Scotland has long held a wild allure in Britain. Its heather-clad Highlands and far-flung Western Isles have drawn adventurous travelers for centuries. In summer, days stretch toward nearly perpetual light, nurturing a flurry of life in the Hebrides Isles 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, explore native Caledonian pine forest, heathered moors and silver lochs of the rugged Highlands, home to elusive wildlife including the magnificent Scottish red deer. In mystical Scotland, the wild still reigns in Europe!
Trip Highlights
Explore the Wilder Side of Scotland
Discover Scottish nature with expert naturalists—look for whales and dolphins on private boat cruises, and scout for red deer, pine marten, river otters and sea eagles
Go Deep into the Hebrides on Skye, Harris and Lewis
From the Isle of Skye, head to the Outer Hebrides on Scotland's far Atlantic edge—Harris and Lewis are a rare inclusion, where rural life is steeped in tradition
Ride the Jacobite Steam Train Through the Highlands
Enjoy a nature immersion on this stunning 42-mile rail journey through glens, lochs and Britain's highest mountains, crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct
See a Side of Scotland as Only Nat Hab Will Show You!
While Scotland’s cultural heritage and most famous natural sites have long been popular tourism destinations, our focus is on Scotland less discovered, less known, less crowded and more remote—the Nat Hab way!
Experience Scotland off the Crowded Tourist Track
Our exclusive itinerary takes you to remote wild places few experience, from Europe’s largest seabird rookeries to vast tracts of forest home to red deer and endangered (and virtually unseen) Scottish wildcat—plus prehistoric and Celtic sites that reveal Scotland's ancient cultural history. Several private cruises in less-visited locales offer encounters with marine mammals and abundant seabirds. You won't find these destinations on standard Scottish tour routes!Two Private Wildlife Cruises Off the Knoydart Peninsula & Isle of Lewis
Two private chartered boat excursions provide opportunities to look for abundant marine life amid the rugged scenery of the Knoydart Peninsula in the West Highlands, and in the Outer Hebrides. Weather permitting, from Lewis we 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.)Ride the Famous Jacobite Steam Train
Our journey through the Western Highlands includes this notable rail line from the heights of Ben Nevis down to sea level at Loch Nevis—which includes the stunning 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films.Visit a Native Forest Restoration Project
Enjoy a special presentation at Trees for Life, a rewilding project that seeks to restore the globally unique Caledonian forest that once covered much of interior Scotland. This is a Nat Hab philanthropy project, and guests will have a chance to make an optional contribution toward our own grove restoration project.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.Small, Distinctive Accommodations with Local Character
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!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.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.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.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!
