Kayakers on Camusdarach beach
Canoeing & kayaking
In Scotland you will come across a variety of types of kayaking, from sea kayaking and open canoeing to kayaking activities for families and more. If you're a complete beginner or still trying to find your sea legs, not to worry. There are many opportunities to try out kayaking lessons or even venture on a kayaking course to get you up to speed.
Where to go kayaking & canoeing: Inverness, the River Tay, Loch Morlich, and Loch Lomond.
Surfing at Fraserburgh Beach
© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields
Surfing & windsurfing
Surf’s up in Scotland, with golden sandy beaches, long coastlines, and beautiful clear waters, it all adds up to one of Europe's top surfing destinations. Surrounded by Atlantic and North Sea swells throughout the year, you are guaranteed to catch some great waves.
Where to go surfing: Lewis & Harris, Isle of Islay, Thurso, Belhaven Bay, Coldingham Bay, and Isle of Tiree.
Yachting at Largs Yacht Marina
Sailing
If you have always dreamed of navigating your way around distant isles and canals, gliding gracefully across a misty loch, or journeying around Scotland's west coast, a sailing holiday in Scotland is for you. Boat hire in Scotland couldn't be easier too, with spacious harbours and anchorages dotted across the country.
Where to go sailing: Argyll & The Isles, East Coast, the Firth of Clyde, Orkney and Shetland, Skye & the North West, and on canals.
Paddleboarding on Loch Tay at Kenmore with Unique Adventure Tours
© Perth and Kinross Council / Craig Stephen
Stand-up paddleboarding
Stand-up paddle boarding, often shortened to SUP, is one of the UK’s fastest growing watersports and a great activity for escaping the everyday. And from the deck of a paddle board, you can see the best of Scotland from a whole new perspective. Some of the best places to try SUP are on loch shores, calm rivers, and quiet coastal coves.
Where to try stand-up paddleboarding: Perthshire, Oban, Fort William, St Andrews, and Loch Lomond.
A group of friends enjoy a day out canyoning at the Falls of Bruar.
© Perth and Kinross Council / Fred Murray
Canyoning, gorge walking & coasteering
Abseiling down sheer cliff edges with waterfalls tumbling overhead, leaping from rock ledges into natural pools, exploring shorelines without a boat; canyoning, gorge walking and coasteering in Scotland are three of the most exhilarating activities you can experience.
Where to try canyoning, gorge walking & coasteering: Perthshire, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Oban, Aviemore, and Loch Lomond.
Experience white-water rafting on the River Findhorn
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
White water rafting
With awesome rivers, drops and rapids, Scotland offers the most thrilling white water rafting in Britain. Rafting can be enjoyed all year round in Scotland and has ideal opportunities for both first time rafters and adrenaline junkies.
Where to go white water rafting: River Findhorn, River Tummel, River Tay, and River Garry.
Wild swimming in the Cairngorms
Wild swimming
A refreshing swim in nature can really add an extra special element to your day in Scotland. Take a cool dip in one of our sparkling lochs or crisp seas, with incredible backdrops and surroundings to soak in along the way.
