Africa Isn’t the Only Place to Go on a Safari. Scotland’s Wildlife Is Just as Fulfilling

Scotland has a rich diversity of wildlife because of its geology and climate. Each area of the country has variable conditions and communities of wildlife and plants. These little pockets of nature are absolutely fascinating, and as Attenborough says, you just need to know where to look — and, as a Scot myself, I’d add when and how to look.

To find the answers, I spoke with individuals and companies in Scotland who dedicate their lives to studying and protecting our coastal and inland native species. They share why Scotland is one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing and how travelers can view responsibly with a light footprint, and hopefully leave with an appreciation of how remarkable and precious the ecosystem is.

What is special about Scotland’s wildlife?

Aberdeenshire-based Wild Discovery is one of the best wildlife tour operators in the country. It’s owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Dan and Rachael Brown. They created the company to meet the needs of visitors coming to Scotland who want a nature-based experience but also want to support local initiatives and projects.

Wild Discovery is committed to giving back to the planet and the community. Its custom-made experiences, such as private boat excursions of the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland, set them apart. In addition to these, they offer a range of set tours, including an e-bike safari. These tours not only introduce you to Scotland’s most precious wildlife, but also deepen your understanding of the connection between regional ecosystems and its need for protection.

“There are very few places on the planet where people and the landscape are so intrinsically linked,” Rachael says. Wild Discovery tours not only showcase the best of Scotland’s nature, but also provide a fascinating insight into the history of the relationship between humans and wildlife. From viewing otters playing in replica Viking longships, Ospreys diving for fish from medieval castles, and orcas breaching with a backdrop of Iron Age dwellings, Scotland’s stunning landscape, diverse ecosystems, and fascinating human history add layers to the overall educational experience of Wild Discovery’s expeditions.

“There are too many fascinating species to cover,” Rachel says, “but on any day in Scotland, you could find a remarkable solar-powered sea slug (yes, it’s a thing, and it uses chloroplasts from the algae it eats to help give it extra energy by embedding them in itself), to carnivorous plants such as sundews that have sticky beads of digestive enzymes on the leaves to trap and consume insects.”

“At the same time, you could watch the only species other than ourselves that farms other animals — wood ants — and then marvel at hen harriers sky dancing, a beautiful ghostly white bird of prey. Scotland is more than just any one species. Much of our enjoyment comes from this remarkable meld of fascinating species that are all carving out extraordinary livings,” Rachel says.

The holistic approach of Wild Discovery’s ethos lends itself well to nature. Everything from the fascinating lifecycle of the habitats of Scotland’s woodlands to the changing behavior of sea life due to rising ocean temperatures plays a role in the biosphere.

Morven Summers, the communications manager of Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), a marine conservation charity based in Tobermory on Mull, has worked with the trust on the island off the west coast of Scotland for nearly two decades. Before moving here, Summers admits they had no idea that Scotland’s waters attract so many whales and dolphins.

The marine conservation charity researches and provides education on cetaceans — whales, dolphins, and porpoises — in the waters around the Hebrides. HWDT works with local communities to foster a sense of stewardship toward these marine animals and conducts crucial research that informs conservation efforts. The work has been instrumental in establishing marine protected areas for vulnerable species and directly contributes to the conservation of cetaceans along Scotland’s west coast.

“More than a quarter of the world’s whale, dolphin, and porpoise species have been recorded in Hebridean seas,” Summers says. HWDT has recorded 24 species. Some call Scotland home, others migrate to the waters to feed in the spring and summer months. At the same time, other visitors are quite rare and elusive, such as beluga whales, which are more commonly spotted around Alaska, Russia, Canada, and Greenland.

The most commonly spotted cetaceans are harbour porpoises, with the Hebridean waters having one of the largest population densities in Europe. You can also see minke whales. “The highest encounter rates are around the Small Isles (a small archipelago off the west coast) and east of the Outer Hebrides,” Summers says. Dolphins, which were once a rare sight, are becoming increasingly common in the waters, especially between April and October (although they have remained here throughout winter, too).

Orcas visit the coastal and offshore Hebridean waters year-round. “Tragically, only two old males — John Coe and Aquarius — have been spotted in recent years, prompting fears these are the last two of their kind, and with their demise, this unique group of ocra will be lost,” Summer says. You can read more about orcas and this pod on HWDT’s blog.

And it’s not just cetaceans that people come to Scotland to spot. You can also see basking sharks. This gentle giant can grow up to the length of a double-decker bus, and although they may look terrifying, the solitary creatures are harmless filter feeders.

Basking sharks eat plankton, which blooms off the west coast of Scotland. “It’s so extensive, it can be seen from space,” Summers says. The mix of warm southern ocean currents, offshoots from the Gulf Stream, and cool coastal currents create nutrient-rich waters, which is why Scotland is one of the best places in the world for viewing cetaceans.

How to plan a Scottish wildlife safari

Joining an expert-led tour is one of the best ways to go wildlife spotting in Scotland. Not only will you learn inside knowledge about the animals, but tours can also help guide you on the best practices for being in the natural habitat. If you are interested in sea life or coastal birds, it’s recommended that you choose a tour operator accredited by the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Scheme. The organization is a UK-wide program specializing in responsible marine wildlife observation practices. You can also filter nature tours on the Visit Scotland site by location, who you are traveling with, your price range, and tour length.

A great place to start is by looking at the range of tours offered by Wild Discovery. These meticulously planned trips consider everything from organizing accommodations to dining at places that support local farmers and producers. They will also introduce you to people who work in conservation and rural initiatives and, of course, showcase the best of Scottish wildlife.

Wild Discovery’s fully inclusive tours include transportation in Scotland, food and drinks, accommodation, and entrance fees to parks or reserves. These tours are led by Dan and Rachael and range from eight days in Shetland, nine days in the Outer Hebrides in summer, or learning about mammals in the Highlands. The full calendar of events showcases what’s available season by season.

Or you can join a half-day or full-day tour of the Cairngorms National Park and Aberdeenshire, where you could see pine martens, red squirrels, golden and white-tailed eagles, and black grouse, to name a few. Wild Discovery also runs an eBike safari through the Cairngorms and upper Deeside, where you can explore a little farther than you would on foot without disturbing the environment. Lastly, you can take a customized tour of the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland with a private group.

If visiting Mull, and I highly recommend that you do, you can enquire about HWDT’s two citizen science programs, which are live-aboard expeditions on their research vessel, Silurian. These run from April to October and you can spend a week to 12 days exploring the Hebrides and helping gather data. Space is limited to six guests (and three crew), and is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about Scotland’s ocean life.

Tips for responsible wildlife viewing and how you can give back

Enlist the help of a wildlife-safe operator: First and foremost, choose a tour operator accredited by the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Scheme. These operators prioritize responsible interactions with wildlife.

If going alone, read the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code: Although the code pertains mainly to coastal wildlife spotting, it has some excellent tips that will help you in any environment in Scotland.

Keep to paths, nature reserves, and national parks: Scotland’s countryside is well managed by government organizations, private landowners, and non-profit organizations. Keeping to areas with clearly defined trails and places with information will help reduce your impact on habitats.

Respect the wildlife: A few basic rules of thumb are to maintain distance and use binoculars for better observation, avoid loud noises or sudden movements, and be mindful of nesting birds (even on the ground). Never approach mothers with young, and don’t linger too long, even if you’re being careful.

Download the Whale Track app: This app is free on both Android and Apple devices. It shows what’s been spotted and where. You can also check out the live sightings map on the HWDT site. HWDT encourages visitors to report any whales, dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks they see.

Report dead animals: Note the location and contact NatureScot for advice.

Minimize disruptions: Always keep dogs leashed or leave them at home. Avoid strong perfumes or scents.

Respect the community: Be mindful of other wildlife watchers and local communities.

Leave no trace: Most important, don’t disturb the environment, tread lightly, and leave the area as beautiful as you found it.