

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Latest News

100 YEARS ON: WAVERLEY REVIVES OBAN’S GOLDEN AGE OF STEAM

Today marks a significant maritime milestone, exactly 100 years since the launch of the pioneering turbine steamer TS King George V. Launched on 29th April 1926, the much-loved “KGV” became a familiar and cherished sight on Scotland’s west coast, initially serving Inveraray before becoming a mainstay of Oban-based cruising from 1935. From there, she sailed…

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Fuel Cost 2026 – Surcharge Introduced

Waverley burns Marine Gas Oil (MGO) which heats the water in her twin boilers to generate steam, the steam is then used to drive her engine and turn the paddles. MGO is also used to create electrical power across the ship. Over the past few weeks we have been closely monitoring the price of MGO…

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Waverley Enters Dry Dock

After being berthed in Greenock’s James Watt Dock since 16th February Waverley was moved the short distance to Garvel Dry Dock on Friday 20th March to allow for her annual out-of-the-water inspection. During her current visit to dry dock she is accompanied by the Caledonian MacBrayne vessel Lochinvar with Waverley being positioned further in the…

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