FAQ's

Do I need to book?

Booking is highly recommended..

How do I book?

The easiest way to book a trip in advance is to call us on 01381 600323. We will let you know the trip departure times for the dates you are interested in. For a confirmed booking we require a contact telephone number and a credit or debit card number. This is purely as a security - your card will not be debited until the day of departure however it does mean that the seats will be held for you.

Can I book online?

You can enquire about trip times and availability online using our Contact Us form. Please provide as much information as possible, including your telephone number and email address, along with your preferred trip date, the number of seats you require, both adult and children, the age of any children and any other special requirements you may have. We will then reply with the information you requested. If you decide you would like to make a confirmed booking, we require either a credit or debit card number which must be taken over the telephone as we do not have a secure payment service on our website.

Do I need to be at the centre earlier than the boat departs?

Please ensure you arrive at the centre at least 10 minutes prior to your departure time. This will allow the boat to depart on time.

Do you ever cancel trips?

Occasionally it is necessary to cancel trips. Your safety is our primary concern and if we feel weather conditions on the day are unsuitable we will cancel the sailing. If the weather is unsettled, and in particular, if you are travelling a long distance, we strongly recommend passengers confirm final details and weather conditions with us, close to, or on your day of departure.

What happens if my trip is cancelled?

If EcoVentures cancels your trip for any reason any payment you have made will be refunded in full, or if you prefer, we will try to accommodate you on another trip.

What happens if I don't turn up?

If you have made a confirmed booking and then fail to appear for the trip you will be charged in full for the seats you have booked. We understand that there are sometimes genuine reasons for being unable to honour a booking particularly if the booking is made well in advance. If you inform EcoVentures as soon as possible of any difficulties we will endeavour to resell your tickets for you however we cannot guarantee that this will be possible, especially at short notice.

Will I get seasick?

Generally people do not tend to get sick due to the fresh air and the greater stability of RIBs.

What if I'm pregnant or have a back problem?

If you are pregnant or have a back problem please let us know when you make your booking so we can assess your individual requirements.

When do you operate?

Scheduled sailings are available from the beginning of April until the end of October, as always, weather permitting. Outside this period please contact us to check availability or to arrange an out of season charter.

What should I wear?

Full waterproofs, goggles, headbands and lifejackets are provided on our trips but you are more than welcome to bring your own hat and gloves. (Please note gloves are not provided.) To ensure a comfortable trip we would recommend dressing warmly as even during summer travelling at speeds of 25 knots can prove to be somewhat cold. Non-slip footwear is essential. No high heels.

Is the trip suitable for disabled persons?

Whilst we make every effort to accommodate a range of disabilities the style of seating on board the vessel is such that a degree of agility is required. Please contact us directly and we will be happy to discuss your individual requirements in more detail.

Can I take a camera?

Passengers are free to take cameras aboard however they do so entirely at their own risk. We would recommend that if you are intending to take a camera to protect it in a suitable waterproof pouch. A small disposable waterproof camera is probably the safest option.

When is the best time to see Dolphins?

The Bottlenose Dolphins are resident here and can be seen all year round.

Can you guarantee sightings?

Although we are fortunate to see a variety of wildlife on most of our trips we can never guarantee sightings 100%. The birds and animals we encounter are entirely wild - they are not fed or trained. Sometimes we must be content with just a glimpse or the knowledge that these animals are not there simply for our pleasure but are free to go about as they please.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes. Generally children enjoy the thrill of this type of trip. Each child under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Younger children (5-8 years) can be provisionally booked on our trips, however please be aware that in the interests of safety if weather conditions on the day are felt by the Skipper to be unsuitable, it may not be possible to take them.

Can I take my dog?

No. This trip is not suitable for dogs.

Where can I stay?

Please see our links page or contact us for a list of local accommodation providers.

 

Booking Terms and Conditions

  1. All trips are undertaken at the discretion of the Skipper. In the interests of safety of both passengers and crew, EcoVentures reserves the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure without advance warning.
  2. No compensation will be given, in the event of any trip being cancelled or curtailed by EcoVentures except for the refund of any fares paid.
  3. If you cancel your booking you will be charged in full for the total number of seats you have booked. We will endeavour to resell your tickets for you and if we are successful, you will not be charged for those tickets resold. EcoVentures does not guarantee reselling your tickets, and obviously the more notice you give us, the better chance we have of being able to resell them.
  4. Where EcoVentures has to cancel the trip due to unforeseen conditions any payment taken will be fully refunded to you. If you prefer, we will reschedule your booking if availability allows.
  5. All passengers will be required to wear a lifejacket at all times while aboard the vessel. A full safety briefing will be given prior to boarding the vessel - this is included within your overall trip time.
  6. Passengers appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be refused passage on the boat. In this situation, the passenger will forfeit their right to a refund.
  7. EcoVentures does not guarantee sightings of any wildlife. No compensation or refunds will be given to any passengers who did not see a particular animal.
  8. All prices are subject to change without prior notice.
  9. Clients who make a booking are accepting these terms and conditions.

Back to top

 

 

Natal Oil Rig Cliffs and Bays Wrapped up Warm Sutors and Cromarty Firth



  • EcoVentures
  • Harbour Workshop
  • Victoria Place
  • Cromarty
  • IV11 8YE
  •  
  • Tel: 00 44 (0)1381 600 323
  • - Email Us -