Set out on a captivating journey through the enchanting waters of the Scottish Highlands with the Isle of Skye Glass-Bottom Boat Tour. This unique excursion offers a rare glimpse into the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, where you can spot seals, jellyfish, and lush kelp forests. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll also explore the historic WWII shipwreck, HMS Port Napier, while taking in the breathtaking scenery that has drawn visitors to this stunning region for centuries. With flexible booking and a free cancellation policy, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages. What secrets await beneath the waves of the Isle of Skye?
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Kyle Of Lochalsh.
Key Points
- Experience the stunning Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye from a unique underwater perspective on a glass-bottom boat tour.
- Observe a variety of marine life, including seals, fish, jellyfish, starfish, and more, through the boat’s glass-bottom viewing gallery.
- Explore captivating kelp forests and visit a WWII shipwreck during the 1-2 hour tour, operated daily from Easter to October 31st.
- Enjoy scenic views of the Skye Bridge, Skye, and Lochalsh, with live English-speaking guides providing commentary.
- Flexible booking options and pricing structure cater to different age groups, making the tour accessible for all.
Tour Overview
The Isle of Skye Boat Tour is located in the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the island’s captivating marine life.
Priced from $26.43 per person, this 1-2 hour tour operates regular daily trips from Easter to October 31st.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour takes guests on a scenic cruise aboard the semi-submersible glass-bottom boat, the Seaprobe Atlantis.
While the underwater viewing gallery isn’t wheelchair accessible, the boat itself is.
Travelers can expect to see a variety of marine creatures, including seals, fish, jellyfish, starfish, urchins, crabs, and anemones, as well as the WWII shipwreck, HMS Port Napier, and the beautiful kelp forests.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kyle Of Lochalsh.
Experience Highlights
A highlight of the Isle of Skye Boat Tour is the unique semi-submersible glass-bottom boat, the Seaprobe Atlantis.
This innovative vessel allows visitors to marvel at the underwater world of the Scottish Highlands. From the comfort of the boat, they can observe an array of marine life, including:
- Seals, fish, jellyfish, starfish, urchins, crabs, and anemones
- Captivating kelp forests
- The remains of the WWII shipwreck, HMS Port Napier
The scenic cruise also offers breathtaking views of the Skye Bridge, Skye, and Lochalsh, providing a well-rounded experience for participants.
Booking and Cancellation
One can easily book the Isle of Skye Boat Tour online or by phone, with free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. The tour caters to a range of participants, including adults (16-99), youth (13-15), children (4-12), and infants (3 and younger).
| Participant | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $26.43 |
| Youth | $23.78 |
| Children | $14.66 |
| Infants | Free |
This flexibility ensures that visitors of all ages can enjoy the unique semi-submersible glass-bottom boat experience, exploring the underwater world around the Isle of Skye.
Directions and Meeting Point
Getting to the meeting point for the Isle of Skye Boat Tour is straightforward, depending on one’s starting location.
From Ft William or Inverness, it’s a 2-hour drive to Kyle, with the ticket office located 8 miles after Eilean Donan Castle.
For those coming from the Isle of Skye, cross the Skye Bridge, and the ticket office will be at the second set of traffic lights.
Travelers arriving from the Mallaig or Armadale ferry should follow the road to Broadford, turn right at the crossroads, and continue on to Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Starting from Ft William/Inverness: 2-hour drive to Kyle, ticket office 8 miles past Eilean Donan Castle
- Coming from Isle of Skye: Cross Skye Bridge, ticket office at second set of traffic lights
- Arriving from Mallaig/Armadale ferry: Follow road to Broadford, turn right at crossroads, continue to Kyle of Lochalsh
Customer Feedback
The overall rating for the Isle of Skye Boat Tour stands at 4.3 out of 5 based on 36 customer reviews. Customers consistently praise the tour’s transportation, rating it 4.7 out of 5. However, the value for money received a slightly lower rating of 4.2. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, as well as the varied wildlife sightings, though these can be dependent on the season. Some attendees noted occasional audio issues in the underwater viewing area. The table below provides a more detailed breakdown of the customer feedback:
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.3/5 |
| Transportation | 4.7/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2/5 |
| Guide Experience | Positive |
| Wildlife Sightings | Seasonal |
| Underwater Audio | Some Issues |
Prices and Packages
The tour offers a range of pricing options to accommodate different budgets and group sizes.
Adult tickets start at $26.43 per person, while youth and child tickets are priced at $21.95 and $13.22, respectively. Family packages are also available, providing a discounted rate for groups of two adults and up to three children.
- Adult (16-99): $26.43
- Youth (13-15): $21.95
- Child (4-12): $13.22
- Infants (3 and younger): Free
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to three days in advance for a full refund.
This ensures customers can plan their trip with confidence and without financial risk.
What to Expect
Passengers aboard the semi-submersible Seaprobe Atlantis will enjoy an underwater glass-bottom boat experience, providing unparalleled views of the vibrant marine life and historical shipwreck along the Isle of Skye coastline.
From the comfort of the boat’s seating, guests can observe a diverse array of sea creatures, including seals, fish, jellyfish, starfish, urchins, crabs, and anemones.
The tour also explores the region’s stunning kelp forests and the remains of the WWII shipwreck, HMS Port Napier.
Along the way, the scenic cruise under the iconic Skye Bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Highlands and lochs.
Additional Information
Along With the captivating underwater views, the Isle of Skye Boat Tour offers several other conveniences for visitors.
The tour is wheelchair accessible with assistance, though the underwater viewing gallery isn’t accessible. Participants can choose from a variety of ticket types, including adults, youth, children, and infants.
The tour also provides free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
- Variety of ticket types available
- Free cancellation up to 3 days in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Spot Wildlife?
The best time to spot wildlife on the tour is during the peak season from Easter to October 31st. Warmer weather and longer daylight hours increase the chances of seeing seals, fish, and other marine life.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the glass-bottom boat tour. However, there’s no mention of a dedicated dining area, so it’s recommended to pack light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Is There a Photography Guide or Tips Provided?
The tour doesn’t provide a dedicated photography guide, but it notes that the glass-bottom boat offers good photo opportunities of the marine life and underwater shipwreck. Visitors should bring their own cameras and familiarize themselves with taking photos in a moving boat.
What Should I Wear or Bring for the Boat Tour?
For the boat tour, one should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring sun protection like a hat or sunglasses. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera or binoculars to capture the marine life and scenic views.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Needs Accommodations?
The tour has age restrictions, with participants ranging from adults aged 16-99, youth 13-15, children 4-12, and infants 3 and younger. The tour is wheelchair accessible with assistance, though the underwater viewing gallery is inaccessible.
Recap
The Isle of Skye Glass-Bottom Boat Tour offers a unique and breathtaking way to explore the Scottish Highlands. With its affordable pricing, flexible booking, and knowledgeable guides, this 1-2 hour adventure provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness the region’s marine life and stunning scenery. Whether you’re seeking a family outing or a memorable day trip, this tour is an accessible and enjoyable experience for all ages.
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