ULLAPOOL SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A brisk coastal cruise from Ullapool to the Summer Isles — salt, seabirds and sweeping Highland light
A 2 hour 15 minute roundtrip from Ullapool Harbour to the Summer Isles; this guide explains what to expect, what to bring and who the outing suits.
A brisk coastal cruise from Ullapool to the Summer Isles — salt, seabirds and sweeping Highland light.
Operating from Ullapool Harbour in the northwest Highlands, Shearwater Cruises runs a 2 hour 15 minute outing into Loch Broom and out among the Summer Isles, a scatter of rocky islets and the last inhabited island, Tanera Mor. The islands and surrounding sea are home to abundant wildlife — sea birds, seals, dolphins, porpoises, whales and eagles — making the cruise a compact, repeatable window on Highland nature and seascape.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Summer Isles, from skerries to Tanera Mor
A chain of islands that ranges from jagged rocks to the last inhabited island, Tanera Mor, the Summer Isles sit in Loch Broom and provide constant, changeable coastal scenery — the essential reason to come aboard.
Seals, dolphins, porpoises and raptors
The local waters and shores host a variety of marine and bird life: numerous sea birds alongside seals, dolphins, porpoises, whales and eagles, all of which are commonly sought sightings on the cruise.
Loch Broom out to the isles
Departing Ullapool Harbour, the cruise works Loch Broom and navigates out to the Summer Isles, offering sustained views of the archipelago and the chance to visit landscapes that vary from small rocks to inhabited shorelines.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
This is a short, sea-based excursion: boarding from Ullapool Harbour, the cruise spends roughly two hours and fifteen minutes traversing Loch Broom and threading between the Summer Isles. The outing is framed by shore-to-sea scenery and repeated wildlife encounters, and many passengers treat it as a day highlight while touring the Highlands.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring warm, waterproof clothing and layers; binoculars and a good camera are recommended (the operator no longer lends binoculars). Food and drink may be brought aboard but are not sold on the boat.
The cruise lasts 2 hours 15 minutes; please arrive with time to park and walk to Ullapool Harbour — departures cannot be delayed.
There are traffic wardens in Ullapool in summer — park where permitted or use the free car park at Latheron; seating for a full trip is 30 passengers, with options inside, outside, up top and on the front.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise duration is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Where does the trip depart from?
Departures are from Ullapool Harbour.
Can I bring food and drink on board?
Yes — passengers may bring food and drink; the operator does not sell refreshments and asks that rubbish be kept clear when people are moving about.
What should I wear?
Wear or bring warm, waterproof clothing — even warm days can change, especially at sea.
Are children allowed?
Children are very welcome but must be accompanied by well‑behaved adults.
What happens if the weather is bad or there are few bookings?
Sailings depend on weather and booking numbers; the operator will try to notify passengers of cancellations as soon as possible.