Scottish Highlands Watersports Activities
The Highlands have some of the best locations and facilities for watersports anywhere in the world. Our beaches, lochs and rivers offer tremendous opportunities for you to try an incredibly diverse number of activities. Here are just a few suggestions for different ways for you to get wet on your summer holiday this year.
Caithness NE Sutherland, Orkney & Shetland
One of the top sites in the world and home to the remains of the German High Seas Fleet that was scuttled here in 1919. Tuition is available for beginners as is all equipment hire.
Moray
A perfect trip for young families, school groups, first timers or those who enjoy a scenic journey down a river with a splash of adventure! Stunning landscape, abundant wildlife and rapids named, Sleeping Whale, Dragons Tooth and Carnage Corner.
Wester Ross & Outer Hebrides
Get a new perspective on the amazing Torridon coastline by scrambling over rocks, jumping off cliffs and swimming through bays, all accompanied by a qualified instructor and with wet suits, helmets and buoyancy aids provided.
Inverness & Nairn
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the River Ness
Sup hire is now available in Inverness. These inflatable paddleboards are an incredible fun way to get in the water and explore the calmer lochs, rivers and coastal areas of the Highlands. They can even be deflated and packed away easily for easy transportation.
Skye & Lochalsh
Gorge Walking on the Isle of Skye
Skye has many beautiful rivers and canyons and is a truly unique place to experience gorge walking. Start the day by hiking uphill, then jump in, splash, slide, float and swim to the bottom.
Mid and East Sutherland
This whole section of the Sutherland coast from Brora is one big stretch of golden sands, just pick your spot and dive in.
Black Isle, Mid & Easter Ross
Sea Kayaking from Cromarty
Cromarty is a great base from which to paddle the Moray Firth and to explore the coastline. The area offers a wealth of contrast, from paddling around North Sea oil rigs to enjoying the stunning natural environment and the cliffs of the Sutors. Dolphins are frequently spotted and a host of sea birds can be viewed.
Ardnamurchan & Mull
The long sandy beaches of Mull are perfect for Kite Surfers, with locations on almost every side of the island there is almost always a good spot to be found, regardless of what direction the wind is blowing.
Fort William & Lochaber
Dinghy Sailing in Fort William
The best way for absolute beginners to learn about sailing while still having a load of fun. You can even do this as a family activity where you all learn together on the same boat.
Loch Ness
The Great Glen Water Park caters for an amazing number of outdoor activities but one of the highlights must surely be the chance to try wake boarding on Loch Oich
Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Loch Morlich Watersports Centre, just outside Aviemore is the perfect location to learn to sail with instruction available for all levels.
Argyll, Arran, Jura & Islay
White Water River Bugging on Loch Awe
River Bugs are manoeuvrable, inflatable armchair-like one man rafts. Kit yourself out with webbed gloves, flippers and a thermal wetsuit for some of the best white water fun you could imagine.
North West Sutherland
There are brilliant surf spots all along the north coast but this sandy beach at Durness has the benefit of being scenic and also close to all the facilities in the village.
Other Islands
Tiree is one of the most famous windsurfing destinations in the world and is host to the world’s longest standing professional competition, The Tiree Wave Classic. A number of schools on the island offer tuition and equipment rental.
