Surfing At Brims Ness

Watersports in Scotland

We're renowned for our fresh waters and epic seascapes, so there are plenty of different watersports in Scotland to try. From serene lochs to fast moving rapids, peaceful rivers to crashing waves, it's the perfect place to try something new or hone your watersport skills. Let's dive in!

Most popular watersports in Scotland

With everything from surfing to sea kayaking, you're in for a thrilling adventure in Scotland. Here are some of our most popular watersports.

Canoeing and kayaking holidays in Scotland

Scotland is a paradise for paddlers, with many different types of kayaking and canoeing pursuits available.

Surfing & windsurfing in Scotland

Catch some waves in Scotland. Check out some of our best surfing spots!

Sailing in Scotland

Set sail in Scotland. Find info on boat hire, yacht charters, places to drop anchor and useful resources.

Stand-up paddleboarding in Scotland

Stand-up paddle boarding, often shortened to SUP, is one of the UK’s fastest growing watersports.

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 in Scotland

Prepare yourself for incredible thrills! Find out when and where to go for great rapids and book a rafting trip with an adventure company.

Scuba diving

With battle ships and magnificent marine life, the waters of Scotland feature some of the world's most exciting diving sites.

Wakeboarding

A bit like water-skiing, but on a board, riders skim across the water being towed behind a motorboat.

What's new

Discover the latest experiences, trails and watersport events taking place across Scotland.

Lost Shore Surf Resort

Come and visit Europe’s largest inland surfing destination, open now!

Tweed Valley Canoe Trail

Stretching 30-miles of the River Tweed, this first official canoe trail in south Scotland reaches from Stobo to Tweedbank amidst stunning scenery.

Aberdeen Tall Ships Races 2025

A spectacular global maritime event in Aberdeen taking place this summer, with a packed programme of events, music, food and drink and more.

Spotlight: wild swimming in Scotland

Looking for some inspiration? Check out our recommendations for wild swimming spots in Scotland.

Stunning wild swimming locations in Scotland

Discover some of the best spots to go wild swimming in Scotland.

Stay safe in the water

Surfing lesson with George Watt Surf School at Fraserburgh Beach

© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

Read the RNLI's guidelines on water safety when taking part in water-based activities.

RNLI safety advice for watersports 

Water Safety Scotland (WSS) also provides water safety codes for various water-based activities. 

WSS safety codes for water activities

A note on scuba diving in Scotland

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.

Safety advice for diving

Some businesses which offer diving trips and courses for both beginner and experienced divers include:

Adventurous divers can also explore the cold water reefs, wrecks and marine life with companies like:

Where to try watersports in Scotland

There are lots of high quality outdoor activity centres and companies operating throughout the country, each offering a wide range of watersports activities. Scotland is made up of miles of coastline to the west, north and east as well as lots of smaller islands surrounded by the sea. Elsewhwere you can try watersports in our lochs, rivers and even in some of our citie

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Strathclyde Country Park

Motherwell, Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

There is something for everyone at this Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games proud host venue

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Price
Free
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Beyond Adventure By The River

Aberfeldy, Perthshire

From our riverside base in Aberfeldy, Beyond Adventure specialise in providing a range of adventurous, outdoor experiences that are accessible to all.

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Sailing and Boating

Tarbert Harbour Authority

Tarbert, Argyll & The Isles

Tarbert Harbour Authority (Est. 1912) is a Trust Port, progressing a range of friendly Ferry, Fishing Fleet and Leisure Boat facilities on the West Coast of Scotland.

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Fisheries

Pitlochry Boating Station & Adventure Hire / Lochside Cafe

Pitlochry, Perthshire

Located on the picturesque banks of Loch Faskally, our family run business is a fun day out for all. Fishing, Boating, Kayaking,Paddle Boarding, Mountain Biking are amongst the activities on offer and also an on site cafe.

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Watersports

Blackhouse Watersports

Tiree, Argyll & The Isles

Blackhouse Watersports is a surfing and kitesurfing school with friendly and experienced instructors. Situated on stunning Balevullin beach on the Isle of Tiree.

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North Coast Watersports

Caithness and North Coast Sutherland area, The Highlands

North Coast Watersports provide premium surf lessons, SUP, RIB tours & hire. Join our award winning watersport experiences situated on the NC500. Embrace Scotland's amazing waves & beautiful coastline with our Scottish surf champion coaches

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Active Outdoor Pursuits

Spean Bridge, The Highlands

Active’s Great Glen Centre offers five star outdoor activities on the shores of Loch Oich. This stunning location is steeped in history, fantastic scenery and adventure opportunities.

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Canoeing and Kayaking

LandD Adventures

Fort William, The Highlands

Come visit Fort William and sounding area by ether Canoe or Stand up Paddle Board. Every experience is unique and tailored just for you.

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Splash White Water Rafting

Aberfeldy, Perthshire

Splash White Water Rafting offers a whole host of exciting outdoor adventure activities in and around Perthshire, Scotland

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£30.00
Per booking
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Canoeing and Kayaking

Kayak Loch Ness

Loch Ness area, The Highlands

Award winning kayaking at Loch Ness with Loch Ness Kayak. Offering half day beginners trips on sit on top kayaks only a few miles from Inverness and accessible by public transport.

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Watersports

Coast To Coast Surf School

East Lothian, Edinburgh & The Lothians

The surf school provides friendly surf instruction, that introduces beginners and intermediates to the fun and enjoyment of East Lothian's beautiful coastline.

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Galloway Activity Centre

Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway

Galloway Activity Centre is a friendly, family run outdoors centre operating on the beautiful shores of Loch ken. We offer a range of land and water based activities and water sports tuition to families, individuals and groups alike.

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£20.00
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Full On Adventure

Aviemore, The Highlands

Full On Adventure is an outdoor activity and adventure sports coaching business based in Aviemore.

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ACE Adventures & Hideaways

Forres, The Highlands

Cool Camping & Adventure Activities. ACE is the specialist White Water Rafting and Outdoor Adventure Activity provider in Scotland with Camping and Glamping onsite in Moray in the stunning Findhorn Valley. Be sure to visit this 5 Star Activity provider

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Watersports

SurfLewis

Stornoway, The Outer Hebrides

SurfLewis offer Surfing and Stand Up Paddleboard lessons throughout the beaches of Lewis and Harris. Qualified and experienced instructors, all equipment provided.

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Watersports

Loch Earn Wakeschool

Lochearnhead, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley

Watersports centre on Loch Earn, proving wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, ringo rides, stand up paddle boarding and kayak hire. Guaranteed great family day out.

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Watersports

North Coast Watersports- RIB Tours

Thurso, The Highlands

North Coast Watersports provide premium surf lessons, SUP, RIB tours & hire. Join our award winning watersport experiences situated on the NC500. Embrace Scotland's amazing waves & beautiful coastline with our Scottish surf champion coaches

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Walking

Wild Braemar

Braemar, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

Wild Braemar creates personal, authentic experiences in nature.

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WildernessFit Retreats

Ballindalloch, The Highlands

WildernessFit Retreats offer REAL outdoor experiences, aiming to build confidence and connection to our wild and rugged landscapes in Scotland. A weekend of simple living, resourceful activities, fresh air and community.

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Mountains and Beyond

Fort William, The Highlands

We are Mountains and Beyond, your gateway to unforgettable outdoor adventures in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Whether you're seeking the hiking up towering peaks, the tranquillity of paddleboarding on serene lochs.

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Sailing and Boating

Explore Islay

Port Ellen, Argyll & The Isles

Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures and rib boat tours. Explore Islay, premier 5 star rib tours, our aim to exceed your expectations.

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The Cold Water Therapist

Linlithgow, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Outdoor Swimming & Cold Water Therapy experiences and retreats across Scotland

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Active Outdoor Pursuits

Newtonmore, The Highlands

Looking for an outdoor adventure or holiday? Then you've come to the right place!

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Watersports

Unicorn Paddle Stand Up Paddle Scotland - Lessons, tours and nature expeditions

Alloa, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley

Welcome to Unicorn Paddle, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) School for lessons and SUP nature expeditions in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, along the Fife coast and many more locations all over Scotland.

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