Water

Canoeing
Canoeing is a great choice for laid-back paddling on calm waters. Single kayaks are only suitable for paddlers aged 11+ but younger children are allowed in a double kayak if they're accompanied by an adult.
Many activity providers across Scotland offer canoeing trips, ranging from a few hours to multi-day trips.
Go canoeing.
Canyoning
Canyoning is the more adventurous big brother of gorge walking. Like gorge walking, the minimum age to participate is 8 years old. It involves abseiling, bigger jumps and big slides.
Before the fun begins, you'll be kitted out with wetsuits, buoyancy aids and a helmet.
Try canyoning.
Coasteering
Coasteering offers a mixture of natural obstacles and challenges for anyone aged 8+. From wild swimming and scrambling up gullies to deep water cliff jumps.
The activity is also open to swimmers and non-swimmers with wetsuits, buoyancy aids and vests also provided.
Go coasteering.
Diving
The dive season runs from April to October, although Scotland can be dived all year round. You'll need to be able to swim 200 metres unaided and have the appropriate diving equipment. You can hire wetsuits, dive masks, snorkels, scuba fins, gloves and much more at diving centres across Scotland.
The minimum age to dive is 8 years old.
Go diving.
Gorge Walking
Gorge walking is tamer in comparison to canyoning. This family-friendly activity is a wet river walk with plenty of natural water slides, scrambling over rocks and fun jumps into plunge pools.
Gorge walking experiences are typically 3-4 hours and are suitable for anyone aged 8+.
Experience gorge walking.
Kayaking
Our rivers, lochs and coastlines are a paddler's paradise! Kayaking holidays vary from day trips to multi-day expeditions and is a great way to get the family on the water.
Don't let the lack of experience put you off, there are lots of kayaking sessions available for beginners. You'll also be provided with all the essential gear, just remember to bring a change of clothes for after.
Go kayaking.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is a wind powered water sport using a kite and board to move across the water. Scotland's coasts are a mecca for the sport and a wide range of one-to-one kitesurfing lessons are available to anyone aged 8+ ranging from 1-2 days.
Try kitesurfing.
Land Yachting
The ideal combination of sailing and motor racing, land yachting uses the power of the wind to accelerate to speeds of up to 40 mph. It only requires a long flat stretch of beach and is a great activity to try with friends and family.
This 2-hour session requires no sailing experience and you'll be given full tuition from a qualified instructor.
Go land yachting.
Pedaddling
Experience a fantastic mix of pedalling and paddling activities. Explore on two wheels with road cycling and mountain biking or head out into the water with stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy these activities in Argyll and the Inner Hebrides all year round - no matter the weather.
Enjoy pedaddling activities.
Sailing
Anyone aged 8+ can learn how to sail from an experienced skipper. You'll have plenty of opportunities to get hands on steering-time while learning essential skills at sea.
Go sailing around Scotland.
Scrambling
A cross between hillwalking and rock climbing, scrambling is a walk up steep terrain using your hands. We have plenty of mountains for a hugely rewarding climb, offering incredible views from the summit.
For more information on scrambling, check out Mountaineering Scotland's website.
Try scrambling.
Snorkelling
Enjoy a glimpse of the underwater world and get up close and personal with aquatic life. Snorkelling experiences start at around £50 and are suitable for anyone aged 8+. Equipment hire is available at many diving centres across Scotland and you must be able to swim at least 100 m unaided.
Why not treasure this unforgettable memory by booking a photographer?
Go snorkelling.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Often shortened to SUP, this water sport is a cross between canoeing and surfing. Our activity providers have a range of suitable sessions based on your experience level.
Sessions range from 60 - 90 minutes and kids as young as eight can join in the fun too.
Go Stand Up Paddleboarding.
Surfing & Windsurfing
Anyone aged 8+ can enjoy this thrilling water sport. We've got lots of surf schools across the country, so you'll be able to ride the waves like a pro in no time.
Surfing lessons are usually 2-3 hours and equipment hire is also available.
Go surfing.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is like water skiing, but on a board. Skim across the water while being towed behind a motorboat. You can also head to a wakepark, where riders are towed by a system of cables.
You'll find a range of sessions to suit all abilities, taken by a fully qualified wakeboard instructor.
Go wakeboarding.
White Water Rafting
Gather your friends and take on the twists and turns of the river. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets are provided with each raft holding approximately 8 people. The minimum age for white water rafting is 8 years old.
All sessions are led by an experienced rafting guide, so you'll be in safe hands.
Enjoy a white water rafting experience.
Wild Swimming
Immersing yourself in the cold water surrounded by nature can be a truly uplifting experience. Take advantage of our wild swimming pools, we've got lochs, lochans and rivers aplenty!
Wild swimming can be dangerous so make sure to take extra precautions. Stay safe by bringing a friend along and warm up afterwards with lots of layers and hot sugary drinks.
Take a dip in our wild swimming locations.