Explore the Isle of Skye and learn to sea kayak with 3 days of paddling in different locations around the island (no camping). On 3 separate day trips we will visit a different place every day, so that you see most of the island and enjoy different kinds of conditions. These may include the Sound of Sleat, Loch Eishort, Loch Scavaig and Soay and Lochalsh. We will pick the best ones for the weather conditions on each day. While you are out our experienced coaches will help you develop your sea kayaking skills, so that you can paddle efficiently and learn the skills to paddle in the weather and sea conditions the island presents us with.
Prerequisites
You have done a little sea kayaking or other kayaking, such as sit-on-top or calm water canoeing and are keen to learn more about sea kayaking. While you discover Skye and enjoy the scenery, we will help you develop the skills need to handle your kayak throughout the course. You will learn to paddle efficiently, so that you can keep going for 3 amazing days.
Unfortunately it is not always calm and sunny on Skye, so a good dose of adventure spirit and a desire to push your boundaries is advisable. You don’t need to be an athlete to join, but you should be fairly active and used to being outdoors. Have a look at our fitness advice page if you are unsure. You will learn new skills as we explore and will leave being a more confident and more competent paddler, ready for your own adventures.
These courses generally use single kayaks, unless the weather dictates the use of doubles, which will be decided on the day.
To join a A 3 Day Paddle Skye for Beginners and get most enjoyment out of it, you should meet the following criteria
- You are at least 15 years old
- You are generally fit and healthy
- You are adventurous and love the outdoors
- You can sit upright with little back support (sea kayaks have low back rests that only reach up to your lower lumbar spine. Have a look here what it looks like.)
- From standing you can sit yourself on the floor and stand back up easily
- You have a reasonable range of movement and balance
- You have reasonable upper body strength
- You can walk on uneven ground, such as pebble beaches and rocky shores
- You can help carry a sea kayak between the carpark and the water
- Your weight does not exceed 110kg
If you meet most of these criteria but are unsure about one or two, or if you have a disability that stops you from some of them, please get in touch with us to discuss.
If you do not meet our criteria, but still want to explore Skye, maybe look at a single day trip or a half day.
If you feel that you exceed this level, we are sure that you are still going to have a great day. But you can also join us for a 3-5 day Paddle Skye for experienced kayakers (single days may be available) or make up your own group of friends and book a private session.
Prices and Dates
3 Days: £378; from £570 with 4 nights accommodation
Dates for 2027
- 1 – 3 May
- 26 – 28 June
- 31 July – 2 August
- 2 – 4 September
Dates are flexible until the first booking has been made. Please get in touch if you like alternative dates or if you would like a tailor-made Paddle Skye just for your group.
Sample Itinerary
All locations are just examples, and will be chosen depending on weather and ability and aspirations of the group
Friday
- 14:00 – 20:00 Arrive on Skye, settle into Beann Òran.
- 20:30 Welcome and Plan for the next day. Cosy Evening in.
Saturday
- 9:00 Kayak fitting and kitting out
- 10:00 – 16:00 Paddle in the south of Skye to explore local history in the shadow of the Cuillin. Learn basic skills or refresh and improve existing ones.
- 16:30 – 17:00 kit washing and tidy up
- 17:00 – 18:45 Sauna, hot showers and cups of tea
- Cosy Evening in.
- 20:00 Planning for Sunday
Sunday
- 9:00 drive to Elgol
- 10:30 – 16:00 Paddle in the west of Skye. Develop paddling skills on the way.
- 16:30 – 18:00 Drive back, kit washing and tidy up
- 18:00 – 20:00 Hot showers, Dinner and Relaxing
- 20:00 Planning for Wednesday
- Cosy Evening in.
Monday
- 9:00 drive to Dornie
- 10:30 – 16:00 Paddle Loch Duich and see Eilean Donan Castle from the other side. Paddle under the castle bridge
- 16:30 – 18:00 Drive back and pick up local mussels from Loch Eishort Mussel farm
- 18:00 – 18:30 kit washing and tidy up
- 19:00 Hot showers, Communal Mussel Cookery, Dinner and Relaxing
Tuesday
10:00 Breakfast and Departure
You can add extra days in the accommodation to extend your holiday on Skye.
What’s included
- 3 full days of sea kayaking
- Pick up from ferry, bus or train
- All kayaking equipment: Kayak, Paddle, Spray deck, Buoyancy Aid, wetsuit, cagoule, wetsuit boots, bogies (if required)
- In course transport
- Supportive skill development to match the conditions and aspirations of the group
- Historical and cultural knowledge and local stories
- Photos of your time on the water
- Self catering accommodation: shared twin, single and double room options (includes sheets and towels)
- Use of sauna
What you need to bring
- Base layers for kayaking
- Food for breakfast, lunches, dinners and snacks
- Lunch box and water bottle / flask
Available at the base
- Sauna
- High power drying room
- Northshore and Calley Carbon Kevlar Sea Kayaks (various models and sizes)
- Well equipped kit store
- High Quality Peak, Reed and Lomo kayak clothing
- VE Premium Paddles
The Accommodation
- Comfortable, spacious accommodation with double, twin and single options
- Sea View
- Well equipped spacious kitchen with dining area
- 2 spacious sitting rooms to relax and socialise
- Luxury bath and 2 powerful showers
- Washing machine and dryer
- On-site parking
- Fibre Broadband
- Maps and Books
Available on the doorstep
- Pubs
- Local shop ad supermarket
- Bottle shop with takeaway draught beer and whisky & gin selection
- Locally grown musses to order
- Fresh fish delivery
- Local Venison
- Locally baked bread and cakes to order
- Distillery