As your guide gently pushes your kayak off the beach and onto the water for the first time, you instantly feel a connection with the water and the wind.
Recalling the advice you have just been given, you remember to sit up straight and to relax.
Within minutes, the stability of the kayaks reassuring you, you start to realise just how effortlessly these long boats, cumbersome on land, glide through the water.
Now you relax and start to enjoy the scenery and the experience. A new pastime has perhaps been discovered…
Guided sea kayak journeys are currently limited to just two adults at a time so as to keep the experience personal or to allow complete beginners to explore Ardnamurchan from the water. They are also ideal for couples who wish to have one guide to themselves for the duration.
Sea Kayak Journeys are normally a half day (9.30 am to 12.30 pm or 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm) and usually only suitable for children aged 12 years or above (younger children may be accepted if they have expereince of kayaking).
If you would like to extend it to a day journey (10.00 am to 5.00 pm) with locally sourced gourmet lunch provided, possibly cooked over a wood stove, then please get in touch and ask about the options available.
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 trip. They will offer advice on efficient paddling, look after your safety throughout the trip and highlight any wildlife that appears or can be found as well as any relevant local cultural or historical sights.
We certainly intend you to stay in your kayak and dry, but occasionally people do capsize kayaks and fall in and it does (occasionally) rain, so please dress appropriately. Changing facilities are very limited at present, so please come ‘dressed’ for the day and do your best to keep the kayak upright!
You may be asked to help move and lift kayaks during the day, so please let your guide know if this is going to be difficult for you or if you have any medical concerns that may affect your participation in the day.
Above all, enjoy your adventure and keep your fingers crossed for an otter to make an appearance!
Included in a sea kayak half day trip are the following:
* Please feel free to use your own paddlesport equipment as long as it confirms to current UK safety standards and best practices.
The following items are a non-exhaustive list of what is not included in these tours:
Loch Sunart is such a varied place and the light changes so rapidly. Add new people on every trip and no two trips will ever be the same.
Many people find sea kayaking in calm conditions a little meditative! this kayaker experienced just that as they paddled off in a late afternoon sea kayak journey on Loch Sunart.
Solo sea kayaker on Loch Sunart
Solo sea kayaks allow everyone a little independence to explore away from the group. This teenager is taking advantage of that and paving the way for the rest of the group.
Misty sea kayak on Loch Sunart
Misty or damp days do not stop use from heading out as we have great waterproof jackets and trousers for you to use. the atmosphere is different to a sunny day, but equally as atmospheric.
Novice sea kayakers heading off
After a little tuition and a few 'handy hints', everyone soon makes great progress on their short journey. This couple made a great trip along almost half of Loch Sunart on theirs!
Seals eye view
The Venture Kayaks Jura is a stable and comfortable sea kayak for beginners to intermediate paddlers. It may be long and cumbersome on land, but on the water it is stable and goes in a straight line - ideal for novice a sea kayaker.
Winter's calm
Even in February, in the depths of winter, it is possible to find calm days to head out sea kayaking on Loch Sunart. We occasionally have snow down to sea level, but we are sheltered from the rough seas and strong winds the open coat gets - a perfect location for your first experience of sea kayaking.
Beginner leads everyone
After a little tuition and a few minutes to get used to the kayaks, everyone soon feels confident enough to head off on their short sea kayak journey on Loch Sunart.
Mountains, sea and kayaks
Exploring the coastline from a sea kayak allows you to see whatever wildlife is around; and to gaze up at the mountains that surround you on your journey. These mountains shelter the head of Loch Sunart from the worst of the winds and there is no swell from the open sea - and it is right outside our office.
A shared experience
Sea kayaking for the first time is best shared with friends and family; that way you get to share stories over dinner that evening and have memories to cherish for years to come.
Snow capped mountains and sea kayaks
February is usually cold and a little snowy, but it also brings quite a few clam days for sea kayaking. The head of Loch Sunart is sheltered from the ravages of the open sea and a perfect place (when wrapped up warm) to experience sea kayaking.
