The Isle of Skye is undeniably beautiful, especially for those who like hiking and walking. However, for those of us who don’t like walking, it may seem like a wasted journey. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. Below we discuss action-packed, unusual activities which might float your boat – literally!
Sea Kayaking
Why not spend half a day seeing Skye from a different perspective?
Sea kayaking takes you off the beaten path (quite literally) and lets you explore this stunning island from afar. From small sea caves and crevasses to the vast emptiness of the Atlantic ocean!
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you may even see a dolphin or whale sharing the water with you!
Where?
There are several locations throughout Skye that offer this excursion.
To discover which company suits your budget and fulfils your needs the best, click here.
Price?
These tours range in price, however, an average figure would be £60 for a half-day (3.5hrs) and £90 for a full day. There are options to do multi-day tours and private tours which can cost upwards of £200!
Isle of Skye Dinosaur Tracks
On the Isle of Skye, you can quite literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs! These beasts roamed around the Isle of Skye before it was a tourist hotspot – they were pioneers!
For more information regarding these dinosaur tracks click here.
Where
You can find these footprints on An Corran Beach and Score Bay which are shown below.
Note: the prints are only visible when it is low tide, so plan your journey accordingly. It may also take an eagle-eyed observer to find them as they can often be found covered in sand or seaweed!
Price?
This experience is completely free… if you exclude the price of petrol!
Wildlife Tour on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye and its surrounding waters are home to a plethora of fascinating wildlife. From whales to seals, eagles, and even adorable puffins, you will be in awe of the Isle of Skye’s beauty! Whether you are a landlubber or have sea legs there is a tour to best suit your needs. Although these may not be the most “unusual” activities – they are certainly worth doing!
Boat Tours
Whether you are looking for something fast and furious, or a more leisurely affair there is plenty of boat tours to choose from.
The rich marine life that surrounds Skye is so diverse you could see a Minke Whale and an otter on the same tour.
Below is a list of a few boat tours and their speciality:
Wildlife and Sea Eagles experts: https://www.skyeboat-trips.co.uk/
Puffin and Whale experts: https://www.puffinsandwhales.co.uk/
Speed Boat: https://www.raasay-house.co.uk/rib-fast-boat-trips-raasay-skye-rona-arctura/
Land Tours
This activity takes you to the part of the Isle of Skye where there is the most animal activity. With a telescope and binoculars in hand, you will see numerous animals without disrupting their natural habitat!
Click here to find a link to this tour’s website.
Where?
For the land tour, they depart from the long-stay car park at Lisigarri Court shown on the map below.
Price?
Land Tour: £54, packed lunch included!
The tour above is a group tour. So, if you are looking for something a little more personal, you may wish to book a private tour, which will cost significantly more.
Mountain Biking
The Isle of Skye may be small, but it sure is mighty. Jammed packed with mountains and Monroes it is unsurprising that it is a mountain biking hotspot! Whether you bring your own bike or are looking for a guided tour Skye has something for everyone.
Where?
You can literally cycle anywhere and EVERYWHERE in Skye. However, there are some routes that really do showcase the beauty and charm of this island.
If you are looking for some scenic routes click the link below. It lists routes and details their elevation, difficulty, and length, so you know what you’re getting yourself into!
If you need to hire a bike, check out these rental shops below:
Price?
Bike hire is really affordable, averaging between £25-30 per day or £90 per week, if you shop around
If you want a guide to take you around the island, that will cost £90 for half a day or £140 for a full day. Click here to find out more.
Gorge Walking / Coasteering / Canyoning on the Isle of Skye
For any adrenaline junkies looking to get their blood pumping on the Isle of Skye, these activities are the perfect choice for you!
Coasteering
Plunging into the Atlantic ocean you will swim, scramble and scale the rugged coastline of the Isle of Skye. Exploring sea caves and stacks, you will see a side of Skye that few tourists do.
Gorge Walking
This activity is a lot more adventurous than its name alludes to. You will jump, slide, and swim through tight gorges, deep plunge pools, and cascading waterfalls! All this, whilst taking in the dramatic unchanged landscape that surrounds you.
Canyoning
Canyoning is arguably the most thrilling of all the activities you can you on the Isle of Skye. Similar to gorge walking, canyoning involves jumping, swimming, and sliding in a gorge. However, where it differs, is that there are waterfalls that can only be negotiated by abseiling down them. It certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.
Where?
Skye Adventure is the company that operates these activities. You can book all these thrilling activities on the Isle of Skye and much more on their website, found here.
Note: Depending on which activity you choose, will determine where it is located on the Isle of Skye.
Price?
Coasteering: £60 for basic coasteering, £75 for advanced (longer route and more technical sections)
Gorge Walking: £60
Canyoning: £100
Note: All equipment is supplied – you just need to bring swimwear.
Conclusion
Despite being cold, Scotland is a place filled with action, adventure, and adrenaline. These unusual things to do on the Isle of Skye are a welcome retreat from the mega-packed tourist hotspots. Why not escape the beautiful, but arguably boring viewpoints, and live a little by pushing your boundaries and trying one (or more) of these unforgettable activities?
Whilst you’re here, why not check out some of our other posts about the Isle of Skye?
Or, if you are looking for a different type of Scottish adventure, why not discover all of the amazing things the North Coast 500 road trip has to offer below, furthermore – it conveniently starts (or ends) right beside the Isle of Skye!
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