Scotland · WILDLIFE

The 7 Wildlife Tours in Scotland That Earn Their Price

7 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.9 average  ·  from $61

Good wildlife tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Wildlife Watching Safari by Vehicle & Walks / Photography workshops with a Guide - The viewing kit: binoculars, telescope, and a spotting scope
Guided, Photography Sessions, Safari, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Workshops

Wildlife Watching Safari by Vehicle & Walks / Photography workshops with a Guide

1.Wildlife Watching Safari by Vehicle & Walks / Photography workshops with a Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $248Our pick

Private wildlife and photography workshop across South Skye with Stewart Dawber. Borrow spotting gear, learn ethical tracking, picnic included.

“Stewart is knowledgeable, witty and fun company. We spent a few memorable hours together as he shared more about how to appreciate the animals. It was a delightful and enjoyable experience. What we manage to do: i) spotted the lone otter snacking in the waters around the island under the Skyre bridge, ii) learnt more about the lighthouse and how it used to function, iii) sighted a group of Scottish Red deer, a cuckoo, a Goldenhead Eagle (elusive but rewarding as we waited). Absolutely wonderful!”

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Walking Wildlife History Tour in Edinburgh - Colinton Station and Tunnel mural: the first lesson is how to look
Edinburgh Tours & Activities, Guided Walks in Edinburgh, Historical Tours, History Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Wildlife

Walking Wildlife History Tour in Edinburgh

3.Walking Wildlife History Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $61Best value

Wildlife and history on a small-group Edinburgh walk along the Water of Leith and Union Canal, with binoculars and bird spotting.

“We had a fantastic time on this tour and are so happy that it caught our eye on Viator. Julian was an amazing guide, and he did a really good job of taking the walk at our pace with frequent stops for bird spotting. The walk was mostly flat, which made it easy to traverse. Julian was so knowledgeable about nature and the history of Edinburgh and the surrounding areas we explored. This experience was an amazing view into many varied areas we would never have explored otherwise. He provided high-quality binoculars and even different whiskies for a tasting which really elevated the experience. We were able to identify 21…”

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Wildlife Watching Boat Tour - The RIB boarding moment: step down, balance, and non slip shoes
Boat Trips in Invergordon, Cruises & Boat Tours, Invergordon Tours & Activities, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Wildlife Watching Boat Tour

4.Wildlife Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102

A small-group RIB tour from Invergordon combining wildlife spotting in two firths with hands-on local sea stories and a war grave stop.

“This tour was worth every penny! Whilst we weren't lucky enough to spot the dolphins this time, we had a brilliant tour with a knowledgeable local skipper. We learned about the WW1 shipwreck lying just outside the harbour, saw ol abandoned (but well maintained) fishing bothies, WW2 lookout buildings and a huge amount of native sea birds that the skipper told us all about. It was a lovely small group, giving a personal feel, and the hot chocolate and biscuits on board was a lovely touch.”

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Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Scottish Wildlife Centre from Edin. - The Mythical Horse Statues and a Royal Castle Drive-by You Should Still Enjoy
Edinburgh Tours & Activities, Guided Walks in Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands Day Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Wildlife

Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Scottish Wildlife Centre from Edin.

5.Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Scottish Wildlife Centre from Edin.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $937

Private Edinburgh day trip to Highland cows, an alpaca forest walk, and a deer wildlife center, with pickup, snacks, and great value.

“Adam was our tour guide for the day, and not only was he extremely friendly and personable, he provided waters, snacks, and other items to ensure we were taken care of for the day.”

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Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Visit a Scottish Wildlife Centre - Craigies Farm: Highland cows close up, plus a farm shop café lunch stop
Glasgow Tours & Activities, Guided Walks in Glasgow, Scottish Highlands Day Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Wildlife

Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Visit a Scottish Wildlife Centre

Inverness Tours & Activities, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whisky Tastings & Distillery Visits, Whisky Tastings in Inverness, Wildlife

From Inverness: Whisky, Wildlife and Coasts Tour

7.Whisky, Wildlife and Coasts Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 10 hours 15 minutes (approx.)

From Inverness, tour Moray Firth beaches, Cullen skink, Troup Head wildlife, and a Speyside distillery whisky tasting.

“My husband and I had the best time! It was such a magical experience. Tabby and Emily are so much fun and so knowledgeable about the history, wildlife and culture of Scotland. We also had a lot of time to take photos of landscapes and check out local shops. The views were out of this world! We feel so lucky to have experienced Scotland with these two amazing women as our tour guides. We will never forget this trip, they truly made our day so special.”

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Scottish Highlands Day Tours215Edinburgh Tours & Activities596Loch Ness Cruises & Day Tours120Whisky Tastings & Distillery Visits117Scottish Castle Tours196Isle of Skye Day Tours86
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