Top Things to do in Islay
Countries
10 Outdoor Activities in Islay That You Shouldn't Miss
The Isle of Islay spans 240 square miles, with an impressive 130 miles of coastline. The island is famous for its malt whiskies, and there are eight distilleries on the island. To be sure, many people visit the Isle to tour distilleries and "appreciate" whisky, but the wildlife and scenery are also a big draw. Bird-watching is particularly popular through the year. Just don't try to squeeze it in after a distillery tour or two. Looking through binoculars has been known to make some people woozy, especially after whisky.
Restaurants in Islay
1. Kayak Wild Islay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
Guided Sea Kayak tours based around Port Ellen, Isle of Islay. We also offer guided Fat Bike tours too
2. Islay Sea Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
Based in Port Ellen Experience the unmissable marine life of the Island of Islay, including Islay's European Special Area of Conservation only viewable from the sea. As well as wildlife trips we also provide fishing trips, private charter and scuba diving trips to over 95 of Islay's 250 wrecks (experienced divers only). Please contact us for prices and availability. Whisky distillery tours have a look at your favourite distillery from the sea
3. Islay Cycles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By PollyOnHolidays - Reading, United Kingdom
We hired an ebike and a regular bike for a trip up to the American Monument, and had a really great day out! The ebike definitely helped on the hills! Jim was brilliant and friendly, and really knowledgable about the island and the cycle paths, and gave us some extra tips on where to go - he even lent us a map to help us get there. He also helped us to set up and adjust the bikes, and gave us helmets and saddle bags included in the price. Will definitely be coming back to Jim next time we’re in Islay!
4. Machir Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By 294mariay - Chester, United Kingdom
Beautiful beach - we were lucky enough to have a calm and sunny day and spent hours wandering around the rock pools and along the sand. Easy to access and decent parking with a bin. No toilets. Not suitable for swimming with appropriate warning signs to remind you .. however there are rock pools and shallower sections where you can at least get your feet wet. Don’t leave Islay without seeing this.
5. Three Distilleries Pathway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
Port Ellen to the Ardbeg Distillery a distance of about 6 miles in total there and back. Great views as you walk along the tarmac pathway mostly safely separated from the main road. The added bonus three distilleries on the way, or six if you stop on the way back as well……….
6. Islay Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Islay Outdoor offers bespoke guided tours on the Island of Islay. We offer wildlife walks, seashore foraging, fishing trips, beachcombing, bird watching and guided hill running. You can also have the opportunity of trying some wllderness camping. Your guide is a Green Badge with the Scottish Tourists Guide Association and can offer whole day activities.
Reviewed By eilsfinblah
After flagging our ‘hope to sees’, Donald crafted a tour for us, also taking into account our ages and mixed abilities. Convivial company and we spotted Otters (with a Heron and Raven having a squabble over some food) and sea eagles. We have been coming to Islay regularly over the years and with Donald discovered some new lovely walks.
7. Islay Tours & Private Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Dougie at Islay Tours & Private Hire is an Ileach with an intricate and intimate knowledge of Islay's natural, social and ancient history which he is keen to share with you. Tell him what you want to do while you are on Islay and he will put together an itinerary that will let you do as much as possible in the time available. Dougie will book your distillery tours, plan visits to historic attractions, and lead walks that take in Islay's majestic, mysterious and moody landscape. Slainte!
8. Islay E Wheels
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Hi, Our names are Gordon and Suzie. We offer quality electric bike hire on Islay. This business is run from our house in Port Ellen. Booking is easy and can be done through our web sight.
Reviewed By 414emmae
Excellent quality bikes in perfect condition. Collection and drop off made super easy and flexible. Battery was amazing. Best way to see the place. Would recommend cycling up the the cross via the distilleries and the wee castle. Loved it- was the highlight of our trip.
9. Bridgend Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Bridgend Golf Club is a 9 hole golf course as well as an 18 hole footgolf course. We introduced fottgolf as it is one of Britain's fastest growing sports and involves all ages and abilities.All events are catered for; individual, family, corporate, stag and hen parties are welcome. Free group travel can be arranged within a 20 mile radius. Tee times must be booked by phone or via the website.
10. Islay Pony Trekking
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
