Top Boat Trips of the NC500
The North Coast 500 is, first and foremost, a driving route, but travelling by road isn’t the only way to see the beauty of the North Highlands!
Why not view the other side of the North Coast 500 with an exhilarating trip on a powerboat? Alternatively, you could monitor and survey Hebridean wildlife from one of the longest running wildlife operators in Europe. At the start or the end of your journey, explore the waters of the Moray Firth- here you’ll find pods of more than 200 bottlenose dolphins that live on the east coast. Alternatively, try searching for the Loch Ness monster – you have to sail it to believe it!
Read up about some of our recommended boat trips below, and head out on the open water to see the North Highlands from a very different angle.
Take a trip on a RIB with Eco Ventures
Based in the beautiful town of Cromarty at the heart of the Cromarty Firth, EcoVentures specialises in marine wildlife watching trips using a custom built 9.5 metre RIB. Their trips frequently encounter bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, minke whales and a wide variety of seabirds. An informative commentary is given throughout the trip, with refreshments provided, as well as waterproof clothing, lifejackets, headbands and goggles. Sailings depart daily from Cromarty Harbour, starting in April and running until the end of October, although booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment. What’s more, by booking with Eco Ventures, you’ll be secure in the knowledge that the company aims to run all their trips in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner. Eco Ventures are fully accredited with the Dolphin Space Programme, and with the WiSe Scheme.
Explore the stunning coastline of Wester Ross with Suilven Sea Charters!
Suilven Sea Charters boat trips offer stunning views of the spectacular coastline and mountains of Sutherland and Wester Ross, and if the exceptional views weren’t enough, you also have a chance to spot some of the local wildlife! Learn all about the local waters and it’s inhabitants from the experts! Their experienced skipper Campbell has extensive knowledge of the waters around Assynt, Coigach and Eddrachillis, having worked in commercial fishery and fish farming since the mid 1980s.
These two hour sight seeing boat trips sail daily from Lochinver Marina aboard the North Star.
Sail with Caithness Seacoast
Join the Geo Explorer for an exciting tour of the East Caithness coastline. Here, you’ll explore caves, Whaligoe Haven, castles, natural arches and much, much more. With an informative commentary throughout, these Seacoast trips are family-friendly and suited to adults and children aged 4 years and above, providing seating for up to 12 passengers and fitted with twin outboard engines for improved safety. Enjoy close-up views of seasonal nesting birds and marine wildlife as you cruise at up to 25 knots – as long as sea conditions allow. While these coastal tours are not recommended for children under 4 years old, Seacoast offer leisurely cruises of the harbour and bay, each of which lasts for half an hour – perfect for smaller children. Sailing times are flexible, depending on demand.
John o’Groats Ferries
Wildlife Cruises are available from 20 June to 31 August daily from John O’Groats. Departing John O’Groats 2.30pm for 90 mins. No booking is required. Just turn up at the ferry office in John O’Groats by 2.15pm and buy your ticket. Capacity is 250 pax. Enjoy a spectacular afternoon cruise. Arctic skuas, storm petrels, colonies of guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, Atlantic grey seals and much more! You may be lucky enough to see some killer whales. Plenty sightings throughout the summer.
If you wish to tie in a trip to Orkney, we offer day trips from John o’Groats or Inverness daily between May and September.
West Highland Marine
Take a tour around the world famous Inverewe Garden peninsula and beyond with West Highland Marine. Join west coaster Jamie Elder on a two hour cruise for your chance to encounter a wide range of marine wildlife and bird life. As a scallop diver, Jamie knows every nook and cranny of the sea bed below and you will be sure his knowledge makes for a fun and informative day out. He might even tell you of the day he found an unexploded WW2 bomb!
Photos: West Highland Marine & Inverewe Gardens
