Sea Kayak Hire

Explore the wonders and relative shelter of Loch Sunart at your own pace with our sea kayak hire options. Meet us at Strontian Jetty and explore Ardnastang Beach, Carnoch River, and as far as the Laudale Narrows (on a good day).

Conditions of hire

1. At least one adult must have previous experience in kayaking
2. At least one adult in the party must be able to rescue sea kayaks and get people back into them in deep water
3. All participants must be entered onto our booking system
4. Kayaks must be returned to Strontian Jetty and other equipment returned to Otter Adventures by the end time of your hire period
5. On the day of hire, you will need to present photo identification that contains your address. This must be the same address you give us in the questions. Failure to bring photo ID may mean that equipment is not hired to you but you may still be charged.

We have a maximum of six sea kayaks for hire at any one time and our ratios are as follows:

1. One person per kayak - we only have solo kayaks
2. The minimum group size is two adults (18+ years) for your safety
3. Minimum age 12 years without exception

Included in the hire (of one kayak) are:

1. One P&H/Venture Kayaks sea kayak
2. One Ainsworth Paddles adjustable kayak paddle
3. One Palm Equipment adjustable buoyancy aid
4. One spraydeck (optional)

Although we offer the hire of canoes, kayaks and SUP's, we always recommend our guided adventures. You will learn more about kayaking, the environment and the culture of the West Highland Peninsulas and have a higher chance of finding all manner of creatures above and below the surface.

They are also much safer as the weather conditions (especially the winds) change rapidly and can leave you stranded and unable to return to Strontian Jetty. Our guides are all qualified, highly experienced, passionate as well as local - meaning they know the discipline and region better and care about them more.

Please read the post-booking information carefully, especially the "What should the customer bring?" and note that all equipment is to be collected from our base in Strontian and the kayaks will be transported to Strontian Jetty for you (3-5 minute walk).

Longer hire periods

Hire for more than one day and a pick-up/drop-off service may be possible. Please email us or call (07521 676274) with dates to discuss available options.

It is essential that you have are confident and competent to look after yourself and anyone else in your booking/party.

We do not ask for proof of experience or ability and only offer advice on care of the equipment.

The supplied buoyancy aid must be worn at all times during participation.

If you are in any doubt, please book one of our Sea Kayak Taster sessions and let us know you wish to develop your skills and confidence with a view to hiring kayaks. After this, you should have sufficient experience to hire equipment from us (subject to availability and weather), but you will need to decide yourself whether to hire or not.

While it is up to you what you wear whilst kayaking, our experience of Scottish water and weather means we advise you to dress for the water temperature (not the air temperature) and wear/bring the following:

1. Sufficient outdoor/fitness clothing to keep you warm should you fall in
2. Water/windproof jacket and trousers
3. Thin soled neoprene wetsuit boots, sandals with hard soles and secure straps or old trainers
4. Towel
5. Full change of clothes
6. Sunscreen
7. Sun hat
8. Sunglasses with retainer
9. Reusable water bottle
10. Your favourite snack(s)