With seafaring at the heart of this coastal location it unsurprising that a fabulous range of diverse boat trips and tours enable discovery of wildlife, heritage, and outdoor activity. Skye and Lochalsh boasts a wide variety of boat trips, with over 10 operators offering their own unique speciality and a chance to explore and escape in this truly fascinating seascape.

The classic trip from Elgol drops visitors at the steps to Loch Coruisk in the heart of the magnificent Cuillins, with the option to take a later return trip back, or to hike out in the footsteps of a historic tradition. Other trips offer a more exhilarating on board experience and the chance to go whale and dolphin spotting, observing seabird colonies on the way. For the more energetic visitor there is the chance to get out and explore ashore in remote parts of the island, perhaps be dropped in remote coastal locations to walk back later. Boat trips to seal colonies almost guarantee sightings of these big dark eyed mammals, a favourite with the kids and visited by a number of operators, and others offer fabulous sea eagle sighting opportunities. Perhaps more unique are the boat trips offering a glimpse below the waves at the marine life living in the shallow kelp forests, while others offer heritage tours with stories and sunsets.

Another way to really bring your visit to life is to book a trip with one of the regions tour guides. Personalised tours can be taken at your convenience and will be illustrated with a wealth of local knowledge and a few colourful legends.

Local Rangers offer speciality tours throughout the region, region as listed in our ‘What’s On’ page, visiting significant sites and conveying more specialist knowledge to the keen outdoor enthusiast. Alternatively, for the young at heart, check out the timetables of one of the established guided backpack buses and see the area with other spirited adventurers.