# Handa Island Wildlife Reserve, Scourie — Reviews & Visitor Info > Journey by boat to this remote Scottish island sanctuary where dramatic sea cliffs teem with puffins, razorbills and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/scourie/attractions/handa-island-wildlife-reserve (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Ferry Service # Handa Island Wildlife Reserve Handa Island by Tarbet [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3725541228874941873&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Bernd U. aus B. an der S.](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/105740853064576185811) **In short:** Handa Island Wildlife Reserve is a ferry service in Scourie, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 160 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Handa Island Wildlife Reserve Journey by boat to this remote Scottish island sanctuary where dramatic sea cliffs teem with puffins, razorbills and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat. ## What's nearby - Shorehouse Restaurant next door Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Paid car park Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel. ## Photos Photos via Google ## What visitors say [Lisa Martin](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109999586548170961182/reviews) ★★★★★ Drove 2.5 hours for the puffin ferry on a glorious weather day. Rang both numbers on the way to check it was running — phones just rang out. No update on Facebook, no update on the website, just a fun little surprise closure on arrival. Outstanding customer service. 👏 · via Google [Viren Y](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104173600464540064559/reviews) ★★★★★ To reach the Handa island, you’ll need to take a 10-minute ferry ride from Tarbet. The island offers great opportunities to spot a variety of birds and other wildlife. Please note, there is only one small toilet available on the island, and there is a toilet at Tarbet. Be sure to bring water, food, and a hat—especially on sunny days. The trail on the island is uneven and runs close to cliffs in many areas, so please keep a close eye on children. Don’t forget to carry binoculars for better views of the wildlife. The road to Tarbet is very narrow and can be dangerous at times. Drive slowly and cautiously. The circular track is approximately 4 miles long and can take around 3-4 hours, but you can cut short if required. IMPORTANT: Do not take a wrong turn while reaching the Tarbet —U-turns can be extremely risky on this road. There is no mobile network on the Handa island. Also carry cash for the ferry. Please check the time for last boat time. Always call the place before you go to Tarbet. Adults : 25 Child : 10 Under 5 : Free · via Google [Bob Iles](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112239999510208111921/reviews) ★★★★★ Cash only as they have little to no signal for card transactions. Get there early to ensure you get a parking space. I was not impressed by the lack of health and safety towards us as we were told just to hold onto our life jackets, or just put them over our heads without strapping them up. A accident waiting to happen. The trip on the island itself was well worth it. I also thought £25 a person is a bit expensive. But still did it. · via Google [Connie Chan](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101064743880445180890/reviews) ★★★★★ Handa Island is famous for bird watching especially putffins. I was surprised that the coastal walk was amazing, easy and pleasant. I had such a great time. I spent around 3.5 hours here. Highly recommend for a sunny day. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x4891d1fbd67166c7:0xb774de9e7371bb2!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ## At a glance **Address** Unnamed Road, Lairg, IV27 4SR [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=58.3895420%2C-5.1430275) **Category** Zoos & Animal Parks **Guest rating** 4.5 / 5 (160 reviews) **Suitable for** Ages 4+ **Setting** Outdoor **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Scourie [More attractions in Scourie](https://staycation.co.uk/scourie/attractions) ★ 4.5 (160 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/handa-island/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [07780 967 800](tel:07780967800) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Scourie **Postcode** IV27 4SR **Plus Code** 9CCP9VQ4+RQ [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x4891d1fbd67166c7:0xb774de9e7371bb2!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4891d1fbd67166c7:0xb774de9e7371bb2!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4891d1fbd67166c7:0xb774de9e7371bb2!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Scourie Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DScourie%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/scourie/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/scourie/camping) ## Quick answers ### Is Handa Island Wildlife Reserve any good? Handa Island Wildlife Reserve is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 160 Google reviews. ### Is Handa Island Wildlife Reserve indoors or outdoors? Handa Island Wildlife Reserve is mainly outdoors. ### What ages is Handa Island Wildlife Reserve suitable for? Handa Island Wildlife Reserve is best for ages 4+. ### Is Handa Island Wildlife Reserve wheelchair accessible? Google does not list a wheelchair-accessible entrance at Handa Island Wildlife Reserve. ### Is there parking at Handa Island Wildlife Reserve? Yes: paid car park. ### How do I contact Handa Island Wildlife Reserve? Call Handa Island Wildlife Reserve on +44 7780 967800. ## More near Handa Island Wildlife Reserve ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Scourie Hotel ★ 4.4 · 2.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/lairg/hotels/scourie-hotel) - [Tor Druim ★ 4.8 · 9.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/drumbeg/hotels/tor-druim) - [Kylesku Hotel ★ 4.4 · 10.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/kylestrome/hotels/kylesku-hotel) - [Newton Lodge ★ 4.7 · 11.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/unapool/hotels/newton-lodge) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Bervie Road Cottage 5.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/highland/cottages/bervie-road-cottage-uk36610) - [Lochinchard Cottage ★ 4.6 · 5.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/highland/cottages/lochinchard-cottage-w2095) - [The Old Surgery 6.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/highland/cottages/the-old-surgery-uk37510) - [Aisir Croft 6.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/highland/cottages/aisir-croft-uk47739) ### Campsites nearby - [Scourie Caravan and Camping Park ★ 4.7 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/lairg/camping/scourie-caravan-and-camping-park) - [Tighlochan Pods ★ 4.7 · 2.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/scourie/camping/tighlochan-pods) - [West Horizon ★ 5.0 · 14.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/lochinver/camping/west-horizon) ### Things to do nearby - [Scourie Beach ★ 4.7 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/scourie/attractions/scourie-beach) - [Sandwood Bay ★ 4.8 · 10.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/kinlochbervie/attractions/sandwood-bay)