There are so many things to do on the Isle of Skye. Listed below in no particular order are 50 activities to keep you busy during your next visit to Skye.
How many have you done?
Swim in the Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle are deep blue pools in the river filled with crystal clear water from the Cuillins. These pools have become popular for 'wild swimming'. Are you brave enough to swim in these magical pools?
Have a meal at the Three Chimneys
The Three Chimneys restaurant has won a host of awards and top accolades. Book your table and sample Skye produce at its very best.
Walk up to the Old Man of Storr
This large pillar of rock known as the 'Old Man' dominates the landscape in the north east of Skye. Walking up to the Old Man is not difficult and rewards you with some wonderful views.
Take a Boat Trip to see the sea eagles
The white-tailed eagle (Sea Eagle) is the largest bird of prey in Britain. One of the most reliable ways to see these birds is by taking a Stardust boat trip from Portree.
Visit Dunvegan Castle
A visit to Skye is incomplete without savouring the wealth of history offered by Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and is the ancestral home to the Clan MacLeod.
Take a Boat to Loch Coruisk
Taking a boat trip from Elgol is the easiest way to get to Loch Coruisk, a fresh water loch surrounded by the Cuillin Mountains. A truly spectacular location.
Take the Scenic Route to Skye
The fastest way by road to Skye is using the free road bridge, but the scenic way (to drive) is via ferry from Glenelg to Kylerhea.
Walk the Quiraing
The Quiraing, which is the largest landslip in the country is on the east coast of Trotternish. The Quiraing loop is a spectacular walk for the more confident with heights.
Climb the Cuillins
For experienced walkers (who can read a map) climbing a Cuillin summit is a must do. The Cuillins is home to twelve Munros and offers the best walking and climbing in the UK.
Go out on the Seaprobe Atlantis
Book a trip on the glass bottom boat from Kyle and see what's going on under the surface!
Watch an Otter Play
You must be lucky and quiet to see an Otter play on the shore around Skye. There are wildlife guides that can be hired to take you to the best locations.
Walk to Neist Point Lighthouse
At the most westerly point of Skye near Glendale is the walk down to Neist Point Lighthouse, a must for any visitor to the Island.
Go Sea Kayaking
There are many hidden bays & beaches around Skye that are best explored from the Sea. If you don't have your own boat, book a session Sea Kayaking.
Have a picnic at Coral Beach
On a good day, Coral Beach near Dunvegan rivals any tropical beach, for looks anyway - the water temperature can be a bit chilly!
Go to a Music Festival
The Skye Live music festival has been running for a few years now. Offering a mix of music styles including Scottish favourites and modern dance.
Buy a Souvenir at Skyeskyns
Visit the Skyeskyns showroom and workshop in Waternish and perhaps choose a sheepskin souvenir to remind you of Skye.
Throw an Axe with Ace Skye
Just outside Portree Ace Skye activities centre offers a range of options for all the family to try, including archery, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting, paintball and axe throwing.
Catch a Trout using a Fly
Whether you are a keen angler or want to try for the first time, catching a trout on the fly is a magical experience. Why not hire the local ghillie to guide you?
Squeeze into a Wetsuit and go Coasteering
Coasteering is exhilarating if you're confident in the water. Under careful guidance, challenge yourself to jump, swim and scramble along the coast.
Watch the Sun Setting over the Minch
On a summer's evening nothing can be better than watching the sunset while looking out to sea. Good locations include Neist Point, Waternish and Duntulm.
Watch Whales at Rubha Hunish
At the very north of Skye is Rubha Hunish and the deep water offers a high chance of seeing a Minke whale, it is also possible to see other types such as humpback and killer whales.
Try Clay Shooting at A.C.E Target Sports
The perfect place for an introduction to this traditional highland activity.
Whether it is your first time or you have shot clays before join Matt at A.C.E for a fun Clay session in a beautiful natural setting.
Have Lunch at Raasay House
The island of Raasay is Skye's smaller neighbour and can be reached by ferry from Sconser. Raasay House is an outdoor centre (where you can book activities) and they serve tasty food!
Go to the Skye Highland Games
Once a year on the first week of August the Skye Highland Games are held at "The Lump" in Portree. A must for any visitor, the games include everything from athletics to tossing the caber.
Go Climbing (Indoors)
Whether you are an experienced climber or having a go for the first time the Third Ridge climbing wall is a perfect wet weather activity when visiting Skye.
Explore the Village of Boreraig
This ruined village is the result of the Highland clearances. Walk to Boreraig and explore the remains of this old village.
Find Dinosaur Footprints
At An Corrann beach near Staffin when the tide is low you can find dinosaur footprints on the rocks near the sandy beach. Skye is famous for dinosaur fossils, but footprints are easier to find.
Explore the Fairy Glen
Wander around the hillocks at the Fairy Glen. These small hills were caused by a landslip and legend says they are the home to the magical Skye fairies.
Visit Armadale Castle & Gardens
Armadale Castle & Gardens and Museum of the Isles. A magnificent 20,000 acre estate in Sleat in the south of Skye home of the Clan MacDonald.
Watch the Skye Pipe Band
The bagpipes are iconic. The pipes and drums of the Skye Pipe Band play in the square in Portree every Tuesday evening during the summer.
See the Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis can be seen on Skye (with the right conditions) on a winter's evening. Look up in the night sky and watch the colourful light show.
Run the Skye Half Marathon
Every June the Half Marathon takes place, attracting many keen runners from all over the world. Challenge yourself to take part in the next one.
Watch Seals
Take a Seal Boat Trip at Dunvegan Castle. These small boats can get surprisingly close to the seals sun bathing on the rocks in Loch Dunvegan.
Go to a Cèilidh
A number of halls and venues across Skye host 'sessions' these live events have Scottish traditional music which typically including pipes, whistles and fiddles.
Photograph the Sunrise over the Quiraing
Whether you are a professional or amateur photographer, witnessing the sunrise from the Quiraing is an unforgettable experience.
Go Swimming (Indoors)
The Fingle Centre in Portree offers a range of indoor activities including swimming, climbing and racket sports. A good option to keep the family busy on a wet day.
Visit an Art Gallery
Skye has many small art galleries and crafts shops. An ideal chance to buy a handmade souvenir.
Eat out at Kinloch Lodge
Having succeeded the hotel's founder, Lady Claire Macdonald, Jordan Webb consistently serves up incredible dishes from Skye's natural and delicious larder.
Have a go at Archery
Ace Skye just outside Portree run archery sessions. A perfect family activity.
Go Sailing
The Skye Sailing Club offers experience sessions to visitors. Head out in to Portree Bay for some fun on the water with your own instructor for the session to keep you safe.
Get Married
Skye makes a popular location for a wedding. Whether you're thinking large or small contact the team at Skye Weddings to help you plan your big day.
Hire an E-Bike
Explore the Trotternish peninsula in a modern eco-friendly way, on a peddle-assisted E-Bikes. An ideal way to get out and explore if you come to Skye using public transport.
Eat Fish & Chips
Enjoy the classic seaside meal, eat fish and chips at Portree pier. Just watch out for the overly bold seagulls that will help themselves if you're not careful.
Have a go at Paddle Boarding
Explore the coastline around Skye on a Paddle Board. Lessons are available if you have never tried standing up on a board before.
Head out for a Sail in a Larger Yacht
There are many boat trip options around Skye, but nothing beats the feeling of pulling up a sail and cruising under the power of the wind.
Find a Broch
Dotted around Skye and the greater Highlands you will find ruined Broches. These Pictish round towers were built at least 2000 years ago. There is a good example near Struan.
Watch a Gannet Dive for Fish
The Gannet is the largest sea bird in Scotland and are well known for diving at high speed in to the sea to catch fish. This is best watched from a boat or cliff top in the late summer.
Walk the Cuillin Ridge
A must for the experienced walker, complete the famous mountain ridge. If you are inexperienced then hire a local guide to keep you safe.