Set out from Portree on a 3.5-hour boat trip with Seaskye Tours, tracing Skye’s rugged west coast in search of whales, dolphins, and other wildlife against dramatic cliffs and mountain backdrops.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate; guests should be comfortable sitting and standing outdoors on a moving boat
Wildlife
History
The waters surrounding Skye have long been a hub for fishing and maritime trade, with local lore tied to shipwrecks and sea legends.
Conservation
Seaskye Tours follows strict environmental guidelines to minimize impact on wildlife and marine habitats, supporting sustainable adventure tourism.
Seaskye Tours
Set out from Portree on a 3.5-hour boat trip with Seaskye Tours, tracing Skye’s rugged west coast in search of whales, dolphins, and other wildlife against dramatic cliffs and mountain backdrops.
Seaskye Tours is a Portree-based boat tour operator that runs wildlife-focused excursions around the Isle of Skye. The business offers guided sea trips that highlight the natural history, coastal geology, and wildlife of the Inner Hebridean Sea. Seaskye Tours operates two primary experiences: the Hebridean Sea Wildlife Explorer, a 2-hour boat tour that features views of the Cuillins and nearby islands and is dog-friendly; and the West Coast Whale Trail, a 3.5-hour voyage covering over 35 nautical miles that searches for whales and dolphins along Skye’s west coast cliffs.
All trips depart from Portree harbour. Crews provide interpretive commentary on local wildlife, sea conditions, and maritime history, and offer guidance on safe, responsible wildlife viewing. Boats are prepared for short, scenic voyages and are suitable for a broad range of ages. Practical information is provided at booking, including meeting points in Portree, estimated trip durations, and advice on clothing for changing coastal weather.
Seaskye Tours emphasises responsible wildlife encounters and aims to minimise disturbance to animals during sightings. The company’s itineraries focus on maximizing opportunities to see seals, dolphins, sea eagles and, on the West Coast Whale Trail, possible whale sightings while delivering scenic views of the Cuillins and surrounding islands for visitors to the Isle of Skye.
Base Location
Portree, Scotland
Departures from Portree harbour
Trip Durations
2h & 3.5h
Short, half-day sea tours
Tours Offered
2 trips
Hebridean and West Coast routes
Dog Friendly
Hebridean Sea Wildlife Explorer
Dogs allowed on the 2-hour tour
Reserve a seat on the Hebridean Sea Wildlife Explorer or the West Coast Whale Trail — check trip times and availability for departures from Portree harbour.
Dress in layers with waterproof gear
Skye’s weather can shift rapidly—prepare for wind, rain, and cooler sea breezes on the boat.
Bring binoculars and a camera
Binoculars help spot distant wildlife, and a camera captures the towering cliffs and marine life encounters.
Prepare for seasickness
The Atlantic can be choppy; if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before boarding.
Arrive early for parking and check-in
Portree pier has limited parking near the RNLI station; plan extra time to ensure a smooth start.
Waterproof jacket and pants
Protects against wind and spray on the open sea.
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Warm layers
Keeps you comfortable during cooler stretches on the water.
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Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing beyond the boat.
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Motion sickness tablets
Helps prevent nausea in choppy conditions.
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