Scotland · BOAT TRIPS IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 9 boat trips in the Scottish Highlands worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of the 12-hour Loch Ness and Highlands tour from Edinburgh, with Glencoe, a Loch Ness cruise, small-group travel, and practical tips.
“Kenny, the host was great! Very funny, informative and the perfect balance of communication, quite time, and suggested places to eat, etc. He was very helpful and really make this incredible trip even better!”
See Loch Ness, Glencoe, Loch Lomond and the Highlands from Glasgow on a small-group day tour with a 50-minute cruise.
“Do not look at the pictures that are posted because none of them are true. We did not see any castles. We did not see any cows. We did not stop at the carnigorms national Forest. We were rushed to eat lunch. There was no time for actual exploring. Each stop was less than five minutes to pee, and we were told to get directly back to the bus after the boat. We saw very few cows from very far away and drive by so fast could not get a pic, but according to the pictures posted online there are people petting them. I want a refund. This was nothing…”
Cruise Loch Linnhe from Fort William to Seal Island for seals, Ben Nevis views, local history, and a friendly two-hour Highland outing.
“Nice for a short cruise to see Loch Linnhe. Pricey for what you get. The only wildlife we saw were seals and a few seabirds. It poured rain on the way back and we got soaking wet as there isn’t much indoor seating.”
Cruise Loch Shiel from Glenfinnan for Harry Potter views, golden eagles, red deer, local history, and calm Highland scenery.
“Looking forward to it but sadly the boat broke down. I know these things happen but very disappointed. As we had almost got to the jetty.”
Cruise Loch Shiel from Glenfinnan for Highland views, Harry Potter filming sites, wildlife, and a possible Jacobite Express sighting.
“Best tour ever! We were so sad we couldn’t get tickets to the Jacobite train and did this tour just to see the train pass by! We saw it pass by and it was amazing. It was at a distance but still close enough to enjoy the view. As we passed by we saw huge crowds by the viaduct standing there trying to take pictures, at that moment I was thankful only 8 of us were on board enjoying a much better view. I guess to each its own. What really blew me away is that we cruised for about an hour into the water and we saw Harry Potter…”
Review of Fort William’s evening cruise on Loch Linnhe, with mountain views, local stories, wildlife chances, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“We had a fantastic time on your evening cruise. The captain and "first mate" were charming and so knowledgeable, while also being very entertaining. The most memorable part for me was steering the ship!”
Review of Fort William’s 60-minute Rib Adventure on Loch Linnhe, with Ben Nevis views, seals, speed, practical tips, and value advice.
“Loved this, fast so bit of excitement but stops to hear facts, very enjoyable and would go again 🙂👍”
Explore Ullapool’s wild Highland scenery, Ardvreck Castle, Knockan Crag, Corrieshalloch Gorge, and Leckmelm with a local guide.
“Absolutely fantastic tour! Avril is delightful and made our experience in Ullapool into one of the best days ever! She got us to the Inverewe Gardens just as they opened, so we were able to enjoy and explore before tour buses arrived. The gardens are gorgeous and, even with the typically wet Scottish weather, we thoroughly enjoyed them. The Corrieshalloch Gorge is magnificent and Avril surprised us with an unexpected stop at Leckmelm Gardens, which were super. The day was transformed, though, from a bunch of lovely places to an exceptional experience because of Avril. She is charming, knowledgeable and the best ambassador possible for the Scottish Highlands. Thanks to…”
Tour three Highland whisky distilleries from Invergordon with private transport, tastings, scenery, WiFi, and a flexible local guide.
“We spent a wonderful couple of days in the Highlands visiting multiple whisky distilleries outside Inverness. Craig was the perfect guide: friendly, professional, flexible, and highly knowledgeable of the area. I will certainly use him again on my next visit!”
Loch, castle, cask and close. Every kind of Scottish day, and the best of each.
