Top The Scottish Highlands Nature and Wildlife Tours

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye on a 10-hour day trip through the Scottish Highlands. Pass through glens and rugged mountain scenery, with stops at Loch Ness, Broadford and the ruins of Eilean Donan Castle, before reaching the purple heather–swathed hillsides of Skye. Then see the isle of Eilean Ban on the journey back to Inverness.

Set sail across the misty waters of Loch Ness and discover the eerie legend of the Loch Ness Monster on this sightseeing cruise from Inverness. Cruise past the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle as you explore one of Britain’s largest freshwater lakes and use the ship’s sonar system to seek out the loch’s notorious resident.

Take on the UK's highest mountain and experience the best of the Scottish countryside on this 8-hour Ben Nevis hike from Fort William. Follow a guide along rugged trails to the peak of Ben Nevis, and gain insight into the wildlife and geology for which the mountain is famous. Along the way, admire spectacular views over the surrounding lakes, forests, peaks and valleys. Enjoy the feeling of achievement at the top, then perhaps finish your day with a refreshing pint back at base!

This biking tour around Inverness takes you to more places than you'd see on foot and to places that buses and cars cannot reach. The Waterways Tour rides along the River Ness and The Caledonian Canal, making many stops along the way to learn about the area from your guide who has lived in Inverness all their life.

Your Guide will accompany you up and down the Ben Nevis Mountain path. They are there to provide you with advice and information about the path and the history and nature of Ben Nevis. Your Guide will know the mountain well and will be fully qualified and insured for the activity that they are leading.

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s spectacular natural landscapes on a day tour of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness. In a small group limited to eight, visit Loch Ness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster at Chanonry Point. Plus, stop at the Clava Cairns (Stones of Clava), Culloden Battlefield, and Glen Ord Whisky Distillery.

Take a break from the city on a full-day trip through the Isle of Skye with convenient round-trip transport from central Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide offers commentary about the area’s top landmarks, including Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Bring your camera: This trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural landscape.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Check out the Isle of Skye on a day trip from Inverness. With a Scottish local in a kilt as your driver-guide, you’ll discover the history behind the island plus some famous landmarks along the way. Pass Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, then cross Skye Bridge to spend time on the island itself. Visit the town of Portree, travel through the Cuillin mountains, and discover beguiling natural sights such as the Old Man of Storr. Numbers are limited to just eight people for a small-group experience.

From ancient ruins to cinematic landscapes, Loch Ness to Ben Nevis, see the Scottish Highlands’ key sights in the space of a single day. With just a small group for company, travel by climate-controlled bus, and trade the bustle of Inverness for the beauty of the countryside. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous in the 'Harry Potter' films), and more.

Seek out Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, on a 2-hour cruise from Dochgarroch Lock. The boat is fitted with a special Nessie sonar, but if the elusive monster doesn’t show up, the area's other sights will charm you instead. Pass along the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the crash site of a World War II bomber. You'll learn about the loch’s history and legends as you cruise.

We leave behind the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, for a full-day adventure to the magical Isle of Skye. We drive along the world-famous Loch Ness - home of the elusive monster – and onwards through the mountains towards the west coast. Majestic mountains give way to vast sea lochs, once used by Vikings as an access route to our lands. We stop at the romantic Eilean Donan Castle with time for you to explore inside. After crossing the Skye Bridge, learn about the island’s myths and legends, as well as the true tales of rival clans and a fugitive prince. Enjoy lunch in the main town of Portee and visit the colourful harbor. Explore the Isle of Skye’s stunning coastline, and marvel at the Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, and Kilt Rock. Take in the last of Skye’s otherworldly landscape as we drive through the Highlands back to Inverness.

Speyside is widely considered the home of Scottish single malt whisky, with historic distilleries using only the freshest local produce in time-honored tradition. On this tour, visit four Speyside distilleries from Inverness—with your guide at the wheel—and sample the diverse single malts in production. Enjoy sweeping views over the Spey Valley countryside, and find out how whisky has been made the traditional Scottish way here for centuries.

Escape the mainland for a full-day tour of the far-flung Orkney Islands from John O’Groats. Journey by ferry across the Pentland Firth to the wind-swept Orkney archipelago, bursting with postcard-perfect natural vistas and mystical landmarks. With a local guide, cruise along the Churchill Barriers to visit villages steeped in Viking mystery like 5,000-year-old Skara Brae and landmarks like the Lamb Holm Italian Chapel and St. Magnus Cathedral.

Explore Loch Ness at your own pace on this independent 1-day cycle tour from Inverness. Hop on your bike in Bellfield Park and — with your map and directions to hand — head into rural Scotland toward Loch Ness. Head along winding country roads at your leisure and enjoy fine views over the countryside scenery. Spin through the peaceful village of Dores to the banks of Loch Ness, then perhaps enjoy lunch in a local café before strolling along the shoreline. Bike hire, map and directions are included on this tour.

Set sail for a scenic summer cruise from John O'Groats, Scotland’s northernmost point, and enjoy wildlife spotting along the windswept Pentland Firth. Keep a lookout for Atlantic grey seals, puffins, porpoise and whales as you pass by dramatic sea cliffs and deserted islands on the boat ride, then watch as flocks of guillemots, arctic skuas, and kittiwakes swoop overhead.

Check a visit to John O’Groats, the northernmost point on British mainland, off your bucket list on a full-day tour through the Northern Highlands with convenient round-trip transport from Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide provides live commentary and anecdotes about each stop on the itinerary, from Dunrobin Castle to lunch in the ancient Viking town of Wick (own expense).

This cruise takes you on an adventure in to the wilderness. Starting in the busy Glenfinnan area where we describe all the sights and detail the history of the village both old and modern. We soon whisk you off down the loch to the land of eagles, deer, Harry Potter landmarks and the home of the MacDonalds of Glenaladale. Gaskan cottage was the home of well known naturalist Mike Tomkies for many years whilst he studied and wrote of the local wildlife, especially the eagles and wildcats there. It can only be accessed by boat or very long walk so this part of the loch is very serene and unspoilt.

This is a Tour that you cannot miss out on when you are up in the Highlands. The road trip alone is filled with jaw dropping views that would make you want to stop at every point. Our selection will ensure you get to see the best of the best. The Isle of Skye is as magical as it can get, that even dark rain clouds cannot ruin. You will find yourself counting rainbows along the way. You can sit back, relax and reserve your energy. Enjoy the unique Scottish landscape on the way to the Isle of Skye as your experienced Tour Guide takes you from one to another destination. Get acquainted with interesting stories of Highland Culture, Tartans, Kilts, Folklore and more. Please know that the Itinerary can change at any time due to unforeseen situations like Castle private events, Operating hours of Exhibition Centres, Distilleries, etc. Rest assured that we can take you to other equally amazing alternative Attraction.

Above and Beyond Tours offer personal, bespoke tours, exploring hidden gems and spectacular scenery that Caithness has in abundance. Guides are local, friendly and passionate about their home county, sharing their knowledge and stories at a slower pace offering the opportunity to slowdown, be mindful and appreciate our beautiful area on the furthermost tip of Scotland. We are fully flexible and can organise a short walking tour or put together a complete package to create a unique day out.

Cruise through history and modern culture all at the same time! Harry Potter and historic monuments, you will learn about them both. Loch Shiel has featured in many films, Highlander in the 80s and now Harry Potter has brought it worldwide fame. This cruise can also be great for spotting Golden eagles up above the mountains, red deer on the hill sides and other water birds such as the Black Throated Diver (Loon). Glenaladale is a beautiful glen, secluded from the busy world. It is an area famous for being a home of the MacDonald clan, for centuries the MacDonalds worked the land and lived here but later were forced to leave for new starts further afield. The glen still attracts people visiting the home of their ancestors from all over the world. There is a toilet on board and a well stocked bar with malt whiskies as well as a good selection of wine, spirits, soft drinks, snacks and hot drinks. Please park at the main Glenfinnan car park and walk down to the jetty if possible.

Spend the day exploring Scottish scenery and whisky on a full-day tour from Inverness to Cairngorms National Park and the Glenfiddich Distillery. Join an experienced guide for a trip through the park’s scenic highlights, then learn the secrets of Scottish distilling at a family-owned distillery that makes the best-selling single malt whisky on earth. This tour includes round-trip transport from Inverness in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and is limited to sixteen people for a personal experience.

Discover many of the Scottish Highlands’ highlight attractions—as well as locals-frequented areas that many tourists miss—on this full-day tour from Inverness. Meet in the city center, and set off with just a small group for company. Visit scenic Loch Ness and Glen Affric, and explore Plodda Falls: one of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls (take a plunge, if you wish). You’ll also drop by charming villages, will stop for refreshments (own expense), and more.

Challenge yourself against Scotland’s highest mountain peak on this private 9-hour tour of Ben Nevis from Fort William. Hike along rugged trails up the flank of mighty Ben Nevis with a private guide. On route to the top, enjoy panoramic views over the Scottish Highlands’ soaring peaks and plummeting valleys. On arrival at the summit, discover features such as the ruins of a disused observatory. Take a break on the stony plateau, then enjoy the descent back to base-level below.