Over The Sea to (secret) Skye
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Over The Sea to (secret) Skye worth booking?
Over The Sea to (secret) Skye is a 8-hour experience in Inverness, United Kingdom, from $850 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $850 per person
The journey to Skye takes us through many majestic landscapes. Travelling the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness, we’ll head north west at Invermoriston, passing the Five Sisters of Kintail before descending through the site
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Glenelg ferry from Isle of Skye to mainland Scotland
About this experience
The journey to Skye takes us through many majestic landscapes. Travelling the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness, we’ll head north west at Invermoriston, passing the Five Sisters of Kintail before descending through the site of The Battle of Glen Shiel towards Loch Duich and our first glimpse of the west coast. We’ll take time for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle before heading over the Skye Bridge. Our time on Skye will be spent away from the crowds, exploring the beautiful Sleat Peninsula, "The Garden of Skye". Our visit to Isle Ornsay allows time to explore the curious Gaelic craft and whisky shops and gallery... we can pop back in here later for a whisky tasting too! We continue south to Armadale Castle & Gardens, and then to the southern most point of Skye along the most picturesque road on the island. The views to Knoydart, Loch Nevis and The Isles of Eigg & Rhum are simply breathtaking If time allows, we can return to the mainland by the Glenelg ferry enroute back to Inverness.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Glenelg ferry from Isle of Skye to mainland Scotland
Not included
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Loch Ness
Travelling the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness
Pass by without stopping
The translation of the River Moriston from its Gaelic roots into English as River of the waterfalls is a big clue that it might be worth stopping off here. Fortunately most people don’t speak Gaelic and drive right by, ensuring this beauty spot remains relatively quiet by local standards. The burn here tumbles haphazardly across bands of rock in a determined effort to reach nearby Loch Ness. These aren’t the highest waterfalls in the region by any means, but they’re a pleasant place for a short wander. Even the local Highland cows are friendly!
30 minutes here
The hills to the north-east of Glen Shiel are known as the Five Sisters Of Kintail and form a high ridge some 5 miles long rising steeply from Glen Shiel to a maximum height of 3,501 feet. According to legend, the five sisters are the oldest of seven sisters, as the youngest two sisters fell in love with two Irish princes who washed ashore during a storm. Their father would only allow them to marry once the older sisters has also been married, and so the princes agreed to send their other five brothers once they had returned to Ireland with their new wives. Although the princes failed to appear, the five sisters continued to wait, eventually turning into mountains to extend their vigil into eternity.
Pass by without stopping
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan is recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery. Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries. Partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 and proceeded to restore the castle to its former glory. After 20 years of toil and labour the castle was re-opened in 1932. There are four generations of the MacRae family past, present and future who are still the Constables of Eilean Donan Castle today.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Skye Bridge
The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by a road bridge. Connecting the mainland village of Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on Skye. Since December 2004 the bridge has been free to cross for all, but it was not always this way. When the bridge first opened in 1995 there was an expensive toll charging both ways to cross.
Pass by without stopping
Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles
Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles sits at the heart of a 20,000-acre working Highland estate. The estate is owned and managed by a Scottish charitable trust dedicated to promoting and preserving it for future generations. Armadale Castle was once the seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat, part of the mighty Clan Donald. Now a ruin, it sits in a dramatic position overlooking the Sound of Sleat and surrounded by 40 acres of magnificent woodland gardens. The ruined Castle is currently unstable so is fenced off for your safety – but you can still can still enjoy magnificent views framed by the romantic ruin. We are working on plans to stabilise the structure to enable full access. The Castle ruins date from the early and mid-19th century. Adjoining the ruin is part of the original late 18th-century mansion house.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Isle of Oransay
The name ‘Eilean Iarmain’ is Gaelic for ‘Isle Ornsay’ and means ‘Ebb island or tidal island’. The lighthouse, the island and the hotel all share the name. Designed by David Stevenson the lighthouse was built in 1857 and is actually on a separate island. It was owned for a time by Gavin Maxwell. More accessible, the pretty and utterly genuine Eilean Iarmain hotel was built in the early 1800s. With delightful views over the tidal island ‘Isle Ornsay’ to Knoydart, it is surrounded by converted stables buildings, steadings and stone built piers.
30 minutes here
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. Based in Sleat, Isle of Skye, we are the only centre of Higher and Further Education in the world that provides its learning programmes entirely through the medium of Gaelic in an immersed, language-rich environment.
Pass by without stopping
Aird Old Church Gallery
The gallery is situated at the end of a single track road with breathtaking views across the Sound of Sleat to Ardnamurchan Point and the islands of Eigg and Rùm... Aird Old Church Gallery boasts a wide range of original watercolours and prints, each created by Peter McDermott. Peter’s original watercolours provide dramatic interpretations of the Scottish landscape, each telling a story about the Highland landscape and weather. We also have a large selection of limited edition Giclée prints taken from original watercolours.
45 minutes here
Travel across the sea from Skye on the last turntable ferry in Scotland. The Glenelg Ferry crosses the Kylerhea Narrows at the original crossing point between Skye and the Mainland. The scenery is stunning, the wildlife entrancing (seals, otters, sea eagles, seabirds of all kinds), and we can stop off at the Lighthouse for coffee, biscuits and souvenirs of your journey.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Grant Driving Tours; Scotland
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
- This tour is not available for cruise ship passengers at Invergordon Cruise Port
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Over The Sea to (secret) Skye. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A tour that enhanced our Scotland experience.
Wow, what an amazing addition to our Scotland Vacation. We were so glad to have Bill as our guide. We experienced a side of Scotland that we would never have seen without him. Having a driver allowed us to sit back and enjoy the landscapes as we hopped from stop to stop. There were plenty of photo opportunities and experiences, peppered with facts and stories which helped us deepen our appreciation for this great country. Bill was able to customize the tour to fit our ideal trip, it was worth every penny, would absolutely hire him again.
Response from the operator: Hi Cat Thanks so much for your kind review. That was a cracking day out wasn’t it!? Such fun meandering through these fabulous wee roads. I hope you all enjoyed your tour along the Great Glen and through Glencoe too…. Haste ye back 🏴 Cheers Bill 😀
via Tripadvisor
Seeing Scotland with a true fan is the best
There is nothing more enjoyable than visiting any place than with someone who truly loves to share where he truly loves to be. Bill Grant is a terrific tour guide: knowledgeable, kind, passionate about Scotland sites and history. He especially wants you to know and love it as he does. We do, Bill, we do! Thanks for stepping in and taking on our tour and treating us to a memorable day!
Response from the operator: Hi Meg; great to hear from you here. Thanks for your kind review, I am very grateful to you. That was a cracking day out wasn’t it? Loads of fun. I wonder how the new tartan design is coming along….
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful life altering experience.
This is a superb recommendation of Over the Sea to (Secrete) Skye tour. We spent 8 plus hours with Bill Grant, the owner and guide of this tour. Pros: -Excellent private tour. He drove and led my wife and I around Isle of Skye as well as other areas over an 8 hour period. -Knowledge of the history of Scotland was outstanding. Not only did we learn about the different landmarks of Isle of Skye, but we got to know much about the history of Scotland as it related to the different aspects of the Highlands and to each landmark. More importantly, Bill has a way with presenting such things in a fascinating way to keep one's attention. He also adjusted the level of discussion and topics of discussion to hold interest for both me and my wife. My wife had interests that were different from mine, and so Bill made the subtle adjustments in paying attention to each of our interests and made sure to devote time to each of our interests and questions. And did we have a lot of questions!!! Bill rattled off responses with intentional and thoughtfulness providing good content. - He is flexible. The tour starts in Inverness, and he guides the clients along the drive from Inverness into Isle of Skye. However, we were staying in Morvich, much further south. Bill drove all the way to our remote airbnb residence and started the tour from where we were staying. He rearranged the itinerary to fit our location. He also had to adjust for the weather because we had weather ranging from occasional sprinkles to drizzle to sheets of rain to open sunny skies. In all of these climate changes, Bill showed how the Highlands offered different beauties in each situation. It was surreal in a wonderful way. - We also had a flat tire on our car rental, and we asked Bill to drop by the grocery store at the end of the tour, so we could get some food to cook for dinner. He knew just the place to go to, and we got the supplies we needed. -Because of Bill we received an in-depth understanding of Scotland and exposure to the wondrous beauties of the Highlands. HIs command of the facts and making them fascinating kept us wanting to know more and see more as the tour progressed. -In addition, we also learned about contemporary Scottish culture as we discussed rugby, golf, current government structure, food, celebration of holidays, the language, and more. -We saw many of the popular landmarks, but then we also toured at out of the way areas where we stopped at a pub where I had a beer. Bill does not drink while driving, so he was fine with a glass of water. His goal was to have us have a bit of experience at a local pub, and it was fun. By the end of the day, I wanted to move to the Highlands myself. It is a truly special place. It's God's country, and Bill helped showed us this. He also was more than helpful in taking photos of my wife and I, and he took good ones! I unequivocally recommend Bill for private tours with the highest of recommendations. We have already added plans to bring our adult kids here to tour with him, but we know now to add other aspects of the Highlands. Bill has a few other tours that he does with Inverness and other areas of the Highlands. Cons: -I did not know that the Highlands was such a special place, and I would have arranged for at least a 2-day or 3-day tour of the Highlands with Bill. There is is so much to see. -The other con is that Bill made me realize how awful other tours I have had. He has set the bar very high now, and it will be difficult for us to find other private tours with quality and experience on par with his tour.
Response from the operator: Hi Dan Wow! Thanks so much for that amazing review. It really was a fabulous day; I was delighted to be able to spend the day on Skye with you and Helen. I think we got three out of four seasons in one day... :) I hope you both enjoyed your two remaining days in The Highlands. I very much look forward to welcoming you back to Scotland in due course and meeting your family and friends too all being well. Thanks again and Happy Travels
via Viator
THE BEST TOUR/TOUR GUIDE
This tour is AMAZING and so is Bill! He was so flexible and catered the tour to what my family wanted while also ensuring we saw the highlights of the highlands! Bill is proud of/passionate about Scotland and is very knowledgeable and kind!!! I cannot recommend Grant driving tours enough!
Response from the operator: Hi Emma Thanks so much for your kind review. I hope you and Justin and your family enjoyed your time in Edinburgh too. Fingers crossed you guys make it back to Scotland sometime soon. Thanks again Bill Grant
via Tripadvisor
Awesome tour!!!
This tour was breathtaking! The guide was very personable and even more knowledgeable about the country of Scotland. Highly recommend using Grant driving tours. If we ever return to Scotland, we will certainly use them again!
Response from the operator: Hi Justin I look forward to your return to Scotland sometime soonish. Such fun to meet you and the gang. Thank you very much for your generous review, it’s greatly appreciated. Bill Grant
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Over The Sea to (secret) Skye: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Inverness.
How much does Over The Sea to (secret) Skye cost?
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Prices start at $850 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Inverness usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Over The Sea to (secret) Skye take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Inverness is not rushed.
Is Over The Sea to (secret) Skye worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Inverness, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Over The Sea to (secret) Skye?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Over The Sea to (secret) Skye suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Over The Sea to (secret) Skye?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Inverness can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Inverness and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Over The Sea to (secret) Skye start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Inverness within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Inverness?
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On Outty we rank every Inverness experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness, Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Inverness?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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