The Isle of Skye is known for its rugged coastline and abundant wildlife. While many visitors explore the island by car or on foot, one of the most rewarding ways to experience Skye is by boat.
Whether you’re hoping to see puffins, spot seals basking on rocky shores, or take in breathtaking views of Skye from the water, a boat tour offers a unique perspective of this magical island.
Why Take a Boat Tour on Skye?
A boat tour allows you to access parts of Skye and the surrounding waters that are otherwise difficult to reach. Many tours offer close encounters with local wildlife, visits to remote islands, and the chance to see iconic Skye landmarks like the Old Man of Storr or Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock from a completely different angle.
Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or just looking for a relaxing experience on the water, there’s a tour to suit everyone.
Types of Boat Tours Available
Wildlife Watching Tours
Skye’s waters are teeming with marine life, and several boat operators offer tours focused on wildlife spotting. Some of the creatures you might see include:
- Seals – Found lounging on the rocks around Skye’s coast.
- Dolphins and Porpoises – Often spotted playing in the wake of boats.
- Sea Eagles – These magnificent birds have an impressive wingspan and can sometimes be seen diving for fish.
- Puffins – If you visit in spring or early summer, you may catch a glimpse of these charming seabirds nesting on nearby islands.
Scenic and Photography Tours
For those interested in Skye’s stunning scenery, a boat trip offers incredible photo opportunities. Some tours take visitors along the dramatic coastline, offering views of cliffs, sea caves, and waterfalls plunging into the sea.
Others venture to Loch Coruisk, a breathtaking freshwater loch surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Cuillin mountains.
Heritage and Island Tours
History lovers might enjoy a boat tour that explores the island’s heritage. Some tours visit or pass islands such as Canna or Soay, where you can learn about more about neighbouring islands and their history.
Others take you past sites linked to legends, or spots connected to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s dramatic escape.
Fishing and Adventure Tours
For those looking for a hands-on experience, some boat tours offer fishing trips where you can try your luck catching mackerel or even larger species.
Others cater to thrill-seekers with high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours that race across the waves, combining excitement with stunning scenery. You can even take diving trips too!
Boat Tours from Elgol
- Misty Isle Boat Trips (Website) – Travel to Loch Coruisk with options for a short visit, a picnic, or a scenic walk. You can also take a full-day trip to the Isle of Canna. Great for families and Loch Coruisk trips are dog-friendly.
- Bella Jane Boat Trips (Website) – Offers trips to Loch Coruisk with stunning views of the Cuillins and seals. For a more exhilarating experience, take the AquaXplore to visit the Small Isles or go on the Island Cruiser for a similar experience. Loch Coruisk trips are dog-friendly, while AquaXplore is ideal for adventure seekers.
Boat Tours from Portree
- Seaflower Skye (Website) – Half-day, full-day, and sunset cruises from Portree, including trips to Rona with local seafood served onboard. Best for a luxury experience.
- Stardust Portree Boat Trips & Isle of Skye RIB Experience (Website) – Offers sea eagle trips and other wildlife tours, including dolphins, whales, and seals, on a boat, catamaran, or RIB. There is also also a trip that takes in Kilt Rock and the Isle of Iona, amongst other iconic views of Skye from the sea. Great for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Skye Seafari Experience (Website) – Various trips departing from Portree, including a Kilt rock and whale and dolphin tours, Raasay coastal excursions, and evening wildlife cruises. Ideal for adventure seekers.
Boat Tours from Waternish
Diver’s Eye Boat Trips (Website) – Offers wildlife tours, family-friendly fishing trips, and scuba diving excursions. Best for families, and those looking for fishing and diving trips.
Boat Tours from Uig
Skye Xplorer Boat Trips (Website) – Puffin trips (May–July from Uig), and Kilt Rock, whale and dolphin trips (August/September from Staffin). Great for wildlife spotting.
Boat Tours from Edinbane
Skye Marine (Website) – Offers 1.5-hour wildlife trips and fishing trips departing from Loch Greshornish, Edinbane. Good for wildlife and fishing enthusiasts.
Boat Tours from Dunvegan Castle
- Seal Boat Trips – Short 25-minute trips to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony, available on a first-come, first-served basis when visiting Dunvegan Castle (you need a Castle or Gardens ticket and they boat trips cannot be booked online so be sure to ask at the ticket gate). Perfect for families with young children.
- Fishing or Loch Cruises (Website) – Two-hour fishing trips or loch cruises, available for a minimum of two people.
Boat Tours from Kyle of Lochalsh
Seaprobe Atlantis (Website) – Scotland’s only semi-submersible glass-bottom boat trip, offering views of marine life and a WWII shipwreck. Unique experience for all ages.
Boat Tours from Plockton
Calum’s Seal Trips – One-hour seal-watching tours or two-hour evening cruises showcasing Applecross and the Cuillin Ridge from the sea. Great for families.
Boat Tours from Raasay
Raasay RIB Trips (Website) – Explore the Sound of Raasay, take a sunset wildlife spotting tour, or embark on a full-day trip to Rona. Great for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers.
Private Charters
- Red Moon Cruises (Website) – Offers private sailing, fishing, and diving trips.
- The Spirit of Adventure (Website) – Private charters available for wildlife watching and diving from Kyleakin.
- Viewfield House Sailing Trips (Website) – Half-day sailing experiences around Skye.
Skye Ferries
If you don’t have time for a boat trip when you visit Skye, consider taking one of the ferries on/off the island to give you an experience on the way.
- Glenelg Ferry – The world’s only remaining turntable ferry, running between Kylerhea on Skye and Glenelg on the mainland (April–October). No booking required for the 5 minute crossing. A fun, historic crossing with stunning views with frequent wildlife sightings.
- Mallaig to Armadale Ferry – A scenic route connecting the Isle of Skye with the mainland. A great way to incorporate a boat trip into your travel plans.
- Uig to Outer Hebrides Ferry – Connecting the Isle of Skye to Tarbert in the Isle of Harris and Lochmaddy in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides.
- Sconser to Isle of Raasay Ferry – Raasay is an island just off the Isle of Skye that is a great destination in it’s own right. It’s easy to do a day trip to visit the Raasay Distillery, Raasay House, take walks or drive up north to Calum’s Road. Or consider staying there and ferrying to Skye for a quieter trip.
Tips for Booking a Skye Boat Tour
- Book in advance – Especially in the summer months, boat tours can fill up quickly.
- Dress appropriately – The weather can be unpredictable, so bring warm layers and waterproofs.
- Check the weather conditions – Some tours may be canceled due to rough seas.
- Bring a camera – You won’t want to miss the incredible views and wildlife sightings!
- Be mindful of seasickness – If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before your trip.
A boat tour is one of the best ways to experience the Isle of Skye from a different perspective. Whether you want to marvel at dramatic landscapes, get up close to Scotland’s incredible wildlife, or explore hidden corners of the coastline, there’s a boat trip that’s perfect for you.
Many tours are family-friendly, some cater to adventure seekers, and Loch Coruisk trips are even dog-friendly—so there’s an option for everyone!
