islay boat tours

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Islay Sea Adventures

Islay’s only boat tour company. Offering unique opportunities to get up close to Islay's wildlife such as red deer stags, white-tailed eagles and harbour seals. Also enjoy Islay's stunning coastline, taste local delicious seafood, try your hand at sea fishing, and much much more.

Islay Sea Adventures are Islay's only 5 star boat tour company based on the beautiful Isle of Islay. We offer a unique way to explore Islay through our wide variety of trips.

We have five charter boats all offering a range of facilities to suit everyone’s needs. We can cater for all experiences- if you want a gentle cruise wildlife spotting, or a leisurely day of fishing, we have our hard boats with onboard indoor amenities. For those seeking an adrenaline-filled spin, we have two covered RIBs and our Luxury RIB offering a faster paced and thrilling ride. Our RIBs and hard boats can also be used for private charters and comfortable journeys for those travelling further afield. Each boat can take up to 12 passengers for a more personal experience. 

Take a look at our Instagram , Facebook , Youtube  video  and read our reviews on TripAdvisor . By far, our most popular trip is our  Wildlife  Trip. Starting at Port Ellen Marina, we will take you along the south-east coast of Islay, where your Skippers will tell you about some of Islay’s history and heritage. You will then take in the three distilleries located on this area of the island- Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, learning a bit about each of them. After this, we then carry on to Islay’s Special Area of Conservation which is only viewable from the sea. Here there is an abundance of wildlife including a large seal colony, red deer, lots of bird life and some of the best scenery the island has to offer. Sometimes we even spot dolphins and white-tailed eagles, and more rarely, basking sharks. 

Not into wildlife? Try your hand at our  Fishing  tours out on the sea. With two experienced fishermen at your side, you'll try to catch some fish to take home for your supper, such as Pollock and Mackerel. Bring along a suitable container for your catch! 

We also offer Dawn, Dusk and Mull of Oa trips. These trips along with our Wildlife and Fishing tours are £58pp (£48 Children). They all last around 2.5 hours. Want to see the world's third largest whirlpool? Join us on our  Corryvreckan Whirlpool Tours  . These tours are tidal dependent, to coincide with when Corryveckan is at it's strongest, so only run a few dyas each month to give our customers the ultimate experince. A great tour for thrill seekers. This tour lasts around 3 hours. Islay Seafood Special  - a tour which combines amazing wildlife, beautiful scenery and delicious local seafood. This tour follows the same route as our Wildlife tour mentioned above. Once in the calm waters of the Special Area of Conservation, also known as the South-East Islay Skerries, you will be treated to some of the freshest seafood imaginable. All within a few miles from the sea to the BBQ, it doesn’t get any fresher! Islay hand-dived scallops are the star of the show and will always be available with other seafood subject to availability. Typically, the platter consists of Islay Lobster and Islay Crab, with Islay Langoustines sometimes making an appearance. We will also provide fresh bread, salad, homemade sauces and maybe even a wee dram! This is a unique chance to enjoy the scenery and wildlife that Islay has to offer whilst sampling some of the best local produce available. Please let us know if you have any allergies prior to booking, and please also be aware that dogs are not allowed on our seafood trips. This tour lasts around 3 hours.

Above trips as well as many others are also available by Private Charter . But if you are looking for something more bespoke, get in touch with us to design your next adventure. Some popular private charters include day trips to Ballycastle in Northern Ireland, Isle of Gigha, Staffa & Iona, Jura and Colonsay. 

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route

Accessibility

• Partial wheelchair access
• Ramp to main entrance
• Suitable for visitors with limited mobility
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available

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Accommodation, attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.

Islay Sea Adventures , based in Port Ellen Marina, offers a wide range of fantastic boat trips, mainly from Port Ellen with some from Port Askaig. One of the best ways to discover Islay is to witness the incredibly varied wildlife in its waters by seeing the island from a boat. Viewing the three Kildalton distilleries (Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg) from close quarters on a boat deck is another highlight.

Islay Sea Adventures is currently operating four boats. The Wavedancer is used for wildlife and fishing trips but is also hired for commercial work and surveys. The Iain Og "Yellow Boat" is used for seafood and private charter trips . The Storo provides additional comfort and protection for longer journeys or for standard trips in inclement weather. Finally, the Sea Explorer is a fast and quiet open RIB used for for wildlife trips, speed thrills and adrenaline seekers!

Wildlife Trip

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, sea life spotter or just want to see some of Islay’s beautiful coastline, the twice daily wildlife trips offer the chance to see some rare sights. You will also learn a lot about the history and culture of Islay, even getting to see a 16 th  century castle.

Starting at Port Ellen Marina, you are taken along the south-east coast of Islay. You will then see the three distilleries Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. Next is Islay’s Special Area of Conservation (only viewable from the sea). The abundance of wildlife includes a large seal colony, red deer, lots of bird life and some of the best scenery the island has to offer. Sometimes you can even spot dolphins and white-tailed eagles, and more rarely, basking sharks and minke whales. 

Mull of Oa Trip

The Mull of Oa is a dramatic and rugged part of Islay’s coastline. The boat heads west from Port Ellen, passing beautiful hidden beaches. Then it heads towards Beinn Mhor, the highest hill on the Oa peninsula, and Dun Athad, a dramatic headland. Here, with luck you may see golden eagles, choughs and ravens soaring high round the cliffs above. There is also a small seabird colony nearby where Kittiwakes breed. 

You will get a unique view of the American Monument, a stone memorial tower which stands 20m high on the 130m high cliff top. 

Weather conditions permitting, the boat then heads further round the Mull of Oa towards Soldiers Rock, a large sea stack not easy to reach by land. Around here there are more possibilities to spot golden eagles soaring. Near the sea stack are some small sea caves where seabirds lurk round the green copper-stained entrances. 

Along the journey, seals, porpoise and dolphins can also often be spotted.

Days and times for these trips vary seasonally and are weather dependent, so be sure to check availability beforehand .

Corryvreckan Trip

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool (the third largest in the world), is a narrow strait situated between the islands of Jura and Scarba. This tidal phenomenon is caused by a large volume of tidal water travelling through the Sound of Jura. As the passage narrows, the water takes the easiest escape route. As the water travels it encounters two major obstructions, a 219m hole and a 130m high pinnacle of basalt rock. As the water passes over these topographic features it gathers speed, and once at the pinnacle you may witness the whirlpool effect.

This trip is not for the faint hearted, covering one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles.

You are also likely to witness a variety of wildlife en route from the departure point at Port Askaig.

Availability for this longer three hour trip is shown on the booking system and is dependent on tidal state and weather conditions.

Private Trip

For something different, special and uniquely memorable, you may want to opt for a private trip. Here are just a few examples of the many types of private charter available:

Private day trip to Ballycastle and return to Islay.

Fast taxi transfers for golfers between Islay, the mainland, and Northern Ireland.

Luxury seafood trip, complete with Champagne and a selection of local seafood produce, including hand-dived scallops delivered to you by your own personal diver.

Whisky tours from the water- private taxi between distilleries (where accessible).

Boat hire for engagements, weddings, and birthday celebrations.

Fishing Trip

Sea-fishing trips provide a fun couple of hours out on the water. Whether you’re experienced at fishing or have never tried it before, this trip is a great way to see some of the coastline and catch some fish.

The trip includes all the equipment you will need, and you will be guided by experienced fisherman, with local knowledge of the landscape, tides and reefs. You are likely to catch a variety of fish, such as tope, mackerel, skate, pollock, cod or saith. You are then welcome to take your catch home and cook and enjoy later.

This trip is around 2-2.5 hours long and is suitable for children aged 8+. We do also allow well-behaved dogs onboard, but this is always at the skipper’s discretion.

The trips run almost every day , weather permitting, throughout the summer, departing from Port Ellen Marina. 

Islay Sea Adventures

Join Islay’s only 5* wildlife experience

We are Islay's only boat tour company. We offer a range of tours, including wildlife, fishing, seafood and Corryveckan.

• Looking for something bespoke and personal? We also offer private charters where you can choose the time, destination and adventure.
• Popular charters include, but are not limited to - luxury seafood tours, transfers to neighbouring islands, Northern Ireland & mainland Scotland, private whisky tours by water, half-day fishing trips, and boat hire for engagements, weddings and birthday celebrations.
• We have five charter boats, all offering a range of facilities to suit everyone's needs and can cater to all experiences.
• Our popular wildlife trips last around 2.5 hours, passing three of Islay's world-famous distilleries and Dunyvaig Castle ruins.
• For those seeking an adrenaline-filled spin, we have both open and closed RIBS offering a faster-paced and thrilling ride.
• Our covered RIB 'Storo' can also provide comfortable journeys to those travelling further afield, such as Northern Ireland.
• We also have a larger rigid boat for a more gentle tour, offering large deck areas and toilets. Each tour allows you to get close to wildlife, such as red deer stags, white-tailed eagles, seabirds and harbour seals, and a chance to spot rarer species, such as bottlenose dolphins.

We are based in Port Ellen Marina and run trips daily from April to October, where possible. Private charters are available any time of year.

Trip departure Address: Port Ellen Pontoons Port Ellen Isle of Islay PA42 7DW Office Address: Surnaig Farm Lagavulin Isle of Islay PA42 7DX

Tel: 01496 300129

Welcome to Islay Outdoors

Experience the wild side of islay..., islay is simply magical.

The magical Island of Islay is known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ and is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides – just 25 miles from north to south, and 18 miles across.

Your Guide - DJ »

Tours »

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To fall under the charm of the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is a fascinating place with its stunning seascapes offering spectacular cliffs and miles of sandy beaches, machair and blanket bog; its fascinating historical background and abundant wildlife, and most important, the Ileachs, a community of around 3,000 warm and friendly folk who make your holiday on Islay so special.  With its neighbouring islands of Jura and Colonsay and some smaller isles, it forms the Islay group; a distinctive set of islands which share cultural and historical as well as geographic links.  One of the earliest hunter-gatherer sites has been found on Islay dating back to 10,000 BC.  By Scottish standards the climate is mild – it’s warmed by the Gulf Stream and its sea lochs are fairly well sheltered from the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are currently nine working distilleries on Islay with plans for two more in the next few years.  The whisky industry, fishing, farming, and tourism are also important sources of income and in each speciality, the island excels.  Islay is a great place to dine out on the local beef, lamb, venison (red, roe and fallow), seafood (lobster, langoustines, crabs and oyster), organically grown vegetables, all with a sprinkling of Islay’s sea salt.  There is so much more about Islay than just touring the distilleries.

Discover the island’s best on a guided day tour!  Tours are bespoke and tailored to guests’ requirements whether booking on your own or in a group.  Tours normally begin at 09.30 hrs and finish around 17.00 hrs.  Half day tours can start at 10.00 hrs and finish at 13.30 hrs. Mode of transport is a Toyota Hilux 4x4 which DJ is licensed to carry four passengers.  If there are more in the group, then a car can follow to starting point of the tour.

If clients have a specific request to spot rare birds or mammals, then we can concentrate our tour on a specific location.

More information ».

We also have Kentraw Farmhouse, a self catering house on Islay which sleeps 8-10!

• Dundonald Cottage
• Kilchoman House
• Lossit Cottage
• Machir Cottage
• Saligo Cottage
• Sanaig Cottage
• Fieldgate Cottage
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Islay Sea Adventures

Enjoy a wildlife boat trip with Islay Sea Adventures. Offering the chance to spot some rare species. Taking you along the southeast coast of the island to Islay’s Special Area of Conservation, only viewable from the sea. 

To book, look at the 'Availability Page' here on our website and check your chosen accommodation is free. You can then check our tariffs here to see what each property costs in the relevant year to when you want to book. Then fill in the online booking form on this page or contact us here by email . Or you can book by telephone on 07880 706356 or 01496 850382.

Wildlife tours from Islay Sea Adventures

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides. Renowned for its plentiful beauty and wildlife it is the perfect place for you outdoor and animal lovers! What is more, there is a fabulous boat tour available on the island led by Islay Sea Adventures, a wildlife enthusiast and expert. They will whisk you around the island in either a RIB or hard boat, depending on your choice of boat tour and the weather conditions that day. Based in Port Ellen, the company runs daily trips, where possible, from April to October.

Tantalising tours

Islay Sea Adventures offer a range of boat tours and cruises, starting at Port Ellen Marina. It is advisable to book your tour in advance and check ahead, as weather conditions can affect sailings. Additionally, bring warm clothes, even if the sun is shining as it can be much cooler when out on the sea.

Wildlife Tour

The wildlife tour takes you along the southeast coast, sharing some interesting history along the way. Furthermore, you will get to see three of the island’s distilleries from the water. Once in the conservation area, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife. From red deer, an assortment of bird species, seals and even dolphins you will be sure to see some memorable and rare sights. Tours last around two and a half hours. They are suitable for children of all ages and you can even bring your beloved dog so long as he/she is well-behaved!

Fishing Tour

Islay Sea Adventures also offers fishing trips , giving you the chance to catch mackerel, skate, pollock, coley and cod. The tour includes 2 hours of fishing and all the equipment you’ll need. You’ll also receive expert guidance from experienced fishermen, who know all the best local fishing spots. These fishing tours require a minimum of 6 passengers in order to go ahead. They last around two and a half hours in total and are suitable for children ages 8 and above. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

Other tours

In addition to the wildlife and fishing tours, Islay Sea Adventures offer a range of wonderful themed boat trips, such as evening cruises, seafood experiences and trips to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool or the Mull of Oa. These trips vary in length, some do not allow dogs and may have age restrictions. You can check and book all current tours here . They also offer private charters , tailored just for you.

Islay wildlife holidays in Scotland

If you are staying with us at Islay Cottages, we highly recommend this tour to any of our guests. It is one of the top things to do here on Islay. Here you will take in the scenery as well as the wildlife, creating an unforgettable day with Islay Sea Adventures. If you are looking for somewhere to stay we offer beautiful self-catering accommodation in Kilchoman and Bowmore. To find out more about our accommodation or this wonderful wildlife tour call us on 07880 706 356 or email us here . So come along and have a wild time!

Last-Minute Deals!

Romantic breaks, winter breaks, october half term breaks, group self-catering on islay, islay bird watching holidays, walking holidays on islay, family breaks on islay, get married at islay cottages, golf breaks on islay.

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THE 5 BEST Islay Tours & Excursions

Islay tours.

• Multi-day Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 4-day Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Whisky Included! With free pickup!

2. 4-Day Islay & Whisky Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

3. 4 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

4. 4 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

5. 5 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

6. 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Glasgow

7. 9 Days Private Malt Whisky Tour in Scotland

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

GREENOCK (GLASGOW) SHORE EXCURSION: Scotland Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

Oban Town Daily Walking Tour (10:30am)

Scotland Lochs & Glens Day Tour

Half Day Tour from Greenock to the Highlands and Loch Lomond

Glasgow and Greenock day tours and shore excursions.

Guided Hebridean Farm Hike near Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Ballycastle Traditional Music Trail

Surf Lessons

Historical Tour and Seafood Experience

One Day Private Sailing from Oban Marina with Lunch

Full-Day Private Historical Tour in Glencoe from Oban

Inverary Castle, Historic Sights and Scenic Beauty from Oban

Glasgow Shore Excursions (Princess & Norwegian Cruise Ships)

Game of Thrones Private Filming Locations Tour

Under the Rope Bridge Tour

Family Package (2 Adults, 2 Children)

Giants Causeway Coast Sea Kayaking

Elephant Rock Paddle (2 hours)

Doon The Watter

Shipwreck Hunters

Full Day Private Hire

Full Day Electric Bike Rental

Half Day Private Hire

What travelers are saying.

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Southern Hebrides of Scotland

A Guide to the Southern Inner Hebridean Isles of Argyll

Cruise Hebrides and Wildlife Boat Trips

Turus Mara, which means “sea journey”, offer a cultural aspect to their cruises. One of few tourism activity operations run by an indigenous family ? part of the commentary will usually be in Gaelic, the original language of the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Turus Mara Cruisetours operate out of Ulva Ferry on the West Coast of the Isle of Mull .

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7 Distilleries on the Best Islay Tour with Highland Explorers

I’ve always wanted to do an Isle of Islay tour, and attending the Whisky and Music Festival with Highland Explorer Tours was easily the best option. As I’ve stated before, I don’t drink a lot of alcohol, but I was really happy to sample different whiskies from seven of the nine distilleries on Islay, not to mention all the other attractions, food, and stories on the tour.

As good as the whisky and the island were, the 4-day Islay Whisky and Music Tour with Highland Explorer was so much more.

Table of Contents

Visiting the Isle of Islay from Edinburgh

As a quick geography lesson, the Isle of Islay is one of the southwesternmost islands of Scotland, only about 30 miles from Northern Ireland. In a nutshell, off the west coast of Scotland are the Hebrides, which are divided into the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides have the Isle of Lewis and Harris at the top and several more small islands extending to the south. The main island in the Inner Hebrides is the Isle of Skye, but there are plenty of more beautiful islands.

Some examples of prominent islands in the Inner Hebrides are the Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Isle of Jura, and Staffa Isle where you can find Fingal’s Cave. These islands can be reached by ferry leaving from Oban. The Isle of Arran is sheltered in a bay with a ferry from Ardrossan, just a bit west of Glasgow. And then there’s the Isle of Islay (pronounced eye-luh ), which you can get to with a ferry from Kennacraig.

It certainly is possible to rent your own car and get out to Islay, but expenses will quickly mount up. The car rental, fuel, ferry costs, accommodations, etc. aren’t cheap these days. As such, a much better option would be to take a bus tour. And I think the best Islay tour is with Highland Explorer.

If you’d like to book your tour , you can use booking code SKYETRAVELS10 to get a 10% discount.

Islay Whisky Distilleries

Currently, there are nine Islay distilleries – ten if you count Port Ellen which closed in 1983 but will re-open later in 2023. There are also two more distilleries scheduled to open in the near future, bringing the total up to twelve.

As part of our Islay Whisky and Music Festival Tour, we visited seven of the nine distilleries. For Fèis Ìle, or Islay Festival, each of the nine distilleries has an open day over nine days. As we were only on the island for three nights and two full days, we only made it to two of the open days (we missed the Bowmore open day by minutes), but we visited another five distilleries to see how they compared.

The only two distilleries we missed were Ardnahoe – Islay’s newest distillery (I don’t think they have any bottles for sale yet) and Caol Ila (pronounced cull-eeluh) – Islay’s largest distillery. After all, there’s only so much you can do in two days.

The first distillery we visited was Ardbeg, at the end of the Three Distilleries Walk. That’s a path from Port Ellen which passes through Laphroig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. At the distillery, we received a full tour of the operations and got to sample three different Ardbeg whiskies. Annoyingly, I didn’t get the names of all three, but the last was called Uigeadail, which won best whisky in 2021. All three were quite smooth and a little sweet, which was rather different than others we tried on the tour.

We learned some interesting facts on the tour about how Ardbeg stands out from other distilleries. After all, as of this writing, there are 143 whisky distilleries in Scotland, all trying to do something different, but also working together with blended whiskies. One thing that’s unique about Ardbeg is that it’s owned by Glenmorangie, which in turn is owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy). In other words, the owners of Louis Vuitton also own this distillery.

I was particularly interested in visiting Ardbeg, as one of the stops I go to on the food tour I give in Edinburgh – The Whiski Rooms – is an Ardbeg Embassy. So I finally got a bit of reality on the distillery and its whiskies.

Lagavulin has been around since 1816, and now is part of Diageo. Diageo has 132 sites around the world, including Caol Ila on Islay, Talisker on the Isle of Skye, Johnnie Walker, and, of course, Guinness beer in Ireland.

As the distillation process is basically the same from one distillery to the next, we didn’t do a tour of the facilities. Instead, we went into the beautiful tasting room where and learned about their different expressions. This was the only distillery that didn’t provide a free sample, although a couple guests on the tour purchased a sample of a rare bottle.

This is the southernmost distillery on Islay, at least until the Port Ellen distillery reopens later this year. Laphroaig is a bit different from the other distilleries in the way it smokes peat over the malted barley to create a heavily peated whisky. Oddly, I found many distilleries are a bit secretive about how long they smoke peat over the barley, but Laphroaig says it’s over 17 hours per batch.

Kilchoman (pronounced kil-ho-man ) is the only independent distillery on Islay. We arrived for their open day full of activities. With a bagpipe rock band playing in the background, we toured around the distillery sampling three different bottles, all of which were surprisingly nice. There was a large room with barley on the ground we could practice raking and evening out, and a photo spot with Cask #1 from 2005 when they opened.

My one regret was the regular cafe with their world-famous Cullen skink was closed and they had a separate food stand set up, which ran out of food just before we arrived. But the showroom was also really nice (bigger than any other distillery), and I liked learning how they keep their entire production on Islay, using barley from the nearby farms.

We just missed the Bowmore open day the evening we arrived, but I’m glad we returned later on for a quick visit. The Bowmore 12 turned out to be one of my favorite whiskies on Islay. It was super smooth and had virtually no burn at the back of the throat. All the flavor was at the tip of my tongue, which is my favorite kind of whisky.

The tasting room at Bowmore was also beautiful, with a fantastic view overlooking the bay. Technically every distillery on Islay (except for Kilchoman) overlooks a bay, but the open floor plan, historical information displays about the distillery, and great samples really stood out.

Bruichladdich

Bruichladdich (pronounced  brew-ick-la-dee ) was our first distillery stop on day two after we went to the American Monument. This distillery has four main brands – Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore whiskies, and The Botanist gin. Each brand is quite different. Bruichladdich is one of the only non-peated whiskies from Islay, and Octomore is one of the most peated.

The Botanist is an incredible gin (more to my liking than the whisky) with over 30 botanicals added, more than 20 of which are locally foraged on Islay. Vanesa also loved the Octomore 13.4, a whisky only available at the distillery and with a peat level of 180 parts per million. We got a little of both to take home with us, but the £200 bottle was slightly out of our budget.

Bunnahabhain

Our final distillery was Bunnahabhain (pronounced bu-na-ha-vin ) for their open day. This is the northernmost distillery on Islay, located across the straight from the Isle of Jura. There were several activities, most of which had to be purchased. We missed out on the whisky workshop and chose not to go on a boat tour, exploring the distillery instead.

The Bunnahabhain Distillery is unique on Islay in that it isn’t peated (like the one brand at Bruichladdich). The flavor was surprisingly smooth. Unfortunately, after a couple dozen samples in two days, I was getting a little full of whisky. But I would have still loved to do that whisky workshop.

Other Attractions on the Islay Whisky Tour

While our Islay tour was focused on the distilleries, we had several other stops, particularly on the drive out to Islay and then on the way back. Many of the stops were places I’d never seen in all my other trips and tours around Scotland. As I keep saying, there’s just so much to see and do in this country.

Our first stop was the quaint village of Luss on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. I’ve passed by on the highway countless times but never actually stopped in the village, which only has a population of about 450. It’s your quintessential Scottish village with beautiful little cottages, an ancient church, a pier for boat trips, and a handful of cafes and a pub for snacks or a meal.

Inveraray feels more like a small town than a village, even though population-wise it’s almost as small as Luss. The difference is the establishments set up for tourists, and the stunning castle built on the outskirts of the town. This was the lunch stop of the tour. We’d heard about the world-famous Loch Fyne oysters served at the pubs, but we chose a traditional Scottish Breakfast for lunch at Brambles of Inveraray instead.

I would have loved to visit the castle, but we were in a rush to catch the ferry as the later departure had been canceled and we had to catch the earlier sailing. At least I had time to get a bit of drone footage.

American Monument

This is quite a unique site on Islay. In 1918, over 500 US servicemen lost their lives when two military vessels sank at sea, one from a German torpedo and the other from a collision with another ship in a thick fog. The monument is like a windmill without sails, looking out to sea. These were just two of the countless ships that sank around the perilous Western Isles of Scotland over the centuries.

After visiting Kilchoman on the second day, we went to the end of the single-track road to Machir Bay, a beautiful beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone else went for the view, but I couldn’t help myself. I stripped down to my small clothes to go for a plunge in the waves. At least I had a towel with me.

Dunadd Fort

After a quick breakfast stop at Lochgilphead on the fourth and final day of our tour, we had a stop at Dunadd Fort. A fort was built at this site 2,000 years ago and was used until the mid-16th century by Gaelic kings. Historic Environment Scotland did a great job setting up information displays across the site, which is open year-round and free to visit.

Nether Largie Standing Stones

These standing stones make Dunadd Fort seem new. They were erected around 5,000 years ago, although the purpose of them is still hotly contested. I loved feeling the millennia of history here. If you’re an Outlander fan (as Vanesa is) or a lover of history, this is a great stop.

This is one of the best towns in western Scotland, and our lunch stop on the last day. There are plenty of places to go for lunch, but I think the best is the Oban Seafood Hut across from the ferry terminal. Some of the freshest seafood and also really good prices (the best combination). Just be prepared for a long line when you go.

If you have more time, you can climb to the top of the hill to see McCaig’s Tower, which looks like a mini Colosseum. My 5-Day Highlands Tour with Haggis Adventures also stopped in Oban and I have a full description of the town in that article.

Our final stop on our tour was in Glencoe, one of the most beautiful valleys in the UK. Nearly every tour passes through Glencoe and for good reason. The scenery is stunning. As usual, we only stopped for a few minutes for some photos. Someday I need to visit there for a few hours and hike up to the top of the trails.

Meals and Accommodations on the Islay Tour

The highlight of our Islay tour was certainly the distilleries, followed by the other attractions and sites, but room and board are also important. We had some great meals on our trip, plus all three nights at the same hotel in Port Ellen on Islay.

No. 1 Charlotte Street

Unlike any other tour I’ve had in Scotland, every night of our tour of Islay was spent at the same hotel – No. 1 Charlotte in Port Ellen. This is where the ferry should have arrived and departed from, but the fleet was minimized on our tour and we had to use Port Askaig at the top of the island instead.

The room was small but very comfortable. We slept like babes in the bed (or maybe that was the whisky). As with many old buildings in Scotland, the thick stone walls made our room completely soundproof, even with a bar downstairs. We had a lovely view of the bay, but the best part was the breakfast in the morning. A nice continental breakfast was laid out for us, and we had a form to fill out for a hot Scottish breakfast as well. In short, we were well fed before our whisky tastings.

On our first night, we went to Bowmore for dinner. We had a dinner booked at the Bowmore Hotel the following night so we searched for another option. That was the same day that Bowmore Distillery had its open day and the village was packed, but we managed to get some takeaway pizzas from Peatzeria to eat out on the pier. The pizzas were surprisingly good – more American style than Italian – and quite large. If you’re looking for some comfort food on Islay, this is your stop.

Bowmore Hotel

The following night, we had a very nice, three-course dinner at the Bowmore Hotel. I had a proper Scottish burger topped with black pudding and caramelized onions. But the highlight of the Bowmore Hotel was the whisky selection. The menu was several dozen pages long! If there’s any rare whisky you’ll looking to try, you’ll probably be able to find it at the Bowmore Hotel.

Bridgend Hotel

Our final meal on Islay was at the Bridgend Hotel, a finalist as Scotland’s Best Country Hotel in 2023. The meal was certainly on par with the award. You can usually get the best seafood in the coastal towns and islands in Scotland, and the fish and chips here were perfect. Yet still no Cullen skink. That’s for the next time I’m at Kilchoman.

Why Highland Explorer Has the Best Islay Tour

Renting a car to get to the Isle of Islay is always an option. It gives you the freedom of going where you want, when you want. On the other hand, having a tour guide makes all the difference, and Rich was incredible as a guide. He was a wealth of information, both historical facts and personal anecdotes, and made our Islay tour so much more fun.

Taking a tour with Highland Explorer is also far more economical. Except in a few circumstances, you will always get a better deal on a tour than paying for everything separately. The car rental, fuel, ferry tickets, accommodations, and some entrance fees really start to add up. Lastly, taking a tour takes the headache out of the planning, and you can just sit back and enjoy the experience.

While my tour was special for Fèis Ìle , the Islay Whisky Festival, Highland Explorer has other Islay tour packages . In 2023, there is a tour coming up on September 15th. The tours include everything I’ve detailed above, barring some change in circumstances if something isn’t available. The Islay tour price is variable, so check the website for the current information.

Further Reading

Looking for another tour of Scotland? Here are some other tours to consider with Haggis Adventures:

• My Amazing Week on the Hebridean Hopper with Haggis Adventures
• The Perfect 5-Day Highlands Tour with Haggis Adventures
• An Honest Review of the Whisky, Warriors and Waterfalls Tour with Haggis Adventures

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Is the Florence Food Tour a Great Value? – An Honest Review

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Islay Sea Adventures

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ISLAY SEA ADVENTURES (Port Ellen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Lift your Spirits

Home > Directory > Things to Do > Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Ardnahoe Distillery

t: 01496 840 777

e: [email protected]

Bowmore Distillery

t: +44 (0)1496 810 441

e: [email protected]

Bruichladdich Distillery

t: 01496 850190

e: [email protected]

Caol Ila Distillery

t: 01496 302769

e: [email protected]

Fat Bike Tours

t: 07973 725456

e: [email protected]

Islay Encounters

t: 07930054840

e: [email protected]

Islay Natural History Trust Visitor Centre

t: 01496 850288

e: [email protected]

Islay Outdoors

t: 01496 850 643 / 07985 403 537

e: [email protected]

Islay Sea Adventures

t: 01496 300129

e: [email protected]

Islay Whisky Academy

t: 0747 810 9099

e: [email protected]

Jura Boat Tours

t: 07976280195

e: [email protected]

Jura Distillery

t: 01496 820 385

e: [email protected]

Jura Guided

t: 07384607764

e: [email protected]

Jura Island Tours

t: 01496820314 or 07884 024 777

e: [email protected]

Kilchoman Distillery

t: 01496 850 011

Lagavulin Distillery

t: 01496 302749

e: [email protected]

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Islay Sea Adventures

Unforgettable Tours departing daily!

Private Charters

Luxury boat trip experiences, tailor-made for you, are you looking for something really special.

Here at Islay Sea Adventures, we offer a range of private charters- from hosting international corporate events to bespoke island- hopping experiences. We can tailor a charter to your needs, whatever the occasion

Some of the types of boat charters we offer:

• Corporate entertainment trips for distilleries, businesses, and hotels
• Luxury seafood trip, complete with Islay whisky and a selection of local seafood produce including hand-dived scallops by your own personal diver
• Taxi to the mainland, Northern Ireland, and other Scottish islands (most commonly Jura, Gigha, Colonsay, although we can go further afield)
• Fast taxi transfers for golfers between golf courses. Such as between the Machrie (Islay), Ardfin (Jura), Machrihanish (Kintyre), and Port Rush (Northern Ireland)
• Private day trip to Ballycastle
• Private fishing experiences
• Boat hire for engagements, weddings, and birthday celebrations
• Private dawn charters. See the sun come up whilst sipping hot chocolate, surrounded by the beautiful wildlife and scenery
• Media work for documentaries, TV shows, movies etc.
• Private sunset cruise, watch the sun go down over Soldier’s Rock with a glass of Prosecco
• Surveys for Wildlife
• Private RIB Corryvreckan trips
• Whisky tours from the water- private taxi between distilleries (where accessible)
• Visit other islands further afield such as Iona, Staffa, Colonsay, Tiree and Lunga

Looking to capture your boat charter experience in style with professional photography?

Click here to take a look at Ben Shakespeare Photography’s brochure.

Want a luxury private charter with extra comfort?

Why not upgrade to our newest boat – Queen of the Hebrides.

This 12.5-meter boat has a large deck space with seating and dinning, great to enjoy the scenery. Inside, we have a sofa style seating area with dining facilities, perfect for hosting guests and clients. There are kitchen and bathroom amenities too. Our air-suspension seats provide the highest comfort on longer journeys or bumpier crossings. The boat also has sleeping berths which can double as large storage areas. This is ideal for storing luggage and golf equipment, keeping the deck area clear for you to enjoy.

Click here to find out more about private charters on this boat.

Looking for a Golf Transfer in style?

Here at Islay Sea Adventures, we offer a range of private transfers between different Golf Resorts & Courses .

These include those on the West Coast of Scotland, Northern Ireland and beyond.

Click here to take a look at our Golf Brochure for more information.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and we will try our very best to accommodate any request, just get in touch via the contact form or by emailing us at [email protected]. We can accommodate up to 48 people at a time, when using four of our vessels.

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