BOAT TRIPS & TOURS FROM THE ISLE OF BUTE
STUNNING COASTLINES
The stunning coastlines around Argyll & Bute are amoungst some of the most beautiful in Scotland. From hidden coves to treelined shores, uninhabited islands to quaint costal villages and sheltered sea lochs to magnificent whirlpools, it has earned its reputation as Scotland’s ‘Secret Coast’.
Bute itself has a varied coastline, mainly due to being intersected by the Highland boundary fault line, meaning it is the first island in the Highlands. The beautiful sandy bays at Ettrick, Kilchattan, Scalpsie and St Ninians provide a golden break to the lush rolling fields and dense woodlands, while the picturesque villages of Port Bannatyne, Kilchattan & Kerrycroy show the island’s peoples deep connection to the sea. The jewel in the crown is the Kyles of Bute, which is quite simply breathtaking.
Further afield we find the stunning sea lochs of Argyll with vibarant villages like Tighnabruaich, Tarbert, Inveraray & Campbeltown as well as the magical Clyde esturay islands of Cumbrae & Arran. The Clyde coast is also easily accessable with the likes of Dunoon, Largs, Irvine, Greenock, Helensburgh & Gourock all a short boat ride away.
douglas c
Kyles Of Bute Tour
Leaving from the pontoons at Rothesay inner harbour we had a great time on the Kyles of Bute rib tour. Our genial host Alistair did the driving and gave us a running commentary. The weather was calm but cold and we were lucky enough to see porpoises prancing about in the water against a backdrop of stunning scenery. I would definitely recommend this tour as a ‘must do’, if you pop over to the Isle of Bute
eddie m
Fantastic trip on the fast boat
Brilliant trip out on the boat, gets you there fast, seen amazing views of the hills changing colour, porpoises and seals, very informative too, definitely booking next year.
LRCousins
Great Scenic Fun!
Absolutely Amazing! Al is very friendly, knowledgeable and great fun. We did the Cumbraes Tour. When I can do it again!?
James S
Fast boat trip
Fast boat trip on a rib boat from Rothesay through Kyles of Bute on a flat calm sea. Plenty of porpoises on view and pilot happy to stop to watch them. Nice day and reasonably warm. Only drawback was access on and off the boat which is definitely not disabled friendly and could use more stable ladder rather than stepping across from the jetty over the inflated side with no handrail
Graham Glass
Bute boat tours a must trip when you are visiting
The trip we did was the 60min trip down the Kyle of Bute. Amazing time we had and it is so beautiful. Alistair our guide and pilot was so friendly and knowledgable. Highly recommended and we’ll def be back to try the other trips
Dilys F
Fun fun fun
Great fun - we highly recommend this boat trip out if Rothesay marina. Choice of routes around the beautiful Isle of Bute
liz s
Excellent
We saw lots of birds, seals and porpoises. I mistakenly booked the wrong date but they were fine with me rearranging and fitting us in. Great to hear the local knowledge as we went round, very friendly. We'll worth the trip!
Andrew T
Book yourselves on!
Fantastic! Saw porpoises and seals and our skipper Alistair is incredibly knowledgeable on the history of the area. Excellent value for money too. Book on if you’re within travelling distance of the Isle of Bute - you won’t be disappointed!
suziesimms
Fabulous Boat Trip Around Bute
What a great experience! We booked the Kyles of Bute tour - Alistair was a fab guide, really informative and with great sense of humour. The scenery was stunning and we saw a range of wildlife including porpoises. Would definitely recommend and we will be booking another trip the next time we are on Bute.
Melissa P
The perfect Bute boat trip :)
Just back from a fantastic wee trip around the Kyle’s of Bute. Would definitely recommend. Alistair was extremely accommodating and is so lovely and knowledgeable, making the trip even more enjoyable! It’s a great opportunity to see some beautiful wildlife and see the island from a different perspective.
WONDERFUL WILDLIFE
The remoteness and lack of human intervention means that Argyll & Bute is a wonderful place to encounter nature in all its majesty. The sheltered sea lochs, quiet bays and warmer waters attract many species to feed, amoungst them dolphins, porpoises, minke whales and basking sharks.
The shoreline also attracts sea otters who feast on the shellfish that can be found in abundance.
For those with an eye for our feathered friends, keep your eyes peeled for oyster catchers, herons, barnacle geese,red kite, ospreys, golden & sea eagles and much more.
So far this year we have already had the pleasure of seeing seals, sea otters, porpoises, dolphins, sea eagles and minke whale. As water heat up we enter the time of year where basking sharks join us to feed so are hoping to see them on our travels, like we did last season.
For those that like to get in the water, we offer private diving and snorkling trips, with some great spots for diving in the local area.
BUTE BOAT TOURS
Bute Boat Tours is based on the stunning Isle of Bute, running trips from Rothesay harbour to destination around Bute, Argyll & the Clyde Coast.
Join us on our high speed rib, Commando One, a Tornado 9.5 High Performance Edition, one of a kind, rib that was specially built for the Swedish Navy Special Forces as an assault craft. At 9.5 meters and with a carbon fibre hull, riders are sat on jockey seats literally inches from the water for a smooth yet exhilarating ride.
Your guide on your trip is skipper Al. Alistair is fully qualified for the category waters around Bute and in the Firth of Clyde, and he is also commercially endorsed by the MCA.
Armed with great knowledge of the local area and a keen sense of humour, Alistair will help bring the sights on your tour to life.
