Half Day Canoeing
Based out of Inverness, Explore Highland can offer a number of local half-day canoeing options suitable for beginners, families and small groups.
Within a short drive from Inverness there are a number of stunning famous locations including Loch Ness, River Beauly, Loch Achilty, Loch Duntelchaig and on the Caledonian Canal. These are all within a 30 minute drive for our mobile service.
Half-day trips are available from 4-8 paddlers. Larger groups can be catered for with advanced booking.
Please see below for more details on specific trip locations. Our two most popular trips Canoe Loch Ness and Canoe River Beauly can be booked online at the bottom of the page.
Canoe Loch Ness
Our Canoe Loch Ness trips are extremely popular during March through to October. We can launch onto the loch at a number of locations, but the main meet/launch point is Dochgarroch Locks.
Some tandem canoeing experience is desirable but not essential for this trip as the open waters of Loch Dochfour and out onto Loch Ness can be challenging in light wind conditions. Coaching will be given where required.
To book onto a planned guided trip, please check out the availability options below.
Private Loch Ness Experience
Should you wish to take on a Canoe Loch Ness guided trip during the off season October to March, or wish to book a private sunrise 6-10 am or sunset/evening 6-10 pm, please email to book your private canoe experience.
Canoe River Beauly/Aigas Gorge
The Aigas Gorge is part of the River Beauly system. This lovely relaxed canoeing adventure takes you into a different world. Lush foliage, stunning rock formations set in a gorge environment. Stunning scenery, the possibility to spot an osprey & other birds of prey, and with a relaxed professional coach/guide, you will certainly have a memorable experience out on the water.
Our Canoe River Beauly trips are very popular so we offer open group trips on a regular basis between May and October.
Some tandem canoeing experience is desirable but not essential for this trip as it take you onto moving water but coaching/guiding will be given.
To book onto a planned guided trip, please check out the availability options below.
Responsible Access
Since 2021, Explore Highland DO NOT operate on this stretch of river between 1st March and 15th May annually. This is due to a regular pair of osprey nesting close to the river bank and from discussions and taking advice from local agencies (Nature Scot, Highland Council Access Officer, RSPB & Police Scotland Wildlife Crimes), this 6-8 week period is the most sensitive time for the osprey egg to incubate and hatch.
Although everyone does have the right to paddle down rivers within the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and all our groups are compliant with with code, as part of a local access agreement, Explore Highland is voluntarily supporting a local commercial provider agreement and use other locations during this sensitive nesting period.
Private Aigas Gorge Experience
Should you wish to take on a Canoe Aigas Gorge guided trip during the off season October to March, or wish to book a private sunrise 6-10 am or sunset/evening 6-10 pm, please email to book your private canoe experience.
During summer Explore Highland suggests sunrise 6-10 am and evening 6-10 pm options. No matter the time of day, this Aigas Gorge Experience is always truly memorable.
Canoe Loch Achilty
More info to follow
Canoe Loch Duntelchaig
More info to follow
Canoe Caledonian Canal
More info to follow
What equipment do we supply
For half-day canoeing we supply the following kit with all bookings:
- Copies of photos taken during the trip
- Tandem open canoes. The instructor will paddle solo with an even paddler group or pair up with the odd paddler,
- A personal buoyancy aid, and a suitably sized canoe paddle
- A large dry bag per canoe if required
- Approx three hours on the water paddling time
What you need to bring/wear
When paddling, you should expect some splashing and drips from the paddle. The weather can also change rapidly out on the water so its best to be prepared for the worst. Please bring suitable outdoor clothing to keep you warm for your time outdoors in the Scottish Highlands. As we are going on a wee journey, we will be outdoors for the full duration and not able to just nip back to the start for shelter if it starts to rain.
Essential Items:
- A waterproof jacket and waterproof over-trousers are highly recommended
- Leggings/baselayer/fleece jumper
- A hat/cap to keep your head warm
- Old light footwear/trainers that you don’t mind getting wet/splashed
We recommend also bringing along;
- Water or juice as you may get thirsty
- Any medication you may require
- Towel & complete change of clothes for afterward – can be left in your car at the start/finish point!
Booking a Private Half-day Canoe Experience
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