Boat Tours

Arisaig Marine operates day cruises for whale-, seal-, and bird-watching. Your vessel is the MV Sheerwater, which travels to the Small Isles at Easter and daily from May through September, when charter trips also go to Skye. Also available for charter from Arisaig Marine is a fast twin-engine motor yacht, which can take up to 12 passengers around the Small Isles and farther afield. Caledonian MacBrayne runs scheduled service and cruises from Mallaig to Skye, the Small Isles, and Mull.

Jacobite Cruises runs morning and afternoon cruises on Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle and boat and coach excursions to the Monster Exhibition in Drumnadrochit.

An unusual option from Inverness is a day trip to Orkney: John o'Groats Ferries runs day tours from Inverness to Orkney, daily from June through August. Moray Firth Cruises provides trips by boat from Inverness harbor into the Moray Firth, offering you the chance to see dolphins in their breeding area.

Information

Arisaig Marine (01687/450224. www.arisaig.co.uk). Caledonian MacBrayne (01475/650100. www.calmac.co.uk). Jacobite Cruises (01463/233999. www.jacobite.co.uk). John o'Groats Ferries (01955/611353. www.jogferry.co.uk). Moray Firth Cruises (01463/717900).

Personal Guides

James Johnstone is based in Inverness but will drive you anywhere; he has a particularly good knowledge of the Highlands and islands, including the Outer Isles.

Information

James Johnstone (01463/798372. 01463/790179. www.jajcd.com).

Train Tours

From Fort William, First ScotRail runs services on the outstandingly beautiful West Highland Line to Mallaig. The Jacobite Steam Train is an exciting summer (July to September) option on the same route.

Information

Jacobite Steam Train (01463/239026). First ScotRail (08457/550033. www.firstgroup.com/scotrail).