Two friends wild swimming at Arbirlot Falls
© VisitScotland / Kate Abbey
Watersports in Scotland
Prepare to make a splash! With a perfect mix of calm lochs, fast moving rapids and crashing waves, the range of watersports in Scotland is second to none.
Most popular watersports in Scotland
Whether you are surfing Atlantic swells, rafting down a grade 5 river, or sea kayaking around the islands off the west coast, you are in for a thrilling adventure in Scotland.
Stand-up Paddleboarding in Scotland
Stand-up paddle boarding, often shortened to SUP, is one of the UK’s fastest growing watersports.
Canoeing & Kayaking Holidays in Scotland
Scotland is a paradise for paddlers, with many different types of kayaking and canoeing pursuits available.
Stunning wild swimming locations in Scotland
Glide into a still loch in the shadows of Munros and castles, or slip straight into the salty seas of the Atlantic Ocean or North Sea.
Sailing in Scotland
Set sail in Scotland. Find info on boat hire, yacht charters, places to drop anchor and useful resources.
Canyoning, Gorge Walking and Coasteering
Jump, slide and swim as you experience a canyoning, gorge walking or coasteering adventure in Scotland. Learn what's involved in all three.
White water rafting
Prepare yourself for incredible thrills! Find out when and where to go for great rapids and book a rafting trip with an adventure company.
Other watersports to try
Try wakeboarding at Wildshore Dundee, a water-sports centre in the heart of Dundee
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is one of Scotland's fastest growing watersports. A bit like water-skiing, but on a board, riders skim across the water being towed behind a motorboat. You can also try out wakeboarding at a specially designed wakepark, where riders are towed by a system of cables. This is a great day out for all ages.
Looking for a place to try this exciting pursuit? At all of these locations, beginners will find that lessons are easy to book, with sessions to suit all abilities taken by a qualified wakeboard instructor.
Churchill Barriers
Diving in Scotland
With battle ships and magnificent marine life, the waters of Scotland feature some of the world's most exciting diving sites. There are companies offering everything from day trips to on-board accommodation.
Book a lesson with the Puffin Dive Centre, uncover rocky reefs at St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve in Berwickshire; and enjoy some world-class scenic diving around miles of Scottish coastline. Experience some of the best wreck diving in the world at Scapa Flow in Orkney, or to the Firth of Clyde with Dunoon Powerboat Tours.
Explore underneath the water's surface along Scotland's first ever Snorkel Trail in the north west Highlands, which features nine beaches and bays, each teeming with fascinating marine life.
Surfing lesson with George Watt Surf School at Fraserburgh Beach
© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields
Stay safe in the water
Read the RNLI's guidelines on water safety when taking part in water-based activities.
Scuba-diving in particular is great fun but can also be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing or don't have the right equipment. Reading the RNLI's advice on this activity and booking a course of lessons is highly recommended.
Some businesses which offer diving trips and courses for both beginner and experienced divers include Freedom Diving based near Stirling and Puffin Dive Centre in Argyll. Adventurous divers can also explore the cold water reefs, wrecks and marine life with companies like Basking Shark Scotland, also in Argyll, or Happy Diver UK in Aberdeenshire.
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