Fort William is a true playground for travelers who love nature, history, and a bit of adventure. Its location in the heart of the Scottish Highlands means every tour offers stunning scenery, wildlife sightings, and memorable experiences. We especially enjoy the Seamless blend of wildlife and landscape on boat trips, like the Fort William: Seal Island Boat Tour, which gives you a chance to see resident seals and ancient forests from the water. For a more extensive day out, the Glasgow: Scottish Highlands & The Hogwarts Express Day Tour is perfect for those who want to see dramatic landscapes, historic towns, and enjoy the thrill of the famous train ride. Lastly, the Fort William: Loch Safari RIB Boat Tour offers an exciting, fast-paced wildlife adventure if you’re after a quick, invigorating experience.
Below, we’ll walk through each of these memorable tours, highlighting what makes them special and helping you decide which best fits your interests and schedule.
1. Fort William: Seal Island Boat Tour
This 2-hour boat tour across Loch Linnhe is a fantastic way to combine wildlife spotting with scenic cruising. Starting from Fort William, the trip offers an up-close look at Black Rock’s resident seals—a highlight for many travelers. The boat takes you past the entrance to the Caledonian Canal and offers views of an ancient Caledonian forest from the water, making it more than just a wildlife trip.
What makes this tour stand out is the detailed commentary about Ben Nevis’s geology and the local history of the Highlands, delivered by guides with a genuine passion for the area. The panoramic, 360-degree observation deck on the boat provides sweeping views of Fort William and the surrounding mountains. At only $51 per person, it offers great value for an intimate experience with nature and history.
Good for nature lovers, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed, informative cruise. The reviews are strong—rated 4.7 out of 5 from 657 reviews—and travelers love meeting the seals in their natural habitat. The tour runs year-round, but booking early is advised in summer.
Bottom line: If you want a gentle, wildlife-focused trip with plenty of photo opportunities and engaging stories, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Glasgow: Scottish Highlands & The Hogwarts Express Day Tour
For those who want to pack a lot into one day, this full-day tour from Glasgow combines scenic driving, historic stops, and a ride on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, often called the Hogwarts Express by Harry Potter fans. Starting early from Buchanan Bus Station, the journey takes you through Glen Coe’s dramatic peaks and along scenic routes through the Scottish Highlands.
The tour itinerary includes a 15-minute stop in Tyndrum, a 10-minute photo stop at Glencoe, and a 30-minute break in Fort William for lunch or exploring. The highlight is the 2-hour train ride on the Jacobite steam train, which crosses historic bridges and runs along stunning landscapes that inspired the Harry Potter movies.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip with a mix of scenery, history, and a touch of magic. At around 13 hours long, it’s a full commitment but offers excellent value by combining multiple experiences. The reviews are positive, but note that with only 4 reviews, some travelers might find the itinerary a bit packed.
Good for fans of Harry Potter, scenery lovers, and those interested in Scottish history. Best booked well in advance, especially for the steam train, which is very popular.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a full-day exploration of the Highlands coupled with the thrill of the Hogwarts Express.
3. Fort William: Loch Safari RIB Boat Tour
If you’re seeking a shorter but adrenaline-pumping adventure, this 1-hour RIB boat tour is a perfect choice. It’s designed for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see seals, porpoises, and eagles in their natural environment, all while enjoying the thrill of a fast, open-boat ride.
Led by highly knowledgeable guides, the tour takes you across Lochs and surrounding waters at a pace that keeps your adrenaline high. Travelers consistently praise the experience—one calling it “Excellent! Enjoyed the ride very much” with a perfect 5/5 rating—and the guides’ safety training ensures everyone feels secure while having fun.
The tour’s focus on wildlife sightings and the spectacular Scottish Highland scenery makes it a great choice for anyone wanting a quick, exciting adventure. It’s flexible, with starting times available upon booking, and offers a different perspective on the Highlands compared to the calmer boat tours.
Good for families, adventure seekers, and those short on time. The high praise from reviews makes this a reliable option for a memorable wildlife encounter.
Bottom line: For a fast-paced, wildlife-focused experience that guarantees excitement, the Loch Safari RIB Boat Tour hits all the right notes.
How to Choose Which Tour Is Right for You
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you prefer a relaxed, wildlife-focused cruise with beautiful scenery and approachable pricing, the Seamless boat trip is ideal. For travelers who want to combine scenery, history, and a bit of Harry Potter magic, the Highlands & Hogwarts Express offers a comprehensive and memorable experience. Meanwhile, if a quick but exhilarating wildlife adventure appeals, the Loch Safari RIB Boat Tour is perfect.
Consider your time constraints — the full-day tour is long, but packed with experiences, while the shorter boat ride is perfect for a quick outing. Budget is also a factor; the seal boat tour offers the best value at $51, whereas the other tours may vary in cost based on options and seasonal prices.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular Hogwarts Express and wildlife tours, to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Fort William offers a diverse range of tours, each highlighting different aspects of Highland life and landscapes. For a gentle introduction to the area’s wildlife and scenery, the Seal Island Boat Tour is an excellent choice. If you’re eager for a full-day adventure that combines stunning landscapes with the magic of the Hogwarts Express, the Highlands & Hogwarts train tour is hard to beat. And for a fast, wildlife-packed thrill, the Loch Safari RIB Boat Tour delivers.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Fort William truly has something for every traveler eager to explore the Scottish Highlands in their own way.