Launching your canoe, perhaps for the first time, you are soon gliding over shallow, sheltered waters, the sun shimmering on the sandy bed and seaweed drifting with the slow flow of the water.

Within minutes you and your paddling partner are working together to travel through sheltered landscapes.

Throughout your journey, you will be accompanied by a fully qualified and experienced local guide, who is there to ensure you get the most from your adventure. They will answer your questions, work with you to build your confidence and skills and generally ensure you have a great time on the water. They will offer advice as necessary, perhaps on efficient paddling, look after your safety throughout the trip and highlight any wildlife that appears or can be found as well as tell you about the local sights or stories.

The minimum age for this activity is 6 years and the minimum number is just two people. If you are travelling solo, please do get in touch directly so we can do our best to accommodate you safely under Coronavirus and economic restrictions.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and the possibility of falling in. Changing facilities are closed at present, so please come ‘dressed’ for the day.

Above all, enjoy your adventure and keep your fingers crossed for an otter or eagle to make an appearance!

The requirements for a taster session are minimal. You should:

1. be at least 6 years old,
2. have an average level of fitness,
3. be prepared to have fun exploring on the water.

For all our water-based activities:

1. Under-18's must be accompanied throughout the activity by their parent or legal guardian,
2. You may be asked to help move equipment and load trailers.

Don't worry if:

1. your height or weight are above average,
2. lack experience in canoeing,
3. or have a specific medical or dietary need.

If any of these do apply, please do contact us before booking and we will do our best to accommodate you on an adventure.

1. Waterproof jacket and trousers (avoid bringing your best Goretex for water-based activities)
2. General outdoor or fitness clothing to wear under your waterproofs (please avoid jeans and cotton clothes)
3. Extra jumper as it may be cooler on the water
4. Shoes to wear during the activity - these will get wet, so old trainers are fine
5. Sunhat or beanie (depending upon conditions)
6. Sunglasses (with retainer cord)
7. Suncream and midge repellant
8. Reusable water bottle and snacks
9. Spare clothes and towel (just in case)
10. Personal medication
11. Personal accident and possessions insurance

If you don't have all these items or forget something on the day, please let your guide know when you arrive and we may be able to lend you something appropriate.

After introductions, your guide will ensure you have a buoyancy aid and paddle in an appropriate size.

If you have forgotten anything or need to borrow anything, please do let them know at this point. They will do their best to source something appropriate for you.

You may be asked to help load boats onto a trailer, please only do so if this is not likely to aggravate an existing injury. 

Once packed you will travel to the most suitable location for the day and enjoy exploring on the water.

This will probably be the head of Loch Sunart right in-front of us as the jetty is is a two-minute walk around the corner.

If the wind, as well as your experience, dictates, an alternative location may be preferable. Your guide will negotiate this with you before departing.

If there is a need to drive, you will be asked to travel in your own vehicle(s) for social distancing purposes.

You will spend about 2 hours exploring on the water before returning to the trailer and helping to load up boats. Your guide will explain everything to you and they will strap the boats down. You will be able to walk back to Otter Adventures where your guide will join you to thank you and say goodbye.