Explore Skye - Private Tours

A perfect way to see the best that Skye has to offer

If you’re planning a visit to the Isle of Skye and want to go beyond the typical bus tour, Explore Skye Private Tours offers a standout alternative. Based on Skye, they specialise in fully private, tailor-made excursions that give you freedom to set your own pace, choose your sightseeing stops, and explore the island’s wild beauty with a local guide.

Location & Coverage Area

• Base location: Laimhrig, Luib, Isle of Skye

• Travel coverage: The entire Isle of Skye - with flexibility to venture onto roads less travelled, remote viewpoints, hidden coves and major landmarks. They will pick you up from anywhere on Skye and tailor the route to your interests.

• Vehicle & group size: Private tour format (you book the vehicle just for your party), enabling longer photo stops, detours and relaxed timing.

What They Offer

Explore Skye have curated a number of core experiences and also allow fully bespoke tours. Here’s a breakdown:

Private Tours

• Full day tours are £450 (up to 6 passengers)

• Half days are £300 per group (up to 6 passengers)

• Multi Day tours start at £600 (max 8 passengers)

• These tours cover major highlights such as the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, the dramatic ridge of the Quiraing, coastal viewpoints and tranquil hidden spots.

• The key difference from standard group tours: you choose your start time, set which sights matter to you, and have a guide who can adjust stops or timing based on what you’re after.

Bespoke & Customised Tours

• For example, if you’re keen on photography, geology, local folklore, or a mixture of gentle walks + scenic drives, the tour can be carved accordingly.

• Great for families, couples, walkers, photographers, or anyone with specific interests.

Hidden Gems + “Off the Beaten Track” Access

• Their local knowledge allows visits to quieter spots away from the busy vantage points. For example: boat trips, remote loch shores, lesser-visited beaches, and viewpoints with fewer people.

• One featured tour: from the river at Sligachan, through the Fairy Pools, then to the village of Elgol and by boat to the secluded Loch Coruisk, emphasising remote and dramatic scenery.

Multi-Stop, Flexible Pacing

• Unlike rigid schedules, Explore Skye offer flexibility photo stops, short hikes, viewpoint detours, relaxed lunches, the works.

• Transport options include driving on single-track roads, short walks from parking spots, and sometimes boat segments (e.g., Loch Coruisk).

Key Highlights & Typical Itinerary Snippets

Here are some of the standout moments you can expect on a tour with Explore Skye:

• Arrive at Sligachan, with the mighty Cuillin mountain backdrop and satisfying single-track road approach.

• Walk the Fairy Pools: crystal-clear mountain stream pools, ideal for photos or short exploration.

• Visit vantage points along the Quiraing or Trotternish Ridge with sweeping views of sea, cliffs and ridgelines.

• Coastal drive via Elgol, then take a boat across Loch Scavaig to Loch Coruisk - truly remote and dramatic.

• Stops at lesser-visited beaches, waterfalls, viewpoint turns or local villages, depending on your interest.

• Optional activities: photo-walks, wildlife spotting (sea eagles, seals, otters), local commentary on geology & legends.

• The tour wraps back to your pickup location on Skye – no rigid return time unless requested.

Why It Works & What Sets It Apart

• Personalised experience: Because it’s private, you don’t share the vehicle with strangers; you set the pace.

• Local expertise: The guide knows the island well - shortcuts, quieter vistas, best photo lights.

• Flexibility: Good when the weather changes (which it often does on Skye); the route can adapt.

• Focus on quality rather than quantity: Rather than cramming in 10 stops, the emphasis is on meaningful ones: views, walks, maybe a boat trip.

• Suitable for a range of visitor types: Whether you’re a serious hiker, a photo-enthusiast, a family wanting something easy, or a couple seeking a romantic day out.

Booking info

• Price starts from around £450 for a full-day private tour (may vary by season or group size)

• Early booking advised for peak summer months (July-August)

• Contact in advance with your interests to help custom-build your day

Packing tips

Bring layers (weather can shift fast), waterproof outer layer, sturdy shoes if you’d like a short walk, camera or phone for photos, and perhaps a snack or picnic (or ask your guide about local lunch stop).

Why choose this tour?

Because it’s built around you. Want an easy day with lots of beach and views? Great. Want a more energetic day with a walking element? Perfect. Want to avoid crowds and see something quiet and remote? They’ll know the route. If you’re staying on the Isle of Skye or passing through and want a tour that doesn’t feel rushed or generic, Explore Skye Private Tours deliver one of the most flexible and personalised ways to see the island’s magic.

Location