fishing and wildlife boat trips
in badachro, Scottish highlands

EXPERIENCE LIFE AS A SCOTTISH FISHERMAN

Join an authentic creel fishing adventure in Badachro and discover the local wildlife, beautiful scenery and experience the traditions of the North West Scottish Highlands.

More than a boat trip

Step aboard a working family-run fishing boat and head out onto the waters of Loch Gairloch with a local fisherman. Haul creels from the sea, learn about traditional shellfish fishing, encounter incredible wildlife and explore one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. No experience required – just bring your sense of adventure.

.
I

Haul Real Creels

Get hands-on and help retrieve shellfish creels from the sea while learning how sustainable Scottish shellfish fishing works.

Spot Local Wildlife

Keep watch for seals, otters, porpoises, seabirds and, if you're lucky, majestic sea eagles soaring overhead.

Explore the loch

Discover the coastline and stunning views of the Torridon mountains and the amazing surrounding Highland views.

Local knowledge

Hear fascinating stories about local history, fishing traditions, shipwrecks, communities and life on Scotland's rugged west coast.

Family friendly and small group experiences

Suitable for families, couples, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone seeking an authentic Scottish adventure.

Enjoy a personal and relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get involved.

We also run bespoke private trips and special trips for schools and college outings.

What happens on a shellfish safari?

Your adventure begins at the pier on Dry Island in Badachro, where you’ll meet your skipper Ian Mcwhinney and receive a brief introduction before setting sail into Badachro.

As we cruise through the loch, you’ll learn about the local fishing industry, the history of the surrounding area and the incredible marine environment that supports both wildlife and local communities.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Help haul traditional creels from the seabed
  • See shellfish such as lobster, crab and langoustines up close
  • Learn how shellfish are sustainably harvested
  • Explore remote parts of the coastline inaccessible by road
  • Photograph spectacular Highland scenery
  • Search for seals, otters, dolphins and seabirds
  • Hear stories of local history and maritime life

 

We are the only boat trip locally that can guarantee an experience of great views, along with catching, discovering and holding sea creatures.

Every trip is different, shaped by weather, wildlife sightings and the daily rhythm of life at sea. 

meet the crew

The Mcwhinney Family

Ian
SKIPPER
Isla
FIRST MATE
Finlay
DECKHAND
Dubh
SEA CAPTAIN

A Family Tradition
On The Water

Shellfish Safaris is proudly family-run and rooted in generations of Highland coastal life.

With years of experience working these waters, your skipper Ian, offers an authentic insight into the traditions, challenges and rewards of fishing on Scotland's west coast. More than just a boat trip, each excursion is an opportunity to share local knowledge, stories and a genuine passion for the sea.

When you join a Shellfish Safari, you're not just a passenger — you're part of the crew too.

Discover One Of Scotland's Richest Coastal Habitats

The waters around Badachro and Gairloch are home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife.

Depending on the season and conditions, you may encounter:

  • Common and grey seals
  • Otters
  • Harbour porpoises
  • Dolphins
  • Sea eagles
  • Golden eagles
  • Gannets
  • Guillemots
  • Puffins (seasonal)
  • Herons and wading birds


Bring your camera — every trip offers unique opportunities for wildlife photography.

WHAT OUR ADVENTURERS SAY

We have a 4.9 Rating on Tripadvisor with over 70 reviews

Rated 4.68 out of 5
Ed Kitchen, Penistone, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
We booked a trip and lunch to follow. Great experience being part of the fishing experience, learning about the local area. Ian is really engaging and the kids on board could ask him anything...they had loads of time for everyone. We stayed for lunch and really enjoyed some fabulous and unbelievably fresh seafood. Would definitely recommend for adults as well as children.
Janine K, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
Lovely trip around the bay, learning about the history and seafood. Chance to get acquainted with a wide variety of sealife; crabs, lobsters, starfish. Stunning setting and our wee dog was allowed to come with us on the boat. Beautiful setting, lovely people, great memories. Highly recommend.
Cavanonholiday, Falkirk, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the shellfish safari. Even the walk down was wonderful. Ian and his family were so welcoming and lovely. The views from the boat were amazing and we saw the most lovely seals. The boat trip itself was funny, informative and interesting. We got to see some of thr catch and find out more about the licw in the water. Overall it was absolutely worth going, really great time.
Kerry Henderson, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
We had a brilliant time out on the boat today. Very educational trip. Boys loved being able to handle the shellfish and learn exciting more facts about them and there environments. Ian is a lovely guy and the banter was great too. Thank you very much.
TheWTandNBTT, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
The time went by so quickly, as he showed us various sea creatures plucked from the depths below, explaining that much of his catch travelled live across the globe, and would probably be being eaten in some Michelin starred restaurant within 12 to 36 hours time. He was a delight and we would definitely recommend this time spent in Ian’s company as a highlight of our holiday, and if you can book a trip, hopefully yours!
Katie C, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
Starting your boat trip on the most beautiful little island in the middle of the loch, you know that the trip is going to worth the walk from the car! Once aboard the boat, the trip takes you around the loch where you have the opportunity of seeing some of the most spectacular wildlife that Scotland has to offer.
Carmensanchezwhite South Shields, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
We went as a couple, but I think that it is a brilliant experience for little ones. We saw loads of different species, velvet crabs, red crabs, squat lobsters , langoustines,star fish, flounders, and many more, on our way back to the harbour we saw some seals as well. loved every minute of it, I can not recommend the experience enough is certainly something different
Marcin Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor
Once getting on a small fishing boat Ian shows and explains different aspects of sustainable shellfish fishing in this part of the UK. While pulling crab cage traps from the sea on the boat Ian talks through about his catch and let hold some of the shellfish. We were quite lucky to see a scorpio fish, which is one of the most venomous fish in this sea.
ClazEngland, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor.com
Took time out of our North Coast 500 trip to join Ian on his creel boat. Absolutely fascinating and it felt like a privilege to see the catch close up and encounter some strange creatures we didn't even know existed. Saw some adore seals basking on the rocks. Ian had good craic and shared some very interesting local history too.
Brian J, United Kingdom
Tripadvisor
If you're spending some time in the Gairloch area this is a wonderful experience for all the family. Ian is one of the few creel fishermen left in the area and is a real character with a typically highland dry sense of humour. Lovely guy, tells you about the area's history and how the hand caught shellfish he catches are transported live to southern europe and beyond.

your departing location

There’s something truly special about enjoying seafood you’ve caught yourself. After your Shellfish Safari adventure, return to the peaceful shores of Dry Island where your freshly landed shellfish is expertly cooked and beautifully prepared for you to enjoy. Gather with family, friends or fellow explorers and savour a delicious platter featuring the very catch you hauled from the sea yourselves. Surrounded by breathtaking Highland scenery, it’s more than a meal – it’s an unforgettable experience that connects you to the sea, the landscape and the rich coastal traditions of the West Coast.

Find us Here

ENJOY A SHELLFISH PLATTER

From Creel to Plate: Enjoy the Freshest Seafood Feast from Your Own Catch After Your Adventure!

There’s something truly special about enjoying seafood you’ve caught yourself. After your Shellfish Safari adventure, return to the peaceful shores of Dry Island where your freshly landed shellfish is expertly cooked and beautifully prepared for you to enjoy. Gather with family, friends or fellow explorers and savour a delicious platter featuring the very catch you hauled from the sea yourselves. Surrounded by breathtaking Highland scenery, it’s more than a meal – it’s an unforgettable experience that connects you to the sea, the landscape and the rich coastal traditions of the West Coast.

Ready To Experience
Shellfish Safaris?

Whether you’re visiting the Highlands for a weekend break, a family holiday or a photography adventure, Shellfish Safaris offers a truly unique way to experience Scotland’s spectacular west coast. Spaces are limited to maintain a personal experience and advance booking is recommended.

Haul Creels.
Spot Wildlife.
Discover The Highlands.

Join us on Loch Gairloch for an unforgettable fishing and wildlife adventure in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.