Water activities in Argyll & the Isles

The stunning coastline of Argyll & the Isles is home to some of the most biologically diverse marine environments in the UK and the many wrecks beneath the waves are a powerful reminder of our maritime heritage.

For watersports enthusiasts, there is so much to choose from. Take your pick from boat trips to the world’s third-largest whirlpool, or try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, SCUBA diving, fishing, surfing and wild swimming.

Watersports are our specialism and there are stacks of places to hire equipment, take lessons or book a guided tour. You can’t beat local knowledge to enhance your experience.

Follow our specially designed trails for wild swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, or try swimming with basking sharks, kayaking in the beauty of Fingal’s Cave or night-time SCUBA diving by floodlight.
And the water isn’t just for sports buffs.

Families can enjoy sheltered sandy beaches with clear, shallow waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. Children will love hopping on a ferry to explore the islands, swimming in the calm seas, spotting the playful seals lazing in the sun and snorkelling to discover underwater treasures. Paddling, rock pooling and sandcastles delight at any age!

Just 90 minutes from Glasgow, Argyll and the Isles are perfect for a memorable family day trip, short break or extended holiday.

Surfing & Windsurfing
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Windsurfing Tiree
Kayaking & Canoeing
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Sailing
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Dingy Sailing Oban
Wild Swimming
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Paddleboarding
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Scuba Diving
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Snorkelling
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Snorkelling Argyll
Fishing
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Wild Isles Sea Kayaking

We offer a range of kayaking experiences, coaching, and guiding services. This includes skill development from beginner to advanced, day trips and multi-day...

2a Gallanachbeg
Oban
PA34 4QH

Tel: 07511648403

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Mara Adventures

Mara Adventures Limited was born from a deep love of the ocean. We believe in curating high-quality, safe, and enjoyable adventures in, on, or under the sea....

Oban

Tel: 07412 955566

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Bute Boat Tours Ltd

Join us to experience the most beautiful scenery in Scotland: The Kyles of Bute, Loch Fyne to Tarbert, visit Arran Distillery and snorkel off the boat.

The...

Rothesay Harbour
Isle of Bute
PA20

Tel: 07486 873114

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Heathery Heights

Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups across Argyll & the Isles. With so much on...

Head Office, Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ

Tel: 07899 765240

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Tighnabruaich Sailing School

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 fo...

Carry Farm
Tighnabruaich
PA21 2AH

Tel: 07876 227021

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Whisky and Waves

Whisky and Waves offers unforgettable sailing experiences along Scotland’s rugged west coast, blending adventure and whisky heritage. Based in Oban, our priv...

Oban
North Pier
PA34 5QD

Tel: 07919368415

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Jura Boat Tours

We offer bespoke Rib Tours to various areas of outstanding beauty in our modern, fully coded passenger Rib. There is an abundance of Wildlife found around ou...

3 Woodside
Craighouse
Isle of Jura
Argyll
PA607YA

Tel: 07976 280195

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Stravaigin Sailing

We are a small family-run business located on Scotland’s west coast in the heart of the best cruising and adventure arena our country has to offer. Join us o...

North Pier Pontoons
Oban
PA34 5PX

Tel: 07833 103020

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Sealife Adventures

All our trips visit the Corryvreckan where turbulent tides create one of the world's largest whirlpools and our cruising area is exceptionally rich in wildli...

Clachan
Seil
By Oban
PA34 4TR

Tel: 01631 571010 (daytime) 01852 300203 (evening and weekends)

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Oban Sailing

We offer adventure sailing holidays on Scotland’s west coast and Islands aboard our 16m yacht Big Blue.

Our experienced skipper will guide you to the very...

Craobh Marina
Argyll
PA31 8UA

Tel: 07506 100 998

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Islay Sea Adventures

We are Islay's only boat tour company. We offer a range of tours, including wildlife, fishing, seafood and Corryveckan.

Looking for something bespoke and pe...

Trip departure Address:
Port Ellen Pontoons
Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
PA42 7DW
Office Address:
Surnaig Farm
Lagavulin
Isle of Islay
PA42 7DX

Tel: 01496 300129

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Loch Goil Kayak and SUP Hire

Experience the tranquillity of the beautiful tidal sea loch that is Loch Goil as you glide on its sometimes crystal still surface. It will be just you and na...

Carrick Farm
Carrick Castle
Lochgoilhead
PA24 8AF

Tel: 07901751810

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Explore all the places to visit in Argyll & the Isles

3700km of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, major towns and villages are all waiting for you.

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Scotland's Adventure Coast on YouTube

Get inspired! Watch our amazing videos showcasing the range of People-Powered Adventures you can experience in Argyll & the Isles. There really is something for everyone!

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