gairloch harbour boat trips

Gairloch Glass Bottom Boat Cruises

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Gairloch Glass Bottom Boat Cruises - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

GAIRLOCH MARINE WILDLIFE

Centre and cruises.

Leading the way in responsible Marine Wildlife encounters

Our Cruises

Join Ian, our expert marine biologist, on one of our marine wildlife survey cruises aboard SeaQuest MRV. Our trips are suitable for all interests and we record sightings of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, their location, behaviour and numbers on every trip. We also have frequent sightings of Otters, Grey and Common Seals various species of seabird and also Raptors including White-tailed Eagles and Golden Eagles. Ian is also able to give commentary in Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch and German.

2 HOUR WILDLIFE SURVEY CRUISE

On our two hour survey cruise, we explore the inner waters of Loch Gairloch, stopping at Glas Eilean and Longa to see the nesting birds including Black Guillemots, Gulls, Cormorants, Shags and the wild origin of the city pigeon, the Pure Rock Dove. Ian will then head into the Little Minch. Throughout the trip we will be on the look out for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises as well as other interesting marine animals such as Basking Sharks, Ocean Sunfish and Rhizostoma Jellyfish.

ADULTS £40   CHILDREN  £35

4 HOUR CRUISE June-September - Twice a week

Join us on our 4 hour Cetacean and Seabird City Cruise. From April to Mid August we head straight out into the Minch on the lookout for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises on route to the Magical Shiant Islands where all the Seabirds nest. Once we arrive you are surrounded by hundreds of thousands of seabirds including Puffins, Common Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars and Kittiwakes among others. The vast number of seabirds nesting on these islands makes them the ideal hunting grounds for White-tailed Eagles and there are at least one pair nesting on the Islands and a number of juveniles from previous years. These magnificent birds are often seen hunting on the cliffs and scattering the nesting birds into the water around the boat. Common Seals and Grey Seals are often seen basking on the tidal rocks and other star species include Manx Shearwaters and Storm Petrels which have recently returned to the Islands to nest after the successful eradication of Black Rats. Out of nesting season our 4 hour trips have no specific destination and where we go will depend on what/where local cetacean sightings have been. 

Adults £80  Children £70

Private Cruises are also available. If you wish to to book a private charter we need to have plenty of notice to ensure we do not take booking for your chosen date/time.

2 Hour charters are available at a cost of £420

4 Hour charters are available at a cost of £900

Starquest - Available from mid May

Join Drew our experienced second skipper onboard Starquest for a cruise around Loch Gairloch and her Islands, you will be looking out for any Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises that are within the loch as well as Seals hauled out on tidal rocks around the islands and skerries. Drew is a passionate birder and will point out the nesting areas of our nesting birds such as Greater and Lesser Black Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Common Terns, Oystercatchers, Herons and many more. Eagles both Golden and White-tailed are sometimes seen hunting over the Islands for birds or rabbits and you may catch a glimpse of one of the Loch's resident Otters feeding among the seaweed or maybe even a Pine Marten or Roe Deer on one of the Islands. Drew is also Gairloch's most experienced sea-angling skipper and can also provide family friendly fishing trips.... see the fishing link above for details.

2 Hour 

Adults £40  Children £35 Private charter £420  

Booking your 2022 Trip on Alice the Glass Bottomed Boat with Steve and Julie

Covid Update:

We are now taking unrestricted bookings

That said, things can change so be assured that if we are stopped for any reason, full, no quibble refunds are offered so you can pre-book in confidence.

If you do have questions, please just drop us a line at [email protected] and lets have a chat .

It’s going to be another belter of a year!

Steve and Julie

Glass Bottomed Boat Gairloch

Gairloch Glass Bottom Boat Cruises

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Gairloch Glass Bottom Boat Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Where we take you

Offshore whale cruises.

To have the best chance of seeing whales and dolphins you must travel to their feeding grounds, and that means an offshore voyage. We are the first operator in Gairloch who will take you offshore – out of Loch Gairloch and into the vast open waters of the North Minch, between the mainland and the Western Isles.

The North Minch is one of Scotland’s recognized hotspots for whale and dolphin sightings. Undersea mountains beneath the Minch deflect powerful currents up to the surface. The waters above these mountains are rich in nutrients and are frequently visited by whales, dolphins and many other marine species, together with an abundance of exceptional seabirds.

We constantly monitor three key feeding grounds in the North Minch – Rona Bank (north of the island of Rona), Staffin Peaks (off the northern tip of Skye), and Burma Bank (east of the Shiant Islands). We also watch the waters beyond the Rubha Rèidh lighthouse. And we take you to where whales and dolphins are currently most likely to be found.

See Our Offshore Cruises for more details of the cruises.

Inshore Wildlife Cruises (only on request)

We explore this rich and varied shoreline as far as Port Henderson on the southern side of the Loch, visit Longa Island, and cruise through the open water against the stunning backdrop of the Torridon mountains.

Here you will encounter seals, perhaps glimpse an otter in the shallows, watch Gannets plummet into the water, come close to seabirds which are normally difficult to see. There is a chance that you might spot a Harbour Porpoise or a Bottlenose Dolphin and, later in the season, an occasional Minke Whale which has strayed inshore.

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The name Gairloch comes from the Gaelic “ghearr loch”, meaning short loch – referring to the relatively short sea loch that runs along the coast here. The population is approx: 500 depending on exactly where you mean by the word “Gairloch” – although there is a defined centre around Strath Square, the surrounding area includes many small communities that functioned as separate villages for many years.

Gairloch has several hotels, many B&B / Guest house /self catering businesses (see listings below), and a number of places to eat and shop.

There are marine wildlife tours that can be taken from the harbour for whale watching or sea angling. These cover everything from a short trip around the bay, to “ Glass Bottom Boat ” trips ,and fast ribs out into the open waters of the Minch to do some whale spotting. In fact, the Harbour area in general is a vibrant hub of activity throughout much of the year – there’s always something happening there! Gairloch and the surrounding coastline is also part of the Hebridean “Whale Trail”, and is one of the UK’s hotspots for whale and cetacean spotting. The Whale Trail map can be seen here.

There are a large number of walking opportunities from gentle strolls along Flowerdale to several serious mountain expeditions with only a short car journey required. Pony trekking is also available at Redpoint, only a short drive from Gairloch in the car. And if you are in the Flowerdale / Harbour area, why not relax with a visit to an art gallery? Paintings, pottery, and contemporary art can be found at Solas , at the start of the Flowerdale walks.

Gairloch has a safe, sheltered, sandy beach with good parking and toilets. Big Sand Beach is another safe, sheltered, sandy beach with watersports available. From there you can take the coastal road to Melvaig towards Rua Reidh lighthouse (built by David A. Stevenson, a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson) at the end of the peninsula. All along this road, there are superb views out towards Skye, Harris, Lewis and many of the smaller isles. You may even spot some of the sealife down below, or the many small boats that travel up and down the Minch. Note, however, that this is an extremely narrow road – you should not attempt to take caravans or motorhomes along here. There are a few limited parking spots en route, though, and parking / turning towards the end (parking for 8 cars only). This is before the Lighthouse itself, which is private.

Gairloch Heritage Museum is worth a visit to learn about local history and you might like to take advantage of the leisure centre on those occasional rainy days! The golf course has a great cafe with sea views.

Further afield, the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is only 20 miles south of Gairloch with its variety of walking trails and visitor centre on the shores of Loch Maree.

While you are in the area, and particularly Gairloch itself, tune your car radio to the UK’s smallest commercial radio station – Two Lochs Radio (or listen online!)

The Gairloch Highland Gathering is a huge annual event and the next one will be on the first Saturday of July 2022.

Gairloch Self Drive Boats & Coastal Trips

Trip Boat 'Cubbie Roo' Operating from Easter

Search for seals, dolphins and watch out for white tailed eagles. explore the loch from one of our self drive boats or enjoy a trip on cubbie roo..

Call us now to book:

01445 712228   mob: 07796590640

Tel: 01445 712228 mob: 07796 590640 [email protected].

Loch Gairloch

Where can we go?

Loch Gairloch is sheltered from the open sea, with a varied and interesting shore line. From native woodland, to sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, you will have the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife. Explore the waters around the many islands which are home to many seabirds including cormorants,shags and resting points for seals and otters too.

Fully  MCA safety coded.

Trikkie, Linnie and Sofie are available to self-drive in and around Loch Gairloch. These fully equipped motor boats come with everything that you will need to have an enjoyable experience at sea - boats carry up to 4 people at £70.00 per hour.

Trip boat "Cubbie Roo" available now for wildlife and shoreline cruises.

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The 6 Best Statue of Liberty Cruises + Tips From a Local

T he best view of New York might not be in the city itself, but from the harbor looking back at the skyline. Sightseeing cruises are a wonderful reminder that Manhattan is, in fact, an island, and getting out on the water offers a breezy cruise in addition to a fresh vantage point.

With a cold drink in hand, you'll see not just the Statue of Liberty , but also other top city landmarks from the Brooklyn Bridge to One World Trade Center. These boat tours allow visitors to zoom out and get a new perspective, then return to Manhattan refreshed by the wind, water, light and sheer size of the skyline.

There are different boat experiences to match every type of traveler, and here are some of the best.

Best Overall: Statue City Cruises

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Price: From $24.50

Duration: At your own pace, with ferries departing every 25 to 30 minutes

Standout perk: Admission to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included in this sightseeing cruise and ferry service to Lady Liberty.

The best overall value and experience belongs to Statue City Cruises, which combines the scenery of a sightseeing cruise with the in-depth experience of an attraction tour. Priority entry included with the ticket saves time at the departure point at The Battery . On board the round-trip ferry service, visitors will experience all the sweeping views of a New York Harbor cruise, including skyscrapers of the Financial District and beyond.

The first stop is Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty. Audio tours in a dozen languages are available so you can go at your own pace. Those interested can continue via boat service to Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which contains several fascinating exhibits and the chance to look up your ancestors. Explore at your leisure, then utilize the ferry service back to lower Manhattan.

Local tip: Choose a time as early as possible in the morning for this experience. Ferry service and crowds at Lady Liberty grow throughout the day and swell on weekends; a weekday morning is the best choice.

Best for Adults: Manhattan by Sail's Day Sail – Shearwater

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Price: From $60 for adults

Duration: 90 minutes

Standout perk: This cruise provides a true sailing experience on a classic schooner.

Don't be surprised to bump into New Yorkers on the Shearwater, a schooner with tall sails that entices even jaded Manhattanites to go for a ride. Climb aboard this "Gatsby"-era boat, with capacity for 48 people, from the dock at North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place and set out on a sail down the Hudson River and into the New York Harbor. Trade city crowds for the open water with this cruise, complete with a cash bar, that offers up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.

This experience, conveniently available at different times throughout the day, is a match for adults seeking a more sophisticated sail – think: hip vibe, ample bar, music and an emphasis on service. Several upgrades are available, including sails that offer a wine tasting or live jazz on board. Every sailing offers the chance to snap your photograph with Lady Liberty herself, though you won't be disembarking at Liberty Island.

Local tip: Adults seeking a romantic cruise may want to opt for the Sunset Sail on the Shearwater Classic Schooner.

Best for Families: Circle Line's Liberty Super Express Downtown

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Price: From $29

Duration: 50 minutes

Standout perk: Maximize time with this express cruise, featuring convenient, regular departures.

Families with limited time (or kids with limited attention spans) may appreciate a quick express cruise option. This fast and friendly tour, at just 50 minutes, is a speedy way to get the experience of a boat cruise without it taking a bite out of your day. Hop aboard a boat with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – the sister company to New York Water Taxi – and choose between either the open air of the top deck or the temperature-controlled cabin. On a sunny day, the outdoor deck with its sea breeze is the place to be as the boat sails past the Statue of Liberty.

Get unobstructed views of Lady Liberty and snap some family photographs before returning to Pier 16 in the South Street Seaport. Quick, efficient and featuring live narration from a guide, this sightseeing ride is excellent value packed into a short time span.

Local tip: Kids interested in ships may want to visit the South Street Seaport Museum, near the cruise departure point, to see model ships and more.

Read: The Top NYC Dinner Cruises

Raw HTML : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Best Budget: Staten Island Ferry

Price: Free

Duration: 25 minutes each way

Standout perk: Get out on the water to see the Statue of Liberty without paying a cent.

The best budget sightseeing cruise isn't a cruise at all, but rather a free mode of local transportation: the Staten Island Ferry. While many of even the most basic harbor cruises start at about $20, this ferry offers a completely free, ticketless cruise in the New York Harbor, bypassing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island along the way. With service every 30 minutes and no reservations or tickets required, the ferry is not only a steal price-wise, but also a convenient option for travelers who don't want to be tied down to a ticketed departure time.

Stand out on deck and admire views of Lady Liberty during this journey that crosses about 5 miles from Whitehall Street at the tip of lower Manhattan to St. George on Staten Island. The only drawback is that you must depart the ferry in Staten Island and reboard for the trip back to Manhattan – a small "price" to pay for a free boat ride in NYC.

Local tip: Visitors will want to avoid rush hour; these commuter boats can be crowded. Choose a time outside commuting rush hour to maximize the peaceful experience.

Best Luxury: Classic Harbor Line's Statue and Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

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Price: From $64 for adults

Duration: 1.5 hours

Standout perk: This intimate cruise on a 1920s-inspired yacht comes with one complimentary drink included.

Board a yacht at Pier 62 in Chelsea for a polished cruise including views of the New York Harbor's top landmark: the Statue of Liberty. Set sail in style aboard a yacht inspired by the roaring '20s, complete with a solarium and open-air decks as well as a climate-controlled cabin. Cruise down the west side of Manhattan and check out views of The Battery, the Financial District, Governor's Island and more.

Of all the available New York City harbor cruises, guests often praise this one for the quality of the staff running the Classic Harbor Line cruises. With an emphasis on service, an intimate group with a maximum of 80 passengers and an onboard stocked bar, this cruise offers a sophisticated option for seeing Lady Liberty.

Local tip: This cruise departs from Pier 62, which is home to a riverfront carousel for kids and a pretty stretch of Hudson River Park. Stop into Chelsea Market for some picnic supplies and relax in the park before your cruise.

Best Sunset Cruise: Circle Line's Harbor Lights

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Price: From $45

Duration: 2 hours

Standout perk: Watch the skyscrapers of the Manhattan skyline flicker to life.

Circle Line offers a variety of cruises with different itineraries. One of the most popular is the Harbor Lights tour, a cruise departing from Midtown Manhattan that includes golden sunset views and a photo stop at the Statue of Liberty. See NYC landmarks like Hudson Yards, Chelsea Piers and One World Trade Center before cruising out into the New York Harbor. You'll get to learn about New York from onboard narration as the itinerary continues past Liberty Island and beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

While the sun sets and the Manhattan skyscrapers flash to life, relax on the outdoor deck space and visit the onboard bar to purchase beer, wine, cocktails and light snacks. A temperature-controlled cabin is available for hot days. Wi-Fi is free on board and allows for easy posting of sunset photos.

Local tip: This cruise departs from Pier 83 in Midtown Manhattan. Arrive early to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at neighboring Pier 86.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jessica Colley Clarke is a New York-based freelance writer. She loves to take visiting family and friends out on the water in the New York Harbor for a fresh perspective on the Manhattan skyline and beyond. Colley Clarke used her expertise to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Statue of Liberty Tours
• The Top Observation Decks in New York City
• The Top New York City Tours
• The Top Boston Harbor Cruises
• The Top River Cruise Lines

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