Water activities in Argyll & the Isles

The stunning coastline of Argyll & the Isles is home to some of the most biologically diverse marine environments in the UK and the many wrecks beneath the waves are a powerful reminder of our maritime heritage.

For watersports enthusiasts, there is so much to choose from. Take your pick from boat trips to the world’s third-largest whirlpool, or try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, SCUBA diving, fishing, surfing and wild swimming.

Watersports are our specialism and there are stacks of places to hire equipment, take lessons or book a guided tour. You can’t beat local knowledge to enhance your experience.

Follow our specially designed trails for wild swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, or try swimming with basking sharks, kayaking in the beauty of Fingal’s Cave or night-time SCUBA diving by floodlight.
And the water isn’t just for sports buffs.

Families can enjoy sheltered sandy beaches with clear, shallow waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. Children will love hopping on a ferry to explore the islands, swimming in the calm seas, spotting the playful seals lazing in the sun and snorkelling to discover underwater treasures. Paddling, rock pooling and sandcastles delight at any age!

Just 90 minutes from Glasgow, Argyll and the Isles are perfect for a memorable family day trip, short break or extended holiday.

Surfing & Windsurfing
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Windsurfing Tiree
Kayaking & Canoeing
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Sailing
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Dingy Sailing Oban
Wild Swimming
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Paddleboarding
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Snorkelling
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Snorkelling Argyll
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Kintyre Express

Kintyre Express is a fast passenger ferry service which opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland for you to explore.  Our service links Campbeltown in Kintyre,...

Campbeltown Harbour
Argyll
Scotland

Tel: (+44) 1586 555 895

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Jura Boat Tours

We offer bespoke Rib Tours to various areas of outstanding beauty in our modern, fully coded passenger Rib. There is an abundance of Wildlife found around ou...

3 Woodside
Craighouse
Isle of Jura
Argyll
PA607YA

Tel: 07976 280195

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Crinan Canal Cruises

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of 'Britain's most beautiful shortcut' - the perfect way to experience the sights, wildlife, and history of the famous...

Crinan Basin
Crinan
PA31 8SW

Tel: 07443 371109

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Cowal Cruises

We offer short boat trips around the Kyles of Bute from April to October. These trips range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and focus on the history, scenery, and wild...

Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2EG

Tel: 07765958891

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Basking Shark Scotland

Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife-watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...

Cluaran
Crannaig-a-Mhinister
Oban
PA34 4LX

Tel: 07975 723140

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Wild Hebridean Swimming

Emma brings together a community of people from all over the world united by a common love of swimming. A qualified and experienced coach, she welcomes all a...

Cnoc na Sgillinn
Tobermory
Isle of Mull
Argyll & Bute
PA75 6QA

Tel: 07770 483063

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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Spa and Leisure

The Leisure Experience features a 16-metre indoor pool, a toddlers’ pool with water features, outdoor spa pools, a Scandinavian sauna and we think the larges...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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Provident Sailing

A holiday on Provident will introduce you to the fabulous west coast of Scotland, where you can explore the islands, coasts, harbours, and hills of Argyll an...

Head Office, Dunstaffnage Marina
Dunbeg
Oban
PA37 1PX

Tel: 07549 935222

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Explore all the places to visit in Argyll & the Isles

3700km of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, major towns and villages are all waiting for you.

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Scotland's Adventure Coast on YouTube

Get inspired! Watch our amazing videos showcasing the range of People-Powered Adventures you can experience in Argyll & the Isles. There really is something for everyone!

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