Wildlife watching tour on Skye: Golden Eagles and otters

Spot elusive wildlife with a guide whose passion reveals hidden moments on Skye

A half-day wildlife watching tour on the Isle of Skye led by Stewart Dawber, an expert guide with 25 years of experience finding and photographing wild animals without disturbing them. The tour covers four hours by vehicle and on foot, includes binoculars and a spotting scope, and departs from Broadford or Portree with snacks, water, tea and coffee. Children from age 7 are welcome, and the guide adapts the itinerary to your interests, whether you want to see Golden Eagles in the hills, otters on the shore, seals, red deer, or pine martens.

The experience

Stewart Dawber knows where to find the animals most visitors miss. His 25 years on Skye mean he reads the landscape (the habits and habitats that tell him where to look), and he moves through it in a way that lets you watch without startling the wildlife. You'll travel by vehicle to reach different terrain, then step out on foot to track and observe. Binoculars and a spotting scope come with you, so you can see detail from a distance. The half-day runs four hours, which is long enough to cover multiple habitats and short enough to fit into a day with other plans.

What you see depends on the season, the weather and the animals themselves: nature doesn't perform on schedule. But the tour roster includes Golden Eagles, white-tailed eagles, otters catching fish in the shallows, red deer in the hills, seals, seabirds, and pine martens. Reviewers have spotted a mother sea otter with her pup, golden eagles at a distance, and pine martens they'd never seen before. Snacks, water, tea and coffee are included. If you want a full lunch, Stewart can arrange it. Dogs on leads are welcome, and the tour runs in most weather conditions throughout the year.

Pickup is from Broadford, which is the preferred starting point. Portree pickups are possible but add travel time to the tour. The guide speaks English and tailors the route to what you want to see, whether that's a general wildlife day or a focused photography workshop. Children from age 7 can join, and the terrain is suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Private vehicle transportation and pickup from Broadford.
• binoculars and spotting scope.
• snacks, water, tea and coffee.
• expert guide with 25 years of experience on Skye.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Stewart W Dawber

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a guide who knows where the animals are and how to find them responsibly: Stewart's 25 years on Skye and his track record with reviewers mean you're not driving around hoping to spot something.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (7 to 12 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife can I actually expect to see on a Skye wildlife tour?

Golden Eagles, white-tailed eagles, otters, seals, red deer, seabirds and pine martens all live on Skye, and Stewart knows where to find them. What you see on any given day depends on the season and the animals' own movements: sightings are never guaranteed, but reviewers have spotted golden eagles, sea otters with pups, and pine martens in a single outing.

How does Stewart find wildlife without disturbing it?

Stewart has spent 25 years learning the habits and habitats of Skye's animals, so he knows where they're likely to be and how to approach them responsibly. He uses binoculars and a spotting scope to watch from a distance, and he practices welfare and sustainability throughout the tour.

What's included in the four-hour tour?

Private vehicle transportation, binoculars, a spotting scope, snacks, water, tea and coffee are all included. If you want a full lunch, Stewart can arrange it separately. Pickup from Broadford is included. Portree pickups require extra time built into the tour.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Stewart operates in most weather conditions throughout the year, so the tour typically goes ahead unless conditions are extreme. The landscape and wildlife viewing change with the seasons, so each time of year offers different sightings.