Private charter boat for pleasure cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland.
Dolphin & Whale watching boat trips, bird watching and fishing trips.

We offer our private charter boat for bespoke pleasure cruises by the hour, half day or full day charters. We cater for small groups of up to 5, families, or even a romantic cruise for just two around the Moray Firth coastal waters in Scotland.

Our boat is the "Sue J" skippered by Robert Mchugh and can carry a maximum of 5 passengers. You charter the whole boat and you decide what you would like to see and do for the duration of you trip, whether it's just the two of you looking for a gentle romantic cruise up the coast, you and the kids wanting to do something a little different during your holiday or a group of friends enjoying a few hours out at sea to do some dolphin or whale watching, bird watching or a even a few hours fishing.
Our Charter Fees are by the hour and not by the number of people in your party (5 Max).

1 Hour trip is £65        2 Hours is £110        3 Hours is £145

Longer trips by prior arrangement.

Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland.

The Moray Firth is one of best places in Scotland for observing dolphins and Minke Whales. The most common species are the Bottlenose Dolphin, with the occasional sightings of Harbour Porpoise and Minke Whale. The highly productive waters to the north of Scotland provide feeding grounds and breeding areas for perhaps the greatest diversity and abundance of these marine mammals in Britain.

The Moray Firth is home to a large colony of Bottlenose Dolphins. While sightings of these wonderful creatures can never be guaranteed as they range quite widely, there is always a very good chance of spotting them. As many as 24 different species of sea mammals either reside in, or pass through, the northern waters of Scotland making this region one of the most important habitats for whales and dolphins in the whole of Western Europe. There are 9 different dolphin species which have been officially recorded in the Moray Firth.

Several species of whale have been recorded in the Moray Firth, the most common being the Minke whale. Minke whales are generally solitary or may be seen in pairs. They are occassionaly found in larger groups particularly in northern Scotland where groups can number up to 10 or 15 individuals. They are very inquisitive animals and are likely to be seen quite close as they often approach boats, especially when stationary. Other species of whale spotted in the Moray Firth include long-finned pilot whale, humpback whale, fin whale, sperm whale and even killer whales have been seen here.

Bird Watching Cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland.

The Moray Firth is one of the most important sites in Europe for cliff nesting sea birds and over wintering ducks throughout the year. The landscape of high cliffs, mudflats and salt marshes provide an ideal habitat for a staggering range of wild fowl. The cliffs of the Moray Firth have some of the largest mainland sea bird colonies in the UK. Breeding sea birds include gannets, guillemots, puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes. Troup Head has the only Gannet breeding colony on mainland Scotland.

Owing to the rich diversity of natural food sources the Moray Firth attracts large numbers of wintering and migrating wild fowl including Geese, swans, ducks and waders. There are over 15 different species of duck to be found in numbers in the area which total approximately 20,000 birds and over 20 different species of waders totalling approximately 30,000 birds. Our bird watching cruises can take you along the coast passed many of the cliff nesting colonies and depending on the time of the year we should see many of the sea birds feeding out to sea.

Our bird watching cruises are totally bespoke, you can either rely on our expert local knowledge to take you where we believe you will have the best possible chance of seeing as many different types of sea birds as we can show you or you can tell us where you want to go and what you would like to see.

Pleasure Cruises in the Moray Firth, Scotland.

The Moray Firth coast is as spectacular as it is diverse with high towering cliffs full of nesting sea birds to long golden sandy beaches. Mud flats and salt marshes providing a haven for thousands of wild fowl, waders and migrating birds. The waters in this area of Scotland are rich in natural food sources and attract a huge number of sea mammals including dolphins, whales, seals and otters.

You might be lucky enough to see some of the less common visitors to these waters such as a sun fish or even a pod of killer whales. You and the kids will certainly not be bored on one of our cruises.

There is also a chance of spotting a fishing sea eagle or one of the red kites which have been reintroduced into this area of Scotland. If the spectacular scenery doesn't get your attention then the amazing diversity of wildlife certainly will.

Our pleasure cruises are tailored for what you want to do. You hire the boat and the skipper and let the skipper know what type of cruise you would like from wildlife spotting, bird watching, a scenic trip around the Moray Firth coastline or a spot of off shore fishing the choice is entirely yours.

Fishing Trips in the Moray Firth, Scotland.

We can also arrange sea fishing trips. When the sea air has worked up an appetite, there's nothing better for supper on a summers evening than a fresh fish you have caught that day. Whether you want to do a *dedicated fishing trip or perhaps just have a quick go towards the end of your cruise, it's no problem. The "Sue J" carries a range of tackle for general sea angling which is available free of charge to guests. From late May through to the end of September, Mackerel are common but Cod, Pollock, Ling, Coalies and flatfish can all be caught on Rod and Line throughout most of the year.

*For fully dedicated sea fishing trips, we can only take up to a maximum of 4 fisherman.

The "Sue J" Charter Boat

The "Sue J" is a 24 ft (7.34m) vessel build by Hardy Marine, equipped with a 225hp Volvo marine diesel engine is capable of around 25 knots although we usually cruise at a much more leisurely pace. She has a heated cabin and seating for 5 passengers, plus external seating in the rear cockpit, with comfortable seating outside as well as inside she is ideal for sightseeing, cruising or fishing. She is equipped with a fridge, CD radio and sea toilet and fully licensed by the MCA to carry fare paying passengers under MCA code 5 - up to 20 miles from Banff in daylight and fair weather. Sea fishing tackle and binoculars are provided on board, but you're more than welcome to bring your own.

The "Sue J" carries an extensive range of safety equipment including 2 VHF radios, lifejackets, including a childrens Life raft, Radar / GPS and a First Aid Kit.

We operate out of Banff Marina. Banff is situated on the Moray Firth in north east coast of Scotland about 45 miles north of Aberdeen, with the fishing villages of Fraserburgh to the east and Buckie to the west. The whole area is steeped in history and rich in historical architecture. Inverness is within easy reach as is the Speyside region which is home to some of Scotland's most famous malt whisky distilleries. The north east of Scotland is probably one of the most facinating regions you are likely to visit in Scotland, offering something for everyone no matter where your interest lie, wildlife, stunning spectacular scenery, a wealth of historical sites of interest and not forgetting excellent bars, restaurants and shopping centers. We can even also provide you with self catering accommodation.

All of our cruises are weather dependant.
The timing of trips start from when we leave the harbour (not from when you get on-board!) and we don't clock watch too closely! For further information or to book one of our cruises,

please e-mail us...

We look forward to hearing from you