Are you ready for an adventure to Handa Island? Located off the west coast of Scotland, Handa Island is a nature reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is home to over 200,000 birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Handa Island is one of our favourite places to visit on the west coast of Scotland, especially on a warm summers day.
In this guide, we will explore how to get to Handa Island, what to expect there, and the incredible wildlife that can be seen on the island.
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A Complete Guide to Visiting Handa Island
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to Stay on the North Coast 500
There is a wide range of accommodations around the NC500 route, so you will not be short on options. Depending on how long you are spending in each area will depend on how long you spend in that location. It is worth bearing in mind that some accommodations will require you to stay a minimum number of nights so it is worth researching this when you are planning your North Coast 500 itinerary.
Our new book North Coast 500 Where to Eat and Stay shares the best places to eat and stay around the NC500 and includes whether places are dog friendly, accessible, have wifi and EVC and whether they cater to dietary requirements. Paired with our Destination NC500 guidebook you will have the perfect combo to start planning your road trip of a lifetime.
The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.
Can you stay overnight on Handa Island
Staying overnight on Handa Island is not permitted. There is no accommodation and due to breeding birds The Scottish Wildlife Trust recommend that camping in a tent is avoided.
Scourie campsite is a short drive from the Tarbet Pier for Handa Island or you can stay at any of the nearby below accommodations for Handa Island.
Where to stay near Handa Island
What is Handa Island?
Imagine a remote and unspoiled paradise off the rugged west coast of Scotland, where nature thrives in all its untouched glory – that’s Handa Island. This captivating gem, nestled in the dramatic Highland landscape, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and vibrant wildflowers, Handa Island offers a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. It’s a place where puffins soar through the skies, seals bask lazily on the rocks, and the sound of crashing waves lulls you into a state of tranquility.
How to get to Handa Island
Handa Island is located on the north west of Scotland and is a great place to visit on your North Coast 500 itinerary. It’s a short, 5 minute drive north from the small village of Scourie where you will turn off left towards Tarbet at the Loch a’ Bhagh Ghainmhich Car Park.
Handa Island is accessed through the small, independently run, pedestrian ferry from Tarbet Pier.
When is the Handa Island Ferry?
This ferry operates between Monday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4 or 13.30 (last outbound and last return 17.00), during the summer months. It is essential to note that the ferry service runs on demand and is weather-dependent.
Therefore, it is advisable to check the official website or contact the ferry operator, Roger Tebay (07780 967 800, [email protected]) for up-to-date information on when the ferry is leaving.
To reach Tarbet Pier, you can follow the well-signposted A894 road from the popular North Coast 500 route.
Is there parking for Handa Island Ferry?
It is worth noting that the road to Tarbet is very narrow with small passing places so it may be difficult for larger vehicles. There is a small parking area at the pier beside the Shorehouse Restaurant.
How long is the Handa Island ferry?
The ferry across to Handa Island only takes 10 minutes and you will be given a lifejacket when you board. You will be given information on when you can return on the way over as well.
There are only 12 spaces on the ferry which is a small rib boat so we would advise arriving early to avoid disappointment.
How much is the Handa Island ferry?
Return ticket prices are as follows: Adults £20, Children (under 14) £10, Children under 5 Free
Destination North Coast Map
If you are planning an adventure to the North Coast of Scotland, make sure you have all the resources you need to make the most of your trip. Our Destination North Coast Map is the perfect addition to any traveller’s toolkit. With detailed information on all the best spots, along the NC500, this map is your ultimate guide to exploring the rugged beauty of Scotland’s north coast.
What to Expect at Handa Island
Upon arrival on Handa Island, you will be met by a friendly volunteer ranger for the Scottish Wildlife Trust who will provide a short introductory talk about the reserve, the hiking route, and safety precautions. They will also advise you on what wildlife has been spotted recently and where any birds may be nesting during the time you are there so that you know to avoid those areas.
You will be asked to walk through a cleaning brush area to clean your shoes before you leave the beach area.
They will also offer an information leaflet that highlights points of interest, such as the old village ruins, the Great Stack, Poll Ghlup and the many scenic beaches.
While facilities on the island are limited, you can find a visitor shelter with a volunteering ranger who can provide information, small souvenirs, and binoculars for rent near the beach where you get off of the ferry. There is also a composting toilet available. Make sure to bring enough snacks and drinking water, as there are no food services on the island.
Also, come prepared with warm and waterproof clothing, as weather conditions can change quickly and although it might be sunny when you arrive, it can be raining when you leave.
The Handa Island Walk
Handa Island offers a 4-mile circular trail that takes approximately 2-3.5 hours to walk. The path is well marked, and visitors are required to stay on the designated paths at all times.
The paths may be moved to protect areas where birds are nesting or to allow the path to regrow.
The terrain is relatively easy, with little incline, and some sections are boarded for a sturdier foothold. The boards are narrow however so you may find yourself stopping often to allow others to pass depending on the flow of traffic.
Wildlife on Handa Island
Wildlife on Handa Island is abundant, with over 200 pairs of puffins nesting there during the summer months. The best time to spot puffins is between May and July, and you can mainly see them around the Great Stack. This is where we saw them chilling on the rocks. We would recommend bringing a pair on binoculars as they can blend in quite a bit on the cliff.
Apart from puffins, Handa Island is home to a diverse range of bird species, including razorbills, skuas, kittiwakes, terns, and guillemots. The volunteers can give you some information on what parts of the island. you may expect to see them.
You may also be lucky enough to catch glimpses of marine life such as dolphins, porpoises, seals, basking sharks, minke whales, or even orcas in the sea around Handa Island. We saw some seals playing around in the bays but unfortunately we didn’t manage to spot any dolphins, sharks or whales. We would advise taking some binoculars and making sure you have plenty of time if you are trying to spot them.
Where can you seen puffins on Handa Island?
Can you wild swim at Handa Island?
The beach where you will get off the ferry for Handa Island is a beautiful beach, perfect for a cold water dip whilst you are waiting on your ferry!
Facilities on Handa Island
There is a small bothy on Handa Island, nearby where you get off the ferry. This is the only place on the island where there is a compost toilet.
Before You Leave on the North Coast 500
Before you head off on your trip around the NC500, there are certain things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth trip. These include how to get around the route, including being aware of single track roads, etc., what to pack for Scotland, where to stay along the route and what travel insurance to book.
How Do I Get Around?
Given the remote location of the NC500 and the majority of the sights along the route, the best way to get around this road trip is by driving. There are of course other methods that are still popular, such as cycling and hiking, however, if you have a short amount of time on the route, neither of these are very suitable.
As for public transport, the use around the NC500 is understandably difficult due to how remote each location is, however, with the increasing problem of congestion along the route, this is a good option to research if you have time. If it is something that interests you, you can read a public formed itinerary of how to get around the NC500 by public transport over here.
If you are looking to rent a cosy, reliable and luxurious campervan for your trip along the NC500, we recommend hiring through Spaceships
Browse the full range of vehicles on offer at Spaceships over here.
Where to Stay on the NC500
There is a wide range of accommodations around the NC500 route, so you will not be short on options. Depending on how long you are spending in each area will depend on how long you spend in that location. It is worth bearing in mind that some accommodations will require you to stay a minimum number of nights so it is worth researching this when you are planning your North Coast 500 itinerary.
Our new book North Coast 500 Where to Eat and Stay shares the best places to eat and stay around the NC500 and includes whether places are dog friendly, accessible, have wifi and EVC ad whether they cater to dietry requirements.
The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.
Depending on how adventurous you are, there may be more accommodation choices than just the above, often with an even better view. Caravan and camping sites are abundant along the NC500, drawing camping enthusiasts from all over the world. For some of the most spectacular bedside scenery along the North Coast 500, we recommend packing a tent and getting in touch with nature for the week.
As we travelled along the North Coast 500, camped in our trusty Vango tent on a mixture of campsites and wild sites. Wild camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the highlands, however, it must be done respectfully. Read our full guide to Wild Camping if you wish to give it a go so you know everything you need to for a comfortable and sustainable trip.
What Should I Pack?
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your 5-day Heart 200 road trip you will probably experience at least a drizzle of rain. Due to this, the number one item on any Scotland packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
As for the rest of the year, the temperature in Scotland and the central heartlands is reasonably mild for most of the year. During the winter months, you will most likely experience snow, however, temperatures usually sit around freezing, so it is not too cold. For your reference, the average temperatures in Scotland are listed below during each season.
Spring (March, April, May) – 5-10 degrees C
Summer (June, July, August) – 15 degrees C
Autumn (September, October, November) – 5-10 degrees C
Winter (December, January, February) – 0-5 degrees C
As you can see, the weather never really gets above the teens, with anything over 25 degrees C considered a heatwave. The best way to pack for your trip to the highlands is with layers that can be added and removed as you need them. You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the colder months and will most likely need sunscreen to protect you on the long days in the open.
We would also recommend taking our NC500 guidebooks with you on your journey. This will help you plan your itinerary and ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the best places to go on the NC500. Our Destination NC500 guidebook is well paired with NC500 Where to Eat and Stay and you can buy the combo here.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Scotland, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for the North Coast 500
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to visiting Handa Island. If you have visited the Handa Island recently, let us know what you thought it!
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own North Coast 500 adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our Scotland content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
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