Open Canoe Hire

Explore the delights of Loch Sunart at your own pace with our open canoe hire options. Meet us at Strontian Jetty and explore Ardnastang Beach, Carnoch River, and as far as the Laudale Narrows.

Conditions of hire

1. Previous experience in canoeing is essential including the ability to rescue canoe(s) and people
2. One canoe between two people unless you've had significant experience canoeing solo
3. Maximum two adults and one child (maximum 8 years) per canoe
4. Hire includes one buoyancy aid and paddle per person and a map of the hire area
5. All children must be booked in (the minimum age is 2 years and children up to 5 years must be in a canoe with two adults)
6. Dogs are permitted in canoes only if they have their own buoyancy aid and count as the third person in a canoe
7. Canoes must be returned to Strontian Jetty and other equipment returned to Otter Adventures by the end time of your hire period

Although we offer hire of canoes, kayaks and SUP's, we always recommend guided adventures. You will learn more about canoeing, 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 and highly experienced as well as local - meaning they know the region better and care about it more.

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.

The supplied buoyancy aid must be worn during participation.

If you are in any doubt, please book one of our canoe tater sessions and let us know you wish to develop your skills and confidence with a view to hiring canoes. 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 canoeing, our experience of Scottish water and weather means we advise the following:

1. Water/windproof jacket and trousers
2. Clothes suitable to the weather (to keep you warm if you should fall in or cool if it is sunny)
3. Thin soled neoprene wetsuit boots, sandals with hard soles and secure straps or old trainers
4. Full change of clothes
5. Sunscreen
6. Sun hat
7. Sunglasses with retainer
8. Reusable water bottle
9. Your favourite snack(s)