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:

Freedom Diving based near Stirling
Puffin Dive Centre in Argyll

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

Basking Shark Scotland in Argyll
Happy Diver UK in Aberdeenshire

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

Alles zien

Watersporten

Pinkston Watersports

Centrum Glasgow, Greater Glasgow & het Clydedal

Pinkston Watersports is home to Scotland's only artificial whitewater course; a community paddlesports centre with a clean water basin and the ideal place to participate in a range of water-based activities just 5 minutes from Glasgow City Centre.

Watersports in Scotland

Most popular watersports in Scotland

What's new

Spotlight: wild swimming in Scotland

Stay safe in the water

A note on scuba diving in Scotland

Where to try watersports in Scotland

Centrum Glasgow, Greater Glasgow & het Clydedal

Ratho, Edinburgh & De Lothians

Dollar, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & het Forthdal

Regio Dingwall, De Hooglanden

Centrum Glasgow, Greater Glasgow & het Clydedal

Inverkip, Greater Glasgow & het Clydedal

Tiree, Argyll & De Eilanden

Oban, Argyll & De Eilanden

Craobh Haven, Argyll & De Eilanden

Brora, De Hooglanden

Campbeltown, Argyll & De Eilanden

Regio Loch Ness, De Hooglanden

Aviemore, De Hooglanden

Inverness, De Hooglanden

Lairg, De Hooglanden

Tarbet, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & het Forthdal

Fort William, De Hooglanden

Galashiels, De Schotse Grensregio

Bowmore, Argyll & De Eilanden

Port Ellen, Argyll & De Eilanden

Linlithgow, Edinburgh & De Lothians

Dunbar, Edinburgh & De Lothians

Stromness, Orkney

Alloa, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & het Forthdal

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