Imagine yourself gliding alongside the spectacular Scottish coastline, anchoring in remote bays and exploring bustling coastal villages – a sailing holiday to Scotland’s West Coast guarantees to be a memorable experience. Discover these 4 sailing providers in Argyll & the Isles to make this dream a reality!
Discover Scotland’s Waters: 4 Unique Sailing Adventures in Argyll & the Isles
A sailing holiday in Argyll & the Isles is a voyage through Scottish history, with reminders of the ancient past never far away. With our rugged coastline, countless bays, incredible marine wildlife and beautiful islands, there will never be a boring day out on the boat. Depending on your sailing skills and preferences, you can join a calmer sailing holiday through the sheltered waters of the greater Clyde area or challenge yourself to a hands-on sailing adventure along Scotland’s West Coast.
Image: Inside Provident Sailing's cabin.
1. Provident Sailing
During a sailing holiday with Provident Sailing, you get the opportunity to get hands-on with the sailing of their traditional sailing yacht. The Provident has been in the waters for almost 100 years and is part of the national historic fleet, making her one of the most treasured vessels operating in UK waters today.
Join their great voyage to the Inner Hebridean Isles of Islay and Jura with a stopover at the iconic Corryvrecken Pool or head out to the small Isles of Colonsay, Orkney and Mull to discover white beaches, rugged coastlines and Mull’s beautiful bays.
Their stunning sailing yachts fit a total of 10 people in 4 twin cabins, still allowing plenty of space for you to relax. There’s an option to join Provident as a solo traveller if you don’t mind sharing your cabin (discussed before departure). Provident also runs special day trips and collaborations with local wild swimming guides if you’re looking for a shorter or more varied adventure.
It’s hard to beat the feeling of wellbeing that comes from finding a beautiful anchorage, putting your feet up, enjoying great food and company after a day on the waves. So join Provident on one of their next sailing adventures!
2. Stravaigin Sailing
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “To wander with no particular intent”. This is a perfect description of the sailing holiday you will experience with skipper John on his beautiful 44ft 8 berth yacht. The yacht sleeps 6 guests and 2 crew members, meaning that you are guaranteed a small group sailing holiday when heading out with Stravaigin. The yacht is also available for private charters.
Departing in Oban, Stravaigin sailing trips last between 3 and 10 days, depending on your itinerary and destination. Popular trips include the 7-day sailing adventure to the Isle of Mull, including stopover on Staffa, Iona and the Treshnish Isles, as well as a 7-day adventure to the Inner Hebrides, from Islay to Jura, Colonsay and Gigha. John will adjust the itinerary of your sailing holiday based on tidal conditions, weather and your personal preferences. For example, you might decide to anchor in a remote bay or you prefer to be closer to a village with restaurants, shower facilities, etc.
One of John’s specialties is offering multi-activities Sailing Adventures. Those holidays combine sailing with other activities such as wild swimming, foraging and hill walking with local guides. Head to their website for information on upcoming trips.
3. Wavysail Ocean Adventures
Wavysail is all about getting hands-on involved in the sailing. Their skipper Jim has sailed almost every ocean in the world and will be around at all times to mentor, making this 10-day Scottish Isles sailing adventure a perfect opportunity to brush up on sailing skills whilst enjoying the beautiful coastlines and iconic Isles, including a stop at Tobermory, Fingal’s Cave and the UNESCO heritage site at St Kilda.
Departing from Oban, this Scottish Isles sailing adventure combines bucket list sailing, including a long passage, with plenty of time for sightseeing. With only 6 people aboard the comfortable sailing yacht, you will have plenty of space to relax. Skipper Jim can truly tailor the adventure to the group's sailing skills and preferences.
Are you dreaming of a sailing holiday to Scotland’s West Coast but have certain barriers that stop you from fulfilling this dream? Wavysail Open Oceans fund is an accessible travel initiative that provides a fully funded place on their adventures for anyone who would not otherwise have the means, or the confidence to join their trips. You can apply for your spot - or nominate someone else - on the Wavysail website.
4. Oban Sailing
Another fantastic sailing holiday operator, departing from Oban, is Oban Sailing. Oban Sailing provides an array of sailing adventures tailored to all levels of experience, making it ideal for seasoned sailors and beginners alike. With expert skipper Dave Monro at the helm, guests can enjoy a memorable journey through the rugged beauty of the Hebrides, with trips extending to breathtaking destinations like St Kilda, Orkney, and even the Irish coast. Each route reveals a unique blend of ancient landscapes, rich history, and vibrant wildlife—from soaring sea eagles to the playful seals basking on quiet, secluded shores.
Want to learn how to sail?
Tighnabruaich Sailing School has been providing an unsurpassed sailing experience on the Kyles of Bute for over 50 years and is renowned on the West Coast for quality tuition.
Located at Carry Farm on Argyll’s Secret Coast, less than 2 hours from Glasgow, the stunning scenery and sheltered coastal waters combine to make sailing with us an unforgettable experience. Tighnabruaich Sailing School offers a wide range of courses for both youth and adults. Head to their website or current course dates.
