Water tours and activities Scotland

All year round, the famous Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises organize trips on the loch between 1h and 6h30, from several departure points. The varied possibilities make the offer very complete and popular. Indeed, it is possible to walk along the Caledonian canal and the loch, with views of Urquhart Castle, to discover the superb Aldourie Castle (luxury establishment), the Bona lighthouse... Several cruises include entrance fees to paying sites. The boat is well equipped, with toilets on board and the possibility to buy food and drinks.

Bella Jane Boat Trips and its AquaXplore cruises offer sea trips departing from Elgol in high season. The offer is very varied and includes short crossings to Loch Coruisk and Les Cuillin, as well as trips of a few hours or a day to Soay Island and the Small Islands. You should see many marine animals, including seals, and breathtaking scenery. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate or fruit juice are available during the trip. Tours are for a maximum of 40 people.

Whether you are interested in marine wildlife, the scenery of Skye, or a cruise to Rum and Canna, Misty Isle Boat Trips has something for you. Each outing includes a trip through the beautiful Loch Coruisk, in the heart of the Cuillin, and simple shuttles are also available. There are several durations to choose from, depending on your time and budget. Chances are you'll see basking sharks, dolphins, killer whales and rorquals. In the summer, it is even possible to observe puffins, as they nest on Canna Island.

As well as Orkney crossings and guided day trips, John O'Groats Ferries organises Wildlife Cruises to see the huge and beautiful coastline of the surrounding area up close. Many marine animals will meet your path and you will approach the gigantic Stacks of Duncansby. The day tours also allow you to visit Orkney and its heritage, with bus transport between the different sites. It is also possible to simply take the ferry, without a guided tour.

Cruise Loch Ness embarks its clients for several types of cruises, the main one lasts 1 hour to the south of the loch, to explore its beauty and track down Nessie. Indeed, the boat is equipped with a high-end sonar that broadcasts live images of the bottom of the loch: if the monster is around, no doubt you will surprise it! Other outings in the evening or to Uquhart Castle are also organised. The boat is equipped with toilets. Snacks are available. Good to know: when you book online, you get a 10% discount.

Loch Ness Cruises takes you for an hour on the waters of the mysterious loch in search of the very discreet monster. What's the name of the boat? The Nessie Hunter! Quite a program... The ride on the water goes to the deepest point of the loch, where it is most likely that the monster has found refuge. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the magnificent Urquhart castle. Commentary is available in 20 languages (including French) on the history of the Nessie phenomenon and departures are every hour except at 1pm.

This company proposes to make you discover the marvellous coast of Caithness by embarking with them for sea outings from 30 minutes to 3 hours. On the program: castles, stacks, lighthouses, cliffs and a rich maritime fauna. If you are with a family with young children, the 30-minute tour of the harbour at low speed will be particularly suitable. Depending on your desire for adventure, you can reach the picturesque village of Lybster, discover Keith's castle or the port and steps of Whaligoe.

Formerly Summer Queen Cruises, the Shearwater Cruises operate at least two sea trips a day to meet the local wildlife and the small Summer Islands. These are located at the mouth of the Lochbroom in the Wester Ross. The cruise lasts 2h15. It takes you to see seals, porpoises, whales, but also to the Cathedral Cave (near Tanera Beag), the Tanera Mhor anchorage and the Coigach Peninsula. Reservation is mandatory and the wearing of warm clothing highly recommended and ideally binoculars.

What better to discover the Loch Lomond than a cruise? At the beginning of Balloch, Sweeney's Cruises lift anchors for several times on the waves of varied durations, as well as the Balloch-Luss and Luss-Balmaha shuttles. The 1 h Experience Cruise is the only one that works every day of the year, while others are sometimes reduced to weekends and off-season holidays. Check out the online planners.

Departing from the Lonchinver marina, the Cam-Mac Boat Trip company takes you on a one and a half hour cruise around the coast of Assynt. Reservations are not obligatory: just go to the marina. Don't forget to dress warmly and bring your binoculars. You will see Achmelvich Bay, Hermit's Castle and Split Rock. Other trips are possible, as well as private outings.

Choose this organization to go whale watching, seals, dolphins, basking sharks and many others. With a duration of 1h30 or 4 hours, this company offers cruises on the waters of the island to discover its extraordinary fauna. The first one, named "Ecocruz", is ideal for families, as it stays on calm waters. The second one ventures further and can allow you to see whales. Go to the website to see the offers and book your choice. Departures take place on the docks after the distillery.

Why not discover the protected waters of Loch Torridon from a sailboat? Excursions can be half-day or full-day trips, and go beyond the loch to the Minch waters and the Outer Hebrides. They are limited to 4 people per getaway. It is up to you, according to your desires, to participate in the manoeuvres or to devote yourself only to observing the magnificent landscapes that surround you. With a bit of luck, you will see seals and white-tailed sea eagles, specific to Shieldaig Island.

The island of May, with its superb lighthouse and its rich ornithological fauna (puffins, penguins, cormorants, guillemots...), can be discovered from Anstruther, aboard the May Princess. The cruise is organized around a crossing, comments on the landscapes and wildlife, and time on site to explore the wild beauties of the island. A National Nature Reserve, it is a haven of peace and a concentrate of magnificent landscapes and panoramas.