Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands

Explore Rugged Coast, Ancient Forest & Windswept Moors in Britain's Last Great Wilderness
Scotland has long held a wild allure in Britain. Its heather-clad Highlands and far-flung Western Isles have drawn adventurous travelers for millennia. In summer, days stretch toward nearly perpetual light, nurturing a flurry of life in the Hebrides Islands off Scotland’s northwest coast. Millions of seabirds nest in some of the largest rookeries in the world, while whales, seals and dolphins feed in clear Atlantic waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. Exploring the coves and cliffs of the Outer Hebrides, we also find remnants of ancient human presence, from Iron Age stone forts to embellished Celtic crosses. Inland, search for wildlife in the boreal forest and moors of the rugged Highlands, hoping to spy red deer, badger, pine marten, or a glimpse of the rare Scottish wildcat. In mystical Scotland, the wild still reigns in Europe!
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    Trip Highlights

    • Discover the Wilder Side of ScotlandDiscover Scottish nature and wildlife with expert naturalist guides, learn about pine marten and Scottish wildcat restoration efforts, and observe native reforestation
    • See Abundant Marine Life on Private Boat TripsView thriving seabird colonies in the Outer Hebrides, and cruise among prolific marine life, including dolphins and whales, along the Isle of Harris and Cromarty Firth
    • Explore Remote Sectors of the HighlandsTraverse Scotland’s western mountains, including rugged coast, remote sea lochs and broad glens where red deer browse and sea eagles soar overhead

    See a Side of Scotland as Only Nat Hab Can Show You!

    While Scotland’s cultural heritage and most famous natural sites have long been popular tourism destinations, we let others show you Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness. Our focus is on Scotland less discovered, less known, less crowded and more remote—the Nat Hab way!

    1. Experience Scotland off the Crowded Tourist Track
      Our exclusive itinerary takes you to remote places few experience, from Europe’s largest seabird rookeries to vast tracts of forest home to red deer and Scottish wildcat, plus prehistoric and Celtic sites that reveal Scotland's ancient cultural history. A private cruise off the Isle of Lewis offers encounters with marine mammals and abundant seabirds. You won't find these destinations on standard Scottish tour routes!
    2. Travel with a Small Group for Intimate Nature Encounters
      Unlike typical coach tours, our nature adventure is limited to just 12 guests. Our small group size allows exclusive access to secluded hikes and walks, privately chartered small boats, watching wildlife without disturbing it, and true serenity in nature. With our high guide-to-guest ratio, we can tailor daily activities to travelers’ personal interests and physical ability levels, impossible to do with a larger group.
    3. Stay in Small, Distinctive Accommodations
      Our small group size allows us to choose authentic inns noted for their history, atmosphere and special locations near small villages and close to nature. No large, impersonal chain hotels for us!
    4. Private Dolphin-Watching Boat Trip 
      Rather than share a tour boat and crowded deck space with others, we charter a boat for a private cruise on Cromarty Firth to see the world's most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins, which come in with tide-like clockwork to feed and play in this area.
    5. Private Wildlife Cruise Off the Isle of Lewis
      Another private chartered boat excursion provides an all-day opportunity to look for abundant marine life and drink in the rugged scenery of the Outer Hebrides coastline. Weather permitting, visit the uninhabited Shiant Isles, known for their spectacular puffin colonies. Note, however, that September departures do not visit the Shiants, as the seabirds have moved on—instead, we'll cruise along the intricate coast of Harris.
    6. Visit the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Breeding Project
      Learn about the important role of Aigas Field Center in aiding national efforts to restore the country's Scottish wildcat population. The United Kingdom's only native feline, this endangered cat is coming back from the brink of extinction. Natural Habitat Adventures' philanthropy arm also contributes financially to the project. 
    7. The World’s Finest Naturalist Guides
      Natural Habitat Adventures has a well-deserved global reputation for employing the highest-quality guides in the industry. Our Expedition Leaders have years of experience and training, including resources from WWF's top scientists. You won’t find more knowledgeable—or more personable—guides than those who work with us. Our philosophy is simple: a nature adventure is only as good as the guide who leads it, so we provide the very best! See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
    8. Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Scotland Experience
      With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
    9. Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
      We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.
    10. Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
      Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world's leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!

    Read what travelers are saying about our Scottish Highlands and Islands tour:

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