Bella Jane Boat Trips & AquaXplore
Bella Jane Boat Trips & AquaXplore
Bella Jane Boat Trips & AquaXplore
5
Boat ToursSightseeing ToursBoat HirePrivate ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Bella Jane Boat Trips and AquaXplore are 2 types of boat trip from Elgol on the Isle of Skye. The Bella Jane trips go to Loch Coruisk, the Seal colony and the Cuillin Mountains. AquaXplore offers exhilarating wildlife and sightseeing trips to the Small Isles of Canna, Rum, Eigg and Soay with regular sightings of marine wildlife such as Dolphins, Minke Whales, Basking Sharks, Puffins, Sea Eagles. All trips offer a unique "no hype" wildlife guarantee so you can be confident in what you are told about what you will see.
Elgol, Scotland
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Bella Jane Boat Trips & AquaXplore
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5.0
883 reviews
Excellent
787
Very good
68
Average
10
Poor
9
Terrible
9
frigate
England, UK247 contributions
May 2022
If you have time, you must do this! We took the Puffin Run afternoon cruise to the Small Islands back in 2019, cancelled 2020 because of Lockdown, and finally returned 24/May/22. We chose the Island Cruiser because I thought it would be more stable for bird photography. Weather was unusually kind to us. We hadn't been out long when we ran into a pod of dolphins, Simply amazing experience as they came close and leapt out of the water. We didn't see as many birds as the first time, which may have had much to do with the weather but we did see the razorbills, Guillemots and of course the Puffins. As before there was a stop to visit Canna (alas, the cafe was closed for unforseen reasons, but we managed to buy something to eat and drink at the shop). The crew provide a great commentary, and slow or stop the boat when 'interesting' things are around. Do dress warmly, or at least with layers as it can be cold and you may catch the spray. Boat trips are a real highlight of a holiday to this fabulous part of the world.
The cruiser has a loo, if that is a consideration.
Incidentally, the drive to Elgol is beautiful.
The cruiser has a loo, if that is a consideration.
Incidentally, the drive to Elgol is beautiful.
Written 7 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review. Canna is indeed a great place to visit. Thanks for your patience with all the lockdown restrictions over the past few years. We do hope you will manage to come back for another boat trip some day soon.
Written 10 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellie P
Mitcham, UK4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Such a brilliant trip - would heartily recommend even without the amazing dolphin pod we met!
We decided to book the 4hr family trip Canna trip ticket as our big activity treat while camping in Scotland for two weeks.
The booking process was really easy; we were given all the info we needed straight after online booking and were warmly welcomed by the team on the pier in Elgol (even with cows on the beach!).
Douglas was our skipper; the RIB experience was exciting and very adventurous for our 10 year old children, who were thrilled at the thought of a 15 mile journey out to sea and around different islands.
We already knew we wouldn't see puffins as it was too late in the season, but we hoped for seals, eagles and, fingers-crossed, maybe some porpoises, dolphins, minke whales or orcas.
We had a great time, an informative and entertaining tour from Douglas, and an interesting time ashore in Canna. We were approaching the end of our trip when Douglas spun the RIB around and headed at pace to a particular spot some distance away.
We soon reached the spot and were met by the incredible sight of about 6-8 bottlenose dolphins seemingly larking around by the boats. There were two young ones too, and all of them seemed to come up and take turns leaping out of the water around us, so much so that our kids even thought they might be doing handstands!
It was an experience we'll treasure for a lifetime.
If you are thinking about booking, do it. We got very lucky, and even if you don't meet the dolphin pod, you'll have a great trip from a brilliant team.
We decided to book the 4hr family trip Canna trip ticket as our big activity treat while camping in Scotland for two weeks.
The booking process was really easy; we were given all the info we needed straight after online booking and were warmly welcomed by the team on the pier in Elgol (even with cows on the beach!).
Douglas was our skipper; the RIB experience was exciting and very adventurous for our 10 year old children, who were thrilled at the thought of a 15 mile journey out to sea and around different islands.
We already knew we wouldn't see puffins as it was too late in the season, but we hoped for seals, eagles and, fingers-crossed, maybe some porpoises, dolphins, minke whales or orcas.
We had a great time, an informative and entertaining tour from Douglas, and an interesting time ashore in Canna. We were approaching the end of our trip when Douglas spun the RIB around and headed at pace to a particular spot some distance away.
We soon reached the spot and were met by the incredible sight of about 6-8 bottlenose dolphins seemingly larking around by the boats. There were two young ones too, and all of them seemed to come up and take turns leaping out of the water around us, so much so that our kids even thought they might be doing handstands!
It was an experience we'll treasure for a lifetime.
If you are thinking about booking, do it. We got very lucky, and even if you don't meet the dolphin pod, you'll have a great trip from a brilliant team.
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you kindly for such a lovely review.
We are so pleased yourselves and your family had a great trip with us.
We hope you manage to come back to Bella Jane Boat Trips another time and we will take you to hopefully see more wildlife.
Written 20 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tour36042545972
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
I booked an Aquaxplore trip while staying on Skye and I cannot recommend this excursion enough. From booking to arrival at the jetty to the boat trip, the experience combined professionalism with a warm friendly welcome. I opted for the aquaxplor trip (Puffin Trip - approx 4 hours) which superbly combined the thrill of a trip in a powerful R.I.B with an excellent narration from the coxswain. The latter, truly made the trip, as Johnny (the cox) combined reassurance about the boats capability, with handling skill and a wonderfully empassioned narrative about the flora, fauna and geology of Canna, Soay and Rum. In particular, he found a remarkable balance when describing the very character of wildlife (Kittiwakes as graceful, Shags as welcoming residents, the aquatic capability of marooned Andulician Goats etc) which combined fact with genuine passion. Regardless of your expertise with marine wildlife (I am passionate about true sea birds) there is something in this trip for you and I cannot recommend this enough. Outstanding value for money
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the lovely review.
It is encouraging to read a review which reflects what we aim to achieve for our passengers.
We do hope you will return in the future and can perhaps manage to take you along to see the birds again.
Written 4 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve S
Fairlawn, VA154 contributions
Jul 2022
Our final "major" destination to visit to the Isle of Skye was a trip to Lock Coruisk thanks to the Bella Jane and its superb crew. I cannot stress how wonderful our visit was and how exceptional the crew were. Their banter to and from the Loch was a welcome addition to the visit. Just wished we would have booked a longer than a 1/1/2 hour ashore package as the Loch truly deserves a long leisurely stroll accompanied by a chance to merely sit and take in the surroundings whilst snacking on what ever goodies one carries over with you. It is boggy in places so waterproof hiking boots or shoes are recommended. If you are going to Skye I highly recommend this excursion and if you have any inclination to exploring landscapes by walking into them I highly recommend booking a stay ashore longer than what we booked.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely review, thank you very much for taking the time to write it.
We are glad you enjoyed you trip and look forward to meeting you again one day.
Written 20 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bryan W
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
We booked to do an "out" trip from Loch Coruisk to Elgol (after walking to Lake Coruisk from Sligachan) and paid for 2 seats (at a cost of £36) on the Bella Jane, to leave at 4.30pm. But when the boat arrived, we were told we were not on the Bella Jane but instead the AquaXplore speed boat would come to get us shortly, which was not what we wanted, but the captain of the Bella Jane would not be persuaded otherwise. So we had no choice but to take the speed boat which arrived about 20 minutes later or we would have been stranded at Loch Coruisk. When we arrived back at Elgol, I went to the office and told them I was disappointed that we hadn't been given the trip we had been promised and perhaps a refund could be made. What happened next was truly appalling. The lady on reception downright lied, saying we were warned we may have to travel on the speed boat, which was simply not the case, and then the manager was summoned and became very aggressive indeed in his attitude, and said he was not prepared to show any good will at all. The whole experience was most unpleasant and my advice is if you want to take a boat trip to Lake Coruisk (and I strongly recommend you should), use the rival company based in Elgol - The Misty Isle - instead
Written 17 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regrettably I am obliged to respond to this “review” since it is a total and utter fabrication. I see from the very sanitised tone of your review that you have calmed down somewhat after what was a truly awful and disgraceful performance after your trip back from Coruisk yesterday. To storm into our booking office swearing and insulting and upsetting my staff who had done nothing wrong whatever and after being given the trip back to Elgol that you had booked was completely unacceptable and frankly something I would prefer not to witness again.
To slander my staff and myself by saying that you were lied to and subject to an “aggressive” attitude is completely untrue and is rich given your very unpleasant behaviour. You say you asked whether a refund could “perhaps” be made but in fact of course you were screaming your demands for a refund at the same time as you were swearing at and insulting my staff and myself.
As for being given “no choice” as to which boat you came back on and being potentially “stranded” at Loch Coruisk this is complete nonsense as you well know. You were given a choice of coming back on a different boat a slightly later time but you chose not to do so.
All in all I give you full marks for a highly inventive and sanitised version of the events yesterday. Unfortunately however your account is nothing less than a serious of deliberate lies and a total distortion of the reality of the situation.
Written 18 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Failte R
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We decided to take two separate trips - one all day trip to Lake Coriusk and one all day trip to Canna. Our advice would be not to try and cram too many sights / places as even with these all day trips there was still so much more to do. Two wonderful days. David was very helpful and we felt very reassured by the excellent boatmanship of Alex on both trips.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for leaving us your review. We were pleased your trips went well and that you had a great time.
Looking forward to seeing you again one day if you return to Elgol.
Written 20 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J416judy
Carlisle, UK17 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Nick and his colleague went all out to look after my elderly parents ( my mum is disabled ) and make the whole trip enormously interesting and making us laugh including my teenage son - all the while making warm drinks and enjoyable banter. They were hugely informed about the history of the area, the geology and telling us great anecdotes which we all loved. On a misty day, these guys gave us a joyful trip and we learnt a lot. They couldn’t have taken more care of us from start to finish and I would recommend this trip to anyone, no matter what age or whatever the weather. Thank you both for making our afternoon so hugely enjoyable.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave that lovely review. We hope you will come back and see us the next time you return to the Isle of Skye.
Written 17 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gina M
16 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
AquaXplore Trip 4 - Puffin Run / Small Isles tour (3.5 - 4hrs approx)
Boarded Nicole Louise for this tour and we absolutely enjoyed it. The boat is clean and we felt safe inside it. We saw a pod a dolphins, minke whale and a porpoise from a distance, seals and loads of seabirds. We stopped for an hour in Canna Island which was lovely as we enjoyed our fresh sandwiches served with a smile by Canna Cafe staff. Our trip was made more enjoyable because Douglas, our crewman/tour guide is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the history of the little Islands that we saw. Captain Ewan is equally capable as he sailed and docked Nicole Louise smoothly. Overall, my husband and I plus our two boys highly recommended this trip.
Boarded Nicole Louise for this tour and we absolutely enjoyed it. The boat is clean and we felt safe inside it. We saw a pod a dolphins, minke whale and a porpoise from a distance, seals and loads of seabirds. We stopped for an hour in Canna Island which was lovely as we enjoyed our fresh sandwiches served with a smile by Canna Cafe staff. Our trip was made more enjoyable because Douglas, our crewman/tour guide is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the history of the little Islands that we saw. Captain Ewan is equally capable as he sailed and docked Nicole Louise smoothly. Overall, my husband and I plus our two boys highly recommended this trip.
Written 29 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Gina for the lovely review. We are glad yourself and your family had such a lovely time with us.
Hope to see you again soon!
Written 15 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graham D
5 contributions
Jul 2022
This is the second time we've done this boat trip. We did the same AquaExplore trip round the isles about ten years ago (before the children arrived). From the Puffin's to Porpoises, craggy caves and ship wrecks, it was great to share this experience with them. The scenery was stunning. Mark the skipper/guide kept us all entertained and informed and he went the extra mile (probably literally) to find those porpoises. That made the kids day. The stop off in Canna still had it's offbeat charm, the gent on the tractor mower was kind of hilarious without saying a word. Last time around we were served in the cafe by a guy in huge cloggs, this time it was by a lad with a six week old child in a papoose. Very Canna. Highly recommend this trip.
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Graham,
What a lovely review, thank you. We really do hope to see you again soon, hopefully we won't need to wait 10 years though! You never know who will be on Canna the next time you go!
Written 23 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
L7541NUeric
Seaford, UK92 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The weather was a bit overcast with rain coming in. However, Bella Jane was running trips to Loch Coruisk and we arrived early enough to get on an earlier trip. The trip was fun, informative and with a hot chocolate ready for our return, it made a great half day out.
Although we had enough time to explore and walk to Loch Coruisk we’d probably have preferred the trip with an even longer time ashore (available but we didn’t do proper research!).
We’ll have to return again!
Although we had enough time to explore and walk to Loch Coruisk we’d probably have preferred the trip with an even longer time ashore (available but we didn’t do proper research!).
We’ll have to return again!
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, sorry there wasn't enough time for you on your trip. If you do return (which we hope you will) we will be pleased to discuss all the options with you so you can optimise your time at Loch Coruisk.
Written 10 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How long did this trip take? We cannot do any hiking and are interested in the ride only.
Written 15 April 2018
We stayed on the boat and did not disembark. We left on the 12.35pm boat and arrived back at 1.45pm so an hour trip roughly.
Written 17 April 2018
Hola, quisiera hacer este hermoso tour, lo unico que voy a parar en Portree, como puedo llegar para tomar el tour, ya que los micros no coinciden en horarios. Espero su respuesta ya que me encantaria hacer el tour largo. Muchas gracias
Written 10 March 2018
DavidatBellaJane
Elgol, United Kingdom
Hola, the transation from Spanish is not complete I'm afraid. We are open for trips at the end of the month but not at the moment. If you want a trip then please contact us nearer the time. Thank you.
Written 11 March 2018
Hi, would you recommend that we spend extended time on shore? thanks.
Written 23 January 2017
On a good day yes the walking and views are excellent however on an overcast or dull day an hour is more than enough. You need a decent light before pictures become great memories.
Written 24 February 2017
We will be in Skye on August 15th and are considering a Boat trip. Bella Jane was recomended to us. We will only be in Skye for a day and wish to do so many things. We like to be able to see some wild life especially seals and dolphins since whales I believe are not sighted that often on such boat trip. What do you think about a 1.5hour trip on Bella Jane ?
Written 27 June 2015
DavidatBellaJane
Elgol, United Kingdom
Hello Michael, thank you for your question. Our short Bella Jane Mini trip (1.5hrs) is very popular as you do see a lot in a short time - the mountains close up, great coastal scenery and the resident seal colony. We don't usually see too many whales or dolphins on this trip though as it is close inshore. Best to go on our AquaXplore/Island Cruiser trips for them. We have a 1.5hr short trip here too but the best one for whales / dolphins and much more is our half day (3.5-4hr) trip to Canna/Rum.
Written 28 June 2015
Where best to stay on the Isle of Skye so we are close to this boat tour on Bella Jane to see dolphins -
Thanks!!!
Written 12 May 2015
DavidatBellaJane
Elgol, United Kingdom
Hi. The closest to stay is a B&B in Elgol itself or nearby Glasnakille - try Rowan Cottage, Rosecroft or Coruisk House. Or a little furtheraway (7 miles) is Skye Mountain Lodge or Fearnoch. If you have no joy with any of these there are more B&Bs in Broadford 15 miles away and the Broadford Hotel too. Please dont forget to ring us or book online as our wildlife trips an AquaXplore/Island Cruiser do fill up quite quickly!
Written 12 May 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.