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Watch wildlife from a boat on Cromarty Firth

Feel the wind in your hair aboard our custom-built RIB as you explore the scenic shores and marine life of Cromarty Firth, then head out toward the open waters of the Inner Moray Firth for unforgettable wildlife encounters-frequent sightings include Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, seals, seabirds and even the occasional whale. Your experienced local guide and naturalist provides continuous commentary on the area’s history and key points of interest, and our award-winning, locally owned operation brings over 20 years of experience to every trip. Full waterproofs and lifejackets are provided, groups are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers, and English commentary is offered throughout; please note routes and trips are weather dependent and all wildlife are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

About this activity in Cromarty Firth

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Feel the wind as you ride a custom-built RIB for an adrenaline-packed wildlife cruise in the Cromarty Firth and Inner Moray Firth.
  • Look out for frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise, seals, seabirds and the occasional whale while cruising the firth.
  • Learn local history and natural history from an experienced, award-winning guide and naturalist who provides live English commentary throughout the trip.
  • Small-group experience - trips are limited to 12 passengers and include full waterproofs and lifejackets for your comfort and safety.

Important Information

  • Trips operate from the Cromarty Firth and head into the Inner Moray Firth; routes and timings are weather dependent and sightings of wild marine life cannot be guaranteed.
  • You’ll be provided with waterproofs and lifejackets; dress warmly and wear flat-soled, non-slip footwear for the best experience.
  • Not recommended for those with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health; participants should have at least moderate fitness and good mobility to manage the step down from the pontoon to the boat.
  • Children must be 12 years or older; size and weight limits apply - contact the operator before booking if you have concerns. There are no toilet facilities aboard, and the operator rarely cancels for light rain.

Meeting Point

Meet at the main boat launch pontoon on the Cromarty Firth waterfront; check your booking confirmation for the exact pier name and arrive 20 minutes before departure to receive safety briefing and gear.

Includes

  • You’ll be provided with waterproofs and lifejackets to keep you comfortable and safe while exploring Cromarty Firth and the surrounding waters of the United Kingdom.
  • An experienced local guide leads the activity, sharing regional knowledge and helping you get the most from your time in the area.
  • Commentary is delivered in English so you can follow local insights, wildlife notes and safety briefings throughout the experience.

Excludes

  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries.
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers.
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health.
  • Children must be 12 years or older to take part.

Other

  • Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the meeting point in the region.
  • Passengers require good mobility to manage the step down from the pontoon to the boat; please consider this when booking.
  • Size and weight restrictions apply - contact us prior to booking if you have any concerns.
  • There are no toilet facilities aboard the boat; plan accordingly for your comfort during the outing.
  • Dress warmly and wear flat-soled, non-slip footwear suited to coastal conditions here.
  • Sightings cannot be guaranteed and no refund will be offered if wildlife is not seen.
  • Weather conditions are often changeable in this destination; we do not cancel for rain, so come prepared.

Customer Reviews

9/10
Based on 4 Reviews
jemmam916
Aug 28, 2025 01:45:01 PM
Summary: This tour was worth every penny! Whilst we weren't lucky enough to spot the dolphins this time, we had a brilliant tour with a knowledgeable local skipper. We learned about the WW1 shipwreck lying just outside the harbour, saw ol abandoned (but well maintained) fishing bothies, WW2 lookout buildings and a huge amount of native sea birds that the skipper told us all about. It was a lovely small group, giving a personal feel, and the hot chocolate and biscuits on board was a lovely touch.
Richard S
Aug 25, 2025 10:48:27 AM
Summary: We are “veterans” of numerous trips out with Ecoventures over the years, but the 4 trips we had with them this year were for us mind blowing, the sort of trips you usually only dream about. It’s very difficult to describe the experiences you really need to see for yourself. In the course of the ; trips we had encounters with bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbour porpoise, numerous minke whales, seals and a first for us a basking shark. On top of which we had diving gannets, Manx and sooty shear waters, cormorants, shags, guillemots, razorbills, terns, several different species of gulls, kittiwakes, and eider ducks. All in all very very special trips out with friendly and knowledgeable skippers. We will definitely be back again.
Z4525IIsteveh
Jul 25, 2025 05:28:39 PM
Summary: Wonderful experience from start to finish. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible. We got lucky with some very active dolphins.

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Discover why Cromarty Firth in the United Kingdom is a top choice for nature and wildlife experiences, with Water-Based wildlife tours and boat trips that put you close to coastal wildlife and dramatic sea views. You can pair sightseeing tours and coastal hiking for active Outdoor & Nature adventures or choose family-friendly activities that make planning simple and fun for groups. Book here for unforgettable Tours & Sightseeing, Nature & Wildlife and outdoor experiences that connect your stay with the things to do in the area.

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Know more about Cromarty Firth

You can expect frequent sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, seals and seabirds, and sometimes even the occasional whale as you travel from the Cromarty Firth toward the Inner Moray Firth. All wildlife is wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Full waterproofs and lifejackets are provided onboard. You should dress warmly and wear flat-soled, non-slip footwear to stay comfortable during the RIB experience in the firth.
Trips and routes are weather dependent and may be altered for safety, but the operator does not cancel for rain. Because wildlife are wild, sightings depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Tours are led by experienced local guides and naturalists who provide live commentary throughout the trip, pointing out key points of interest in the Cromarty Firth and sharing local wildlife and history insights.
The experience is family-friendly but children must be at least 12 years old. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers to keep the tour personal and safe.
You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness and good mobility to manage the step down from the pontoon to the boat. The trip is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or people with poor cardiovascular health; size and weight restrictions apply, so contact the operator if you have concerns.