Wildlife Tours Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are one of the richest wildlife areas in Europe. Within an hour of Inverness you can watch bottlenose dolphins hunting in the Moray Firth, spot golden eagles soaring over mountain ridges, encounter red deer herds on the hill ground, and meet Highland cows on a local farm.

Our private wildlife tours are designed around what you want to see and the season you’re visiting. Your driver-guide knows the best locations, the tidal patterns for dolphin watching, and the hill ground where deer gather. No coach tours, no fixed routes – just patient, knowledgeable wildlife watching at your pace. See also our guide to where to see Highland cows near Inverness and our Inverness attractions guide.

What you can see

Bottlenose dolphins – Moray Firth

The Moray Firth is home to the world’s most northerly resident population of bottlenose dolphins – around 200 individuals. Chanonry Point on the Black Isle is one of the best land-based dolphin watching spots in Europe, especially around the incoming tide. Fort George ramparts also offer excellent vantage points. Year-round, best May–September.

Golden eagles

Scotland has around 500 pairs of golden eagles, with the highest concentrations in the western Highlands, Skye, and the Cairngorms. These magnificent raptors have a 2-metre wingspan and are most visible in winter when vegetation is sparse. Year-round, easiest to spot October–March.

Red deer

Scotland’s largest wild land mammal. Red deer are abundant across the Highlands – herds of 50+ are common in Glen Coe, the Cairngorms, and on the hill ground around Inverness. The autumn rut (September–October) is one of the great Highland wildlife spectacles, with stags roaring and clashing antlers.

Highland cows

Scotland’s iconic hairy cattle are a highlight for visitors. We know the best locations near Inverness for guaranteed Highland cow encounters – including farms and estates where you can get close for photos.

Seals – grey & common

Both grey and common (harbour) seals are found around the Scottish coast. They haul out on beaches and rocky shores, often remarkably close to viewing points. The Beauly Firth, Loch Fleet near Golspie, and the Cromarty Firth are reliable spots near Inverness. Year-round, pupping October–December for greys.

White-tailed sea eagles

Britain’s largest bird of prey, successfully reintroduced to Scotland. With a wingspan of up to 2.4 metres, sea eagles are unmistakable. The west coast and islands (Skye, Mull) are the best areas, but sightings are increasing across the Highlands. Year-round.

Ospreys

Spectacular fish-hunting raptors that arrive in Scotland in spring and nest until early autumn. The Loch Garten Osprey Centre near Aviemore has a live nest camera. April–September.

Red squirrels

Scotland is one of the last strongholds of the native red squirrel. The Caledonian pine forests around Aviemore, Loch Morlich, and Glen Affric are excellent areas. Several hides and feeding stations make sightings reliable. Year-round, most active spring and autumn.

Puffins

These charming seabirds nest on coastal cliffs and islands during summer. Handa Island (northwest Highlands), the Treshnish Isles, and Orkney are the best Highland-accessible colonies. April–August.

Frequently asked questions