• Bavaria 37 'Equinox'
  • Bavaria 38 'Evenstar'
  • Beneteau 411 'Aqua Vite'
  • Hanse 400 'Tarskavaig'
  • Ovni 43 'Lotus'
  • Elan 434 'Countess of Sleat'
  • Beneteau 44.7 'Lisa'
  • Cruising Area
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  • Call David: 07709 086 934

Yacht Charters Scotland

Bavaria 38 available for charter, based at craobh haven, tinker's hole , iona, welcome to scottish yacht charters.

Welcome to Scottish Yacht Charters run by David Lyle who has been a commercial skipper on the coast here for the past 25 years... The boats we have in the fleet are ideal for the area and provide an interesting selection of vessel to charter. All boat are coded for upto 60Nm away from a safe haven which allows charterers to explore all the islands off the Scottish mainland.

We are a small independent yacht charter company, operating from the West Coast of Scotland. Our base is Craobh Haven some 20 miles south of Oban, which gives access to the most spectacular yachting to be had in the British Isles. Craobh Haven and the surrounding region featured in the BBC documentary "Three Men Go To Scotland". The varied coastline and numerous islands of this area offer stunning scenery and crystal clear waters inhabited by a huge variety of wildlife, including whales, porpoises and basking sharks. Wherever you choose to make landfall, you're sure of a warm welcome ashore at one of the many harbourside restaurants, distilleries or places of historic interest.

Yachts for Charter

Lisa new to Scottish Yacht Charters

Lisa is a Beneteau 44.7 with spacious accommodation for 7/8 people.

New 2020 'Countess of Sleat' is coming to join SYC. She’s an Elan 434 with four cabins and a saloon, can sleep ten and is a very comfortable yacht ideal for the west coast of Scotland. She joins us as the ideal boat for those wanting both comfort and ability. The boat has two heads. Enquire Now

Yacht Charters from Craobh Haven Near Oban

The landscape bordering these extensive cruising grounds is beautiful and unspoilt. There are hundreds of islands and literally thousands of miles of coastline, giving plenty of scope for aspiring skippers to improve their pilotage and navigation skills. The long summer days, myriad of sheltered anchorages and extensive choice of routes and destinations all make for a great sailing experience. Craobh Haven itself is easily accessible by private or public transport and has plenty of safe car parking facilities as well as a chandlery, general store and the Lord of the Isles Pub, Restaurant and Hotel.

Yacht Charters in Scotland

Our modern well equipped yachts are available for bareboat or skippered charter. They are comprehensively equipped with modern equipment and has an extensive inventory. All you need to bring is your own personal gear. So whatever your level of experience, whether you're looking for a relaxing break or a real sailing adventure, we are confident that you will find Scottish Yacht Charters and the delights of the West Coast of Scotland hard to beat.

If you would prefer to speak to a real person rather then submitting this enquiry electronically, please feel free to call us at any time for a no obligations chat.

07709 086 934

Scottish Yacht Charters The Green Craobh Haven Oban PA31 8UB View on Google Maps

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Charters Scotland

The rugged beauty of Scotland is of World renown. A yacht charter in Scotland is one of the best ways of exploring the country. The West Coast is sparsely inhabited and many places are only accessible by sea. For this reason, a bareboat yacht charter is an increasingly popular way of visiting the area. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife unusual and diverse. There are lots of harbours and anchorages. We would challenge anyone who charters Scotland not to be impressed.

Charter West Scotland

One of the great things about Scottish charters is the unrivalled opportunity for peace and solitude. As anyone who has experienced the delights of a Yacht charter West Coast Scotland will testify, there are none of the crowds that are the norm in other popular areas of yacht charter UK. A cruise with Scottish Yacht Charter allows you the freedom to enjoy deserted anchorages should you wish to. The numerous islands to be found in this area mean that there is usually somewhere offering shelter whatever the direction of the wind. However one of the great things about Scottish charters is that, if you wish, there are plenty of charming coastal towns and villages offering opportunities for reprovisioning, visiting local attractions or just a welcoming pub.

Bavaria Yacht Charter

We are ideally placed to offer the perfect location for your yacht charter west coast. Our small fleet of yachts is perfect for Scottish charters, being relatively new and fully equipped. Colour plotters, electric anchor windlasses and single line reefing will all enhance the experience of your Scottish Yacht Charter. As anyone familiar with this area will testify, the diesel heating found on all our boats can be very useful on occasions. For your visit ashore, our yachts are equipped with inflatable tenders and outboard motors at no extra charge. All of these features will help to make your sailing charter Scotland a memorable one.

A widely held misconception is that it always rains in Scotland. Aficionados of cruising the West Coast of Scotland will testify to the long periods of settled weather it is often possible to encounter. Of all the yacht charter UK areas Scottish charters are the ones blessed with the longest daylight hours. In midsummer a lucky sailor who charters Scotland will find that even at midnight it is often not entirely dark. Certainly the weather will usually allow barefoot yacht charters, if that is your fancy. As a result of the effects of the Gulf Stream, temperatures are a good deal higher than is generally appreciated.

Bareboat Charter Scotland

One of the considerations when selecting Scottish charters is the ease of access to our home ports. Craobh Haven and Largs marinas are easily accessible by road, train or even air. Our summer base at Craobh Haven is about 2 hours drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh and is approximately 20 miles from Oban, which is the nearest rail link. Largs Marina, our winter base is about 20 miles from Glasgow which in addition to road and rail links has its own airport. Your yachting charters Scotland will start and end with the minimum inconvenience as a result of the locations we have chosen. Anyone who is a client of ours and who charters Scotland regularly will appreciate the ease of access our sites offer for your sailing charter Scotland.

Boat Charter Scotland

We hope that we have tempted you to sample the delights of yacht charters Scotland. Our aim is to ensure that anyone experiencing charters Scotland does so in an enjoyable and hassle free manner. Whether your holiday aim is to discover quiet unspoiled anchorage's, or to undertake longer more challenging cruises, we hope that your experience will make you agree with us that a Charters Scotland cruise is not one to be missed.

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Scotland Boating Holidays on the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness

The Caledonian Canal is surrounded by the spectacular scenery and mountain ranges of the Scottish Highlands.

Featured Offer

Boating holidays are possible between Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and Fort William in the south.

Loch Ness Boat Hire

The route takes you through Loch Ness , the home of the legendary monster, and the Great Glen through Lochs and canals.

The canal is almost 200 years old, and joins the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It was built to let ships cut off the hazardous trip through the Pentland Firth around the north coast of Scotland.

Caledonian Canal Area Map

From our boat base at Laggan , close to Fort William, it is possible to cruise the whole 60 mile length of the canal and back in one week, with time to visit the many bankside villages and attractions.

From Laggan, cruise north to Loch Oich and on to Fort Augustus and legendary Loch Ness, overlooked by the ruins of Urquhart Castle . Further north is the lively city of Inverness, home to a spectacular 19th-century cathedral and several fascinating museums. Alternatively, head south from our boat base to scenic Fort William and mighty Ben Nevis.

The 23 mile long Loch Ness ends at the picturesque village of Fort Augustus with its set of staircase locks. Perhaps visit the Clansman Centre and its glimpse of highland life. From here the route winds through shallower Loch Oich – excellent watersports at Great Glen Water Park - to our base at Laggan Locks before crossing Loch Lochy at the foot of Ben Nevis , the UK’s highest mountain.

See Gairlochy next to Ben Nevis before reaching the end of the navigable waterway at Banavie , and its amazing Neptune’s Staircase of eight locks, close to Fort William at the southern end of the canal.

Perhaps take a trip on the West Highland railway line to Mallaig , a small fishing village on the wild and scenic west coast of Scotland. One of the world’s scenic rail journeys, Harry Potter fans may recognize it as a route used by the Hogwarts Express!

There are many piers and mooring places along Loch Ness and the Great Glen, mostly free of charge. The short canal stretches have only 10 locks, all operated by keepers.

The hotels and pubs offer Scottish Highlands hospitality to boaters – wild salmon, game and venison are local specialities – and of course haggis and highland whisky! For supplies there are village shops and more services in the larger towns.

Along the canal you can enjoy angling, walking, mountain biking, pony trekking, and perhaps spot an eagle or osprey – maybe the Loch Ness monster!

You may see fishing boats, yachts, maybe occasional small ships. Previous boating experience is not essential as boating is limited to non-tidal waters.

The Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness offer a boating holiday with spectacular views in amazing scenery.

Route Information

Cruise the Caledonian Canal through Scotland's highlands

Area Highlights

Highlights of the caledonian canal.

  • Urquhart Castle
  • Fort Augustus locks and Museums
  • Loch Ness Monster and Exhibitions
  • Drumnadrochit
  • Fishing, wildlife & bird-watching
  • Hiking & hill walking
  • Whisky distillery tours
  • Spectacular mountain scenery

Gairlochy

Useful Information:

  • Navigation is easy and full of variety on the Caledonian Canal. On the stretches of open water you are never far from sheltered moorings
  • Lifejackets must be worn in locks and on open stretches of water

Please Note

Scottish canals have introduced a canal fee - this is the cost per night to use the canal

2024 - £16.00 / €19.00

Customer Reviews

We travelled from the boat yard up to Loch Ness and back. The experience was fantastic and all the staff from the boat yard to the lock keepers were really nice and a credit to the company. Particularly Jade from the reservations team who really helped sort out the last minute booking which meant everything ran smoothly. It was really great, the kids had fun and are already nagging to go back. Already recommended to at least five friends one of which has already enquired about booking next year. Would recommend to all from novice to experienced. NB - Laggan - Laggan
Absolutely fabulous, we all enjoyed it very much. The scenery on our journey was awesome, the weather held up very well for us, I mean October in the Highlands!! we expected the worst but were very pleasantly surprised. All in all a first rate holiday which we all enjoyed immensely. G – Inverness out and back on the Caledonian Canal, Scotland

View Routes from:

Scotland Boating Map

Boat holidays from Laggan

Laggan is located in the Cairngorms National Park and surrounded by soaring mountains. The village, featured in the popular BBC drama series “Monarch of the Glen”, is a superb base for exploring the countryside and lochs. There are plenty of walks and the opportunity to fish in the River Spey.

Nearby are the ruins of the fort of Dun da Lamh and the Laggan Wolftrax , a mountain biking centre in the heart of the Strathmashie Forest. Laggan is the starting point for cruises along the Caledonian Canal , taking in famous Loch Ness , the ruins of Urquhart Castle and the Ben Nevis Distillery .

Boat Search by Start Base

Start Base: Laggan

Out and Back Routes

Laggan - inverness - banavie.

Return Trip • 1 week • 193km • 10 Locks • 35hrs

Laggan - Banavie - Fort Augustus - Laggan

Return Trip • 1 week • 65km • 18 Locks • 14hrs

View Laggan - Fort Augustus out and back route in Google Maps

Call us on : 01756 701200 (+44 1756 701200)

Boating Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

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Boat & Catamaran charter in Scotland  - Yacht Rental

Boat & Catamaran charter in Scotland - Yacht Rental

Scotland yacht rental.

Embrace the rugged beauty and mystique of Scotland with Yachting.Rent, your trusted partner in bespoke nautical adventures. From the misty lochs to the sprawling coastline, Scotland’s vast and varied waterways are a treasure trove for sailors, and we’re here to help you navigate every captivating corner.

Scotland, with its intricate blend of history, folklore, and unparalleled landscapes, offers a sailing experience unlike any other. The Highlands whisper ancient tales with each gust of wind, while the serene shores and islands of the Hebrides beckon with their unspoiled beauty. Every ripple in the water carries a story, and every horizon promises a new discovery.

Yachting.Rent proudly boasts a meticulously curated fleet designed to suit a spectrum of preferences. Whether you envision a luxurious voyage aboard a state-of-the-art yacht or a quaint journey on a traditional wooden boat, our collection caters to every whim. Safety, comfort, and style seamlessly converge in each of our vessels, promising you an experience that’s both thrilling and serene.

Sail past iconic landmarks such as the hauntingly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, or drop anchor at a secluded bay in the Orkney or Shetland Islands. Navigate the legendary waters of Loch Ness, and who knows, perhaps catch a glimpse of its famed inhabitant. The rugged coastlines of the North Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west promise diverse marine life, from playful seals to majestic orcas.

However, Scotland’s allure doesn’t stop at its natural beauty. The coastal towns and villages offer a taste of Scottish hospitality, with traditional pubs and inns serving up hearty local fare and world-famous whiskies. Intersperse your sailing adventure with visits to these locales to enrich your understanding of Scotland’s vibrant culture and history.

With Yachting.Rent, the logistics of your sailing adventure are effortlessly handled. From charting the best routes based on your interests to ensuring every amenity onboard caters to your comfort, our dedicated team is at your service, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.

Scotland, a land of myths, legends, and breathtaking beauty, awaits your exploration. With Yachting.Rent as your nautical guide, set sail on a voyage that promises not just new horizons but timeless memories. Dive deep into Scotland’s heart, one wave at a time, and let the magic of this land wash over you.

Daniel Goldman

CEO of Yachting.Rent

Boat & Catamaran charter in Scotland

Bali 4.4 - 3 + 1 cab. - Apollo - 2022

Bali 4.5 – 4 + 2 cab. – Adria Chicha – 2017

Lagoon 450 F - 4 + 2 cab. - Shiva - 2018

Lagoon 450 F – 4 + 2 cab. – Shiva – 2018

Lagoon 42 - 4 + 2 cab. - Eleni - 2023.

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 2 cab. – Hanselli – 2024

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 1 cab. – pirelli – 2024.

Saxdor 320 GTO - Kali - 2022

Saxdor 320 GTC – Olivia – 2022

Saxdor 320 gto – kali – 2022.

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About Scotland

Why is Scotland a good sailing destination?

Scotland, often revered for its atmospheric landscapes and age-old legends, also stands tall as an exceptional sailing destination. At Yachting.Rent, we’ve distilled the essence of Scotland’s nautical allure, presenting you with compelling reasons to embark on a voyage through its pristine waters.

1. Diverse Sailing Experiences: Scotland’s intricate coastline, dotted with numerous isles, firths, and lochs, provides a wide array of sailing experiences. From the serene waters of the Caledonian Canal to the challenging waves of the North Sea, Scotland caters to both novices and seasoned sailors.

2. Untouched Natural Beauty: The rugged coastlines, mysterious lochs, and secluded beaches form a captivating backdrop for any sailing expedition. The Scottish Highlands, viewed from the vantage point of the sea, offer a breathtaking panorama that’s unparalleled.

3. Rich Maritime Heritage: Scotland’s history is deeply intertwined with the sea. From ancient naval battles to historic ports and shipyards, sailing here is a journey through centuries of maritime legacy.

4. Abundance of Wildlife: Scotland’s waters are teeming with marine life. Dolphins, seals, whales, and a variety of seabirds can often be spotted, making every sail a potential wildlife expedition.

5. Gastronomic Delights: Anchoring at coastal towns and villages allows sailors to indulge in Scotland’s culinary offerings. Fresh seafood, local delicacies, and the world-renowned Scottish whisky provide a feast for the senses.

6. Mystical Islands: The Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland Islands are not just geographically diverse but are also steeped in folklore, history, and unique cultures. Each island group promises a different experience, from the Neolithic sites of Orkney to the pristine beaches of the Outer Hebrides.

7. Festivals and Events: Scotland’s sailing calendar is punctuated with various marine events, regattas, and festivals. Participating or simply being a spectator adds a vibrant dimension to the sailing experience.

8. Accessibility: With a plethora of marinas, harbors, and mooring spots, Scotland is well-equipped to accommodate vessels of all sizes. Yachting.Rent further simplifies the experience with our personalized services, ensuring that every logistical aspect is seamlessly managed.

9. Safety and Navigation: Scotland’s well-marked sailing routes, accompanied by modern navigational aids and safety protocols, ensure a secure sailing experience. Plus, with Yachting.Rent, you’re always supported by a team of professionals who prioritize your well-being.

10. The Magic of Discovery: Every cove, inlet, and bay in Scotland holds a secret. Be it a hidden waterfall, a historic ruin, or simply a breathtaking view, the promise of discovery is ever-present.

Sailing in Scotland is more than just a journey across water; it’s an immersion into a land of stories, natural wonders, and age-old traditions. Yachting.Rent takes pride in offering voyages that tap into the heart of Scotland’s magic, ensuring every sailor returns with tales as timeless as the land itself.

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What Choose

Sailing boat or Catamaran, what to sail in Scotland

Set sail on Scotland’s enchanting waters with Yachting.Rent, where your nautical dreams come alive. Whether you prefer the thrill of a sailing boat or the comfort and stability of a catamaran, we provide the ideal vessel for your Scottish voyage. Uncover what makes each option unique and find the perfect fit for your exploration of the rugged coastlines, tranquil lochs, and captivating islands that Scotland offers.

Sailing Boat: An Experience of Pure Sailing

  • Feeling of Freedom: Sailing boats embody the essence of traditional yachting. Feel the wind in your sails and experience the joy of harnessing nature’s energy as you navigate through Scotland’s scenic passages.
  • Agility and Performance: With a sleek hull and precise handling, sailing boats offer an exciting and responsive ride. Ideal for enthusiasts looking to engage in active sailing.
  • Eco-Friendly Option: Sailboats rely on wind power, making them an environmentally friendly choice for those conscious of their carbon footprint.
  • Intimacy with Nature: The simplicity and quietness of a sailing boat provide an intimate connection with Scotland’s natural beauty, wildlife, and the soothing sound of waves.

Catamaran: Spacious Comfort and Stability

  • Space and Luxury: Catamarans are renowned for their spacious interiors and wide decks. With ample room for lounging, dining, and socializing, they provide a comfortable setting for families and groups.
  • Stability on Water: The twin-hulled design ensures a smooth and stable ride, minimizing the rocking motion. Perfect for those new to sailing or seeking a more relaxed experience.
  • Versatility and Accessibility: With shallow drafts, catamarans can access secluded coves and anchor closer to shore, allowing you to explore hidden gems of Scotland’s coastline.
  • Modern Amenities: Equipped with modern conveniences and luxury touches, catamarans offer a home-away-from-home experience on the water.

Tailored Charter Options with Yachting.Rent

  • Crewed Charters: Allow our professional skippers and attentive crew to guide your journey, ensuring a carefree and enjoyable experience.
  • Bareboat Charters: For seasoned sailors, take the helm and craft your adventure with our well-maintained and fully equipped sailing boats and catamarans.
  • Customized Itineraries: From historical tours to wildlife spotting, our team curates personalized itineraries that reflect your interests and desires.

Why Choose Yachting.Rent for Your Scottish Sailing Adventure?

  • Expert Guidance: Our experienced team helps you choose between a sailing boat or catamaran, ensuring a vessel that aligns with your preferences and sailing style.
  • Quality Assurance: Each yacht in our fleet is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring safety, performance, and comfort.
  • Local Insights: Benefit from our local knowledge as we guide you to Scotland’s must-see destinations and hidden treasures.

Embarking on a journey with Yachting.Rent means embracing the spirit of the sea in a way that resonates with you. Whether you’re drawn to the authenticity of a sailing boat or the luxury and stability of a catamaran, your adventure on Scotland’s stunning waters awaits.

Connect with Yachting.Rent today and set sail on a voyage tailored to your dreams in the captivating landscapes of Scotland. Your perfect sailing experience is just a horizon away!

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Check out sailing destinations by regions.

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Isle of Skye Scotland

SCOTLAND AND HEBRIDES

Scotland’s west coast has as big a reputation for its wide variety of weather and strong tides as it does for its breath-taking beauty. with such stark contrasts in the weather and sailing conditions all part of the charm, it is easy to be put off..

But this stunning area of the UK offers some of the finest sailing in the world. Protected cruising grounds are set at the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery, and while careful planning is essential, help and advice is plentiful with numerous guides and suggested itineraries available for charters to make the most of your time there.

Tarbert Outer Hebrides Scotland

Islay and Gigha

Islay is a must-visit destination - if not for its beauty, then at least for the many fine whisky distilleries that have been producing scotch for hundreds of years. even though it is only 25 miles long, nine active distilleries are producing some of the finest single malts known to mankind..

There are plenty of opportunities to visit the distilleries (where you will receive a warm welcome) and a variety of tours are available. The main harbour is Port Ellen, which makes the perfect base to explore this famous island and there are several anchorages along Islay’s south coast.

Gigha is a tiny yet super-hospitable island of Gigha. This beautiful place is surrounded by turquoise seas and fringed with white sand beaches. Since 2002, it has been owned by the community, which explains the warm welcome. Gigha is only 7 miles long and a mile and a half wide, yet it boasts its very own Michelin recommended Boathouse Restauran t. There are great walks with stunning views and awesome sunsets, not to mention a challenging nine-hole course for the keen golfer. You will find the most popular anchorage in Ardminish Bay.

Islay and Gigha

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Cruising the inner hebrides, the inner hebrides offer stunning landscapes, lochs, beach anchorages, wildlife, walks, and mountain climbing. and then there’s world-beating food, especially the local seafood and fish, and, of course, fine whisky to enjoy after all that exercise..

The Scottish Hebrides were made for exploring by sailboat. Offering a rare chance to explore some of Britain’s most inaccessible wilderness alongside rugged mountains and glittering lochs, the magic of this area won’t be lost on you as you cruise through stunning gold-sand beaches, craggy inlets and picturesque seaside towns. Friendly locals will help to make it the trip of a lifetime.

There is much-undisturbed wildlife, set against an enticingly rugged and tranquil backdrop. While sailing here you may spot dolphins, seals, whales and basking sharks. Bird watchers will also delight in puffins, oystercatchers, fulmars and shags all native to this area. The Inner western coast offers fjord-like lochs to glide through. The Outer Hebrides is virtually untouched – even at the height of summer, the seas are still blissfully quiet.

The best time for sailing charters in Scotland

The best time for a sailing charter in Scotland is during the summer months of July and August when the weather will be at its warmest with temperatures up to 18oC. April and May have the lowest rainfall, while June, July and August can be unpredictable.

Cruising the Inner Hebrides

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Looking for inspiration? Get inspired with our insider sailing guides informed by our owners insights and real-life adventures.

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Bareboat and Skippered Yacht Charter Company and RYA Training Centre on the West Coast of Scotland

WELCOME TO ALBA SAILING

Bareboat and skippered yacht charter company on the west coast of scotland, telephone: +44 (0)1631 56 56 30.

ALBA SAILING is Scotland’s premier independent bareboat and skippered yacht charter company – we have provided quality service for over 35 years. From our purpose built shore side premises at Dunstaffnage Marina, Oban, Argyll in West Scotland we offer a wide choice of quality yachts from 31 – 46 feet for bareboat or skippered yacht charter. Unlike many charter companies, we own the majority of the yachts in our fleet so you can be sure of not only a warm personal welcome but also of our commitment to providing you with a well maintained and well equipped yacht that you will be proud to sail.

Our base is at the heart of Scotland’s West Coast cruising grounds so the Inner Hebrides, including the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Skye, can usually be circumnavigated within one week depending on whether you use bareboat or skippered charter. Our Cruising in West Scotland page gives you a brief outline of some of the many attractions our cruising area has to offer.

We have our own Chandlery and hire shop on-site and offer a range of services including waterproof clothing hire, freshly laundered bedding and towels etc.

There is a Tourist Information Centre in Oban and they can suggest hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in and around Oban in case you would like to extend your holiday. Their website is here  or you can phone them on +44 (0)1631 563122. We have also discovered a truly excellent transport provider and their details are on the download page of our website.

Enjoy our website and please feel free to contact us directly for any further information, advice or guidance on skippered or bareboat charter in West Scotland. We are here to help. Alba Sailing is run by sailors – for sailors! We are also on hand to discuss your Chandlery and Rigging requirements.

We look forward to welcoming you to Scotland soon!

David & Julie Banks

rent sailboat scotland

West Highland Sailing

Boating Holidays in Scotland

rent sailboat scotland

Boating Holidays In Scotland - Cruising on the Caledonian Canal

Are you thinking of a boating holiday in Scotland? Boating holidays in Scotland offer a fabulous way to see Scotland’s magnificent scenery from the water. West Highland Sailing can offer you a holiday you will never forget on the beautiful Caledonian Canal, the UK’s most spectacular inland waterway.

With a large fleet of luxury motor cruisers, West Highland sailing can offer a sailing vacation to suit almost everyone. With no tides and simple navigation sailing and boating novices can charter our boats and enjoy a carefree boating holiday among Scotland’s finest scenery.

We are ideally situated in the middle of the canal amidst spectacular mountain scenery. There are no deadlines or timetables – when you go aboard you can choose to spend your first night on our pontoon or cruise off Westwards down Loch Lochy with no need to worry about locking times. Or choose to go East from our base at Laggan Locks and your route takes you through gentle Loch Oich with its tree covered shores until you reach the fabled Loch Ness, the largest of the three lochs that comprise the greater part of the Caledonian Canal.

The choice is yours, the pace is yours, the experience is unforgettable. West Highland Sailing pride themselves on their high level of repeat business and look forward to introducing you to this beautiful and unique waterway.

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  • Canal Holidays
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Information

  • Which Operators
  • Canal Boats
  • Holidays & Short Breaks

The Falkirk Wheel

  • Map of the canals

Attractions:

Edinburgh Glasgow Falkirk Wheel Antonnine Wall World Heritage Site Almond Aqueduct

Scottish Canal Holidays and Short Breaks

Beginners welcome.

No experience is necessary as all of the boats are extremely easy to handle and full tuition is always given at the start of every holiday.

Things to see and do

Edinburgh Boat Charters

Book an Experience or buy a Voucher

Great sailing, great venue, great fun.

rent sailboat scotland

We offer a unique range of experiences to the discerning client, whether corporate or private. Our high specification luxury sailing catamaran is unique to the East Coast of Scotland and our Deck saloon yacht is well placed to explore the best that the West Coast has to offer. Edinburgh Boat Charters sail in beautiful, historic and inspiring locations providing a bespoke experience to meet your needs.

Besides corporate and private hire, Edinburgh Boat Charters offer a number of scheduled half, full and two day trips which have proven popular with individuals, couples and private groups as well as those learning to sail or looking to add longer passages to their log books.

Edinburgh Boat Charters is owned and skippered by a passionate, experienced sailor, local to the area, who is dedicated to providing you with a fantastic day out, be that with colleagues, friends or family.

East Coast Charters

We offer skippered Private and Corporate yacht charter on board “Edinburgh Castle” our Lagoon Premium catamaran.

Take in spectacular views of the Three Bridges and the Edinburgh skyline whilst sailing in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.

West Coast Charters

We offer skippered Private and Corporate yacht charter on board “Inspired Capital” our Bavaria Vision deck saloon.

Let us show you why the West Coast of Scotland is one of the most picturesque and breathtaking sailing areas in the World.

Scheduled Sailing

We offer a wide range of scheduled sailing experiences which will appeal to the novice and experienced sailor alike.

Perfect for those wishing to experience the magic of sailing without committing to a private charter.

Sailing Vouchers

Give them an unforgettable experience.

Our vouchers make the perfect gift for any occasion!

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Rent a boat in Scotland with or without skipper

  • Yacht rental
  • Rent a boat in United Kingdom with or without skipper

Charter Houseboat Premier Horizon 1 Spean Bridge

Spean Bridge

Premier - Horizon 1 | 2 cabins (2018)

  • Without skipper

Charter Houseboat Comfort Magnifique Spean Bridge

Comfort - Magnifique | 4 cabins (2005)

Charter Sailboat Beneteau Oceanis523 Oban

Beneteau - Oceanis523 | 4 cabins (2005)

  • Skipper offered

From  €743 / day

Charter Sailboat Oyster 825 Scotland

Oyster - 825 | 4 cabins (2014)

From  €4,286 / day.

Charter Houseboat Comfort Magnifique Spean Bridge

Comfort - Elegance | 3 cabins (2004)

Charter Sailboat Beneteau First 40.7 Oban

Beneteau - First 40.7 | 3 cabins (2000)

  • Skipper mandatory
  • Flexible cancellation

From  €493 / day

Charter Houseboat Comfort Elegance Spean Bridge

Standard - Crusader | 3 cabins (2003)

Charter Houseboat Comfort Magnifique Spean Bridge

Comfort - Magnifique | 4 cabins (2002)

Charter Houseboat Standard Crusader Spean Bridge

Standard - Crusader | 3 cabins (2002)

Charter Houseboat Standard Consul Spean Bridge

Standard - Consul | 2 cabins (2002)

Charter Houseboat Standard Countess Spean Bridge

Standard - Countess | 2 cabins (2002)

Charter Houseboat Comfort Magnifique Spean Bridge

Comfort - Magnifique | 4 cabins (2001)

Charter Houseboat Standard Consul Spean Bridge

Standard - Consul | 2 cabins (2001)

Charter Houseboat Horizon I Newtonmore

Horizon - I | 2 cabins (2000)

Charter Houseboat Standard Classique Spean Bridge

Standard - Classique | 4 cabins (1996)

Frequently asked questions about scotland, how much does it typically cost to charter a boat in scotland during peak and off-peak seasons.

During the high season in Scotland, the average daily rental cost for a boat is around €513, while in the low season, it's approximately €465.

Are boats available for rent with a skipper in Scotland?

In Scotland, you have the option to charter a boat with a skipper through Scansail. They offer 6 boats in Scotland with skippers, though please note there is an additional fee of approximately €105 per day.

Can you rent a boat in Scotland if you don't have a license?

In Scotland, you can rent one of 3 boats without a license.

Which boat brands are popular choices in Scotland?

The top boat brands in Scotland are Barracuda and Lagoon.

What length do boats typically have in Scotland?

The typical boat length in Scotland is 13 meters.

Charter a boat near Scotland

In Scotland, privately owned yachts are available for charter. See other yachts in the area.

We've refreshed our website design so things may look a little different if you've been here before. We'll be making more improvements soon so watch this space.

rent sailboat scotland

Yachting at Largs Yacht Marina

Sailing in Scotland

Scotland is overflowing with wild, watery expanses. If you have always dreamed of navigating your way around distant isles and canals, gliding gracefully across a misty loch, or sailing around Scotland's west coast, a sailing holiday in Scotland is for you. Boat hire in Scotland couldn't be easier, with spacious harbours and anchorages. Keep up to date with the latest  news and trip ideas  from SailScotland and join the conversation at #LegendarySailing 

Sailing holidays in Scotland

rent sailboat scotland

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Practical sailing information

Some of the finest sailing waters in Europe can be found here in Scotland. Plan a longer boating holiday, where you can discover more of our coastline and islands, relax ashore in restaurants and pubs and go at your own pace.

Find sailing and boating experiences across Scotland

Yacht charters.

Scotland's many yacht charter companies offer visiting sailors a wide selection of craft and cruise locations to choose from. Whether your preference is for power or sail, self-sail or skippered, classic or modern, there's a charter for you. You can choose between:

rent sailboat scotland

Yacht Haven in Troon, Ayrshire

© Yacht Haven in Troon, Ayrshire

BAREBOAT CHARTERS

Most - but not all - charter companies are based on the west coast and offer a wide variety of boats. Bareboat charters do not provide a crew or a skipper, so you can sail away on your own terms and follow your own itinerary.

SKIPPERED CHARTERS

If you're new to sailing or even if you're an experienced sailor but new to Scottish waters, why not charter a skippered vessel and let an experienced hand take over and do the organising, navigating and sailing?

YACHT CHARTERS

Browse the SailScotland  yacht charter listings  for more information or visit  Welcome Anchorages , for a comprehensive guide to shore facilities around Scotland and the north Irish coast.

Best sailing locations

rent sailboat scotland

The Yacht Harbour at Kip Marina, Inverkip

Places to drop anchor

The number and quality of marinas and pontoon facilities up and down the country has kept pace with Scotland’s growing popularity as a cruising destination.

These docking points cater for all classes of boat and many are superbly equipped. They are ideal for refuelling, stocking up on provisions for the rest of your trip or simply enjoying some time on dry land.

Sailing for beginners

rent sailboat scotland

Kinghorn Harbour Beach

Learn to sail

Don't know your port from your starboard? Scotland has many Royal Yachting Association (RYA) approved sailing schools, located on coasts, inland lochs and islands around the country. They offer tuition in all types of vessels and use a variety of tuition styles. All levels of RYA qualifications are available for those interested in dinghy sailing, cruiser racing, cruising and power boating.

Find experiences

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The Best Boat Rentals in Scotland

Browse, book, and get out onto the water with local captains and boat owners., our favorite boat rentals in scotland.

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  • Boat Rentals

the United Kingdom

Discover West Coast of Scotland on Elan 434 Impression Sailbaot

Discover West Coast of Scotland on Elan 434 Impression Sailbaot

Kitesurfing Lessons for All Level in Balevullin, Scotland

Kitesurfing Lessons for All Level in Balevullin, Scotland

Trawler Diving Charter in Eyemouth, UK

Trawler Diving Charter in Eyemouth, UK

Humber Destroyer RIB for Rent on the North Coast of Scotland

Humber Destroyer RIB for Rent on the North Coast of Scotland

Vigil Tours RIB Rental in Pierhead

Vigil Tours RIB Rental in Pierhead

38' Sailing Catamaran Charter In Queensferry

38' Sailing Catamaran Charter In Queensferry

Sea Angling and fishing charters in Kyleakin on "Spirit of Adventure"

Sea Angling and fishing charters in Kyleakin on "Spirit of Adventure"

Sea Kayaking Lessons In Aviemore

Sea Kayaking Lessons In Aviemore

Diving Boat Trip & Courses in Scotland

Diving Boat Trip & Courses in Scotland

Surfing Lessons in Scotland, United Kingdom

Surfing Lessons in Scotland, United Kingdom

MV. Shore Diving trips in Saint Abbs

MV. Shore Diving trips in Saint Abbs

Taeping Rental in North Queensferry

Taeping Rental in North Queensferry

Suggested searches, types of boats popular in scotland.

kayak

Who says you need a motor to have fun on the water?

₽1,090-₽18,840

tours

Explore local waters with a boat rental dedicated to sightseeing and exploration

₽1,180-₽70,190

diver

Explore the ocean depths with trained boat operators

₽4,170-₽113,200

yacht

From mid-size to mega yachts, these luxury boats are great for groups and celebrations

₽4,800-₽127,240

rafting

A high-energy adventure for the whole family

₽5,340-₽10,140

fishing-charter

  • Fishing Charters

Let a captain do the driving while you do the fishing

₽3,170-₽41,660

fishing-boat

Fishing Boats

Boats outfitted for fishing, from small inshore angling boats to deep-sea yachts

sailboat

Set sail with these traditional wind-powered boats

₽1,180-₽88,570

canoe

A classic option for leisurely paddling

₽1,810-₽18,840

wakeboat

Wakeboarding Boats

A high-octane powerboat designed and outfitted for wakeboard towing

₽2,350-₽4,170

Most Popular Kayak Rentals in Scotland

Kayak Lesson and Two Person Kayak Hire in Londonderry, United Kingdom

Kayak Lesson and Two Person Kayak Hire in Londonderry, United Kingdom

White Water Kayak Lessons In Aviemore

White Water Kayak Lessons In Aviemore

3 seater Canoe Rental in Grangemouth, Scotland

3 seater Canoe Rental in Grangemouth, Scotland

Bic Tobago Kayak for Rent with wet suit and life jacket in Balevullin, Scotland

Bic Tobago Kayak for Rent with wet suit and life jacket in Balevullin, Scotland

Most popular boat tours in scotland.

Guided Sea Kayaking Tour In Highland

Guided Sea Kayaking Tour In Highland

Watching Wildlife Kayak Trips In Glenuig

Watching Wildlife Kayak Trips In Glenuig

Stardust Boat Trips Portree, Isle of Skye

Stardust Boat Trips Portree, Isle of Skye

Eco Tour in Inverness

Eco Tour in Inverness

Most popular diving charters in scotland.

Scuba Diving Trips in Tarbert, Scotland

Scuba Diving Trips in Tarbert, Scotland

Rib Boat Diving Trips in Scotland

Rib Boat Diving Trips in Scotland

Enjoy Diving Trips in Scapa Flow, Kirkwall

Enjoy Diving Trips in Scapa Flow, Kirkwall

Diving Courses in Stromness, Scotland

Diving Courses in Stromness, Scotland

Recent reviews in scotland.

Donald

Highly recommend David and his yacht . Just back from chartering it for a week and spent the time sailing round Mull. Yacht is in good condition and a pleasure to sail.

Top Boat Rental Locations in the United Kingdom

Southampton , England

22 listings

Hamble-le-Rice , England

21 listings

London , England

17 listings

Falmouth , England

15 listings

Newquay , England

13 listings

Mylor Churchtown , United Kingdom

How To Book on Getmyboat

Find the right listing for you and your crew, with options for boat types, group size, captained or self-charter, and lots more.

Inquire & Book

Found one you like? Send a rental inquiry with your preferred trip details, and you’ll receive an offer from your captain to book.

Coordinate a pick-up place and time, meet your boat captain, and get out onto the water!

Dive into Our Journal

10 Boating Adventures of a Lifetime

August 01, 2023

10 Boating Adventures of a Lifetime

Read Article

Eco-Friendly Tips for Boating Sustainably

November 23, 2022

Eco-Friendly Tips for Boating Sustainably

Getmyboat's Guides to the World of Boating

October 03, 2022

Getmyboat's Guides to the World of Boating

The Best Meals & Snacks for a Boat Day

April 14, 2022

The Best Meals & Snacks for a Boat Day

Tips for Boating with your Dog - Getmyboat

December 11, 2020

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  • Phone: +44 (0) 1463 236 328
  • Email: info@calycruisers.com

Weekly or short-break self-charter boating holidays on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

We operate a large fleet of modern, high quality motor cruisers, all fully equipped and available for weekly or short-break self charter cruises on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal .

With 28 vessels and a  range of 10 different styles  to choose from, whichever boat you choose, you can be assured it will be the perfect vantage point to explore 60 miles of Europe’s most beautiful inland waterway . Our existing fleet is specifically designed for our unique waterway, each vessel being fitted out at our premises in Inverness. 

Our fleet is specifically designed for our unique waterway, each vessel being fitted out at our premises in Inverness…

Hire boats moored at Caley Cruisers Inverness

Based in  Inverness , in the north-east of Scotland, this is both the pick up and return point for all cruises with us. Conveniently located just a few minutes drive from the city centre, we are just 2 miles from Inverness Train Station and 10 miles from  Inverness Airport . 

Instructional Videos

We hope you enjoy watching these short films. They should provide you with a good picture as to what cruising the Caledonian Canal is about.

staff driving boat for hire

Meet Our Team

To keep our fleet in tip top condition, we have dedicated a team who look after all aspects of maintaining the hire fleet, from the rudder, shaft and engine right through to interiors and furnishings.

Established in 1969, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2019 and during our many years of operation we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the splendours of the Great Glen. No previous boating experience or licence are necessary (approximately one third of our customers are completely new to boating) and we provide a comprehensive handover with 24 hour support service during your stay.

Caley Cruisers Inverness logo

Customers love their holidays and come back time and again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 418 customer reviews.

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Latest news & updates from Caley Cruisers

  • General , Special Offers

Experience Autumn on the Caledonian Canal

Experience Autumn on the Caledonian Canal - lochness

Explore our latest autumn offers and experience the stunning colours of the Highlands before the end of the season! Unlock exclusive discount codes here.

  • Lindsey Randall
  • 13 September 2024
  • General , Staff Recommendations

Nikki’s Recommendations

Nikki's Recommendations - nikki 2

Staff Recommendations – Part 4! Hear from Nikki, our Reservations Manager, on her favourite things to see and do along the canal. If you see Captain Nemo in the office,…

  • 12 September 2024

Balmoral Walkthrough

Balmoral Walkthrough - Balmoral stern05

The Balmoral Class! A very popular boat class in our fleet, that is perfect for families. Take a look around and learn more about the Balmoral.

Lindsey’s Recommendations

Lindsey's Recommendations - 744a9940 1 e1726153498146

Part 3 of our Staff Recommendations series highlighting our favorite things to see and do along the canal. Our manager Lindsey recently travelled down the second half of the canal…

Derek’s Recommendations

Derek's Recommendations - derek2

Part 2 of our Staff Recommendations series highlighting our favorite things to see and do along the canal.

  • 20 July 2024

Isle of Skye Walkthrough

Isle of Skye Boat cruising on the Caledonian Canal

Take a look at our beautiful Isle of Skye – also known as our honeymoon boat due to her generous sized double cabin: perfect for couples!

  • 12 July 2024

Discover Why Caley Cruisers is the Best Choice for Boat Hire

Sunset on Loch Ness

Trust us, it’s an adventure you don’t want to miss! When it comes to choosing the best boat hire for your needs, we know you have a few options in…

  • 5 July 2024

Maddy’s Recommendations

Maddy's Recommendations - maddy

Part 1 of our Staff Recommendations series highlighting our favoritethings to see and do along the canal.

  • 22 June 2024

Islay Class – new for 2024

Islay Class - new for 2024 - hA7 ibzqqY

Come and explore our new boat with us.

  • 17 May 2024

Charity Partner for 2024

Charity Partner for 2024 - SNAP Logo

We are delighted to announce our new charity partner for 2024. SNAP exists to improve the lives of young people with additional needs by providing social experiences, building self-esteem, and…

  • 15 February 2024

New Boats to Join our Fleet in 2024

New Boats to Join our Fleet in 2024 - Haines 36 Sedan 2

We are delighted to announce that we are adding two new boats to our fleet next year. Islay (1) (Pet Free) will join in May 2024 for Friday and Tuesday…

  • 28 September 2023

Kinging-It Travel Blog

Kinging-It Travel Blog - DJI 0561

We were delighted to work with Craig and Aimee on their new blog with Visit Scotland and Scottish Canals. They tried boat life for 72 hours. Was it for them?

  • 31 August 2023

The Highlands are one of the “Best of the World” destinations to visit in 2023!

The Highlands are one of the "Best of the World" destinations to visit in 2023! - Loch Lochy 1

It’s no surprise that the Highlands are one of National Geographic’s top 5 places to visit in the world in 2023. Check out the full story here:

  • 28 October 2022

Our beautiful  Kintail class  was featured on Channel 4’s “ Great Canal Journeys ” with Timothy West & Prunella Scales.   Kintail, and every other vessel on our fleet , was   fitted out by our own team  and is specifically designed for our unique cruising area. The spectacular scenery, combined with a beautiful cruiser and our first class service will ensure your holiday with Caley Cruisers is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. We are sure you will find the ideal boat to suit your party whether your looking for something to suit a couple, family or large group.      Established in 1970, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2020 and during our many years of operation we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the splendours of the Great Glen. No previous boating experience or licence are necessary (approximately one third of our customers are completely new to boating) and we provide a comprehensive handover with 24 hour support service during your stay. You will find a lot of detailed information about our boats, cruising area and our service contained within this website and we hope it provides the answer to any  questions   you may have. However, please please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any specific queries – we would be delighted to assist.  Book you perfect boating holidays Scotland.

  You can check  LIVE availability  on our website and place a booking this way at any time. Please note that due to the online booking system in place, the availability is subject to change at any time. We therefore recommend booking online.  We are already well booked up for 2021 and it is possible to book for 2022 (please see our  free cancellation offer for advance bookings). 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Get in Touch

The Reservations Team

Tel: 01463 236328 Email:  [email protected]

Caley Cruisers have been offering boating holidays on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal since 1970 and we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2020! Weekly or short break charter is available from April to October inclusive. No previous boating experience necessary as full training given. Cruising 60 miles of Europes most beautiful inland waterways will be one of the most memorable experiences you will ever have. So if you are looking for the perfect boating holiday in Scotland , or Caledonian Canal boat hire look no further.

Black Prince

  • Select your base
  • STOKE PRIOR Worcester
  • CHIRK North Wales
  • NAPTON Warwickshire
  • STOKE on TRENT Staffs
  • ACTON BRIDGE Cheshire
  • FALKIRK Scotland
  • ELY Cambridgeshire
  • BRADFORD on AVON Wilts
  • LOWER HEYFORD Oxford

Falkirk Canal Boat Hire

Begin your adventure at falkirk.

Our narrowboat hire base in Scotland at Falkirk offers short breaks or longer holidays to two of the best know cities in this beautiful country.

You can choose to spend a relaxing week cruising the British waterways from Falkirk to Glasgow or Falkirk to Edinburgh, or alternatively, you can explore major cities and lowland canals in Scotland in the opposite direction, heading east, on the Union Canal between Falkirk and Edinburgh.  If you fancy a more strenuous short break you can reach one of these cities and return, or many of our guests enjoy a two week trip here to take in both of these sights .

Routes from Falkirk Canal Base

Canal route maps Scotland

Edinburgh and Return

Glasgow and Edinburgh

Falkirk Hire Base

Falkirk Wheel, Lime Road, Tamfourhill, Falkirk  FK1 4RS

MAP & DIRECTIONS

Falkirk route A

Glasgow & Edinburgh canal boat holiday

Falkirk route B

Edinburgh and return canal boat holiday hire

Falkirk short route

Falkirk Short Route

Rover ticket.

If travelling from Falkirk a rover ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals. This will be a flat charge of £25 for any holiday over three nights. Use up to three days will be charged at £15. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. Payment will be taken on the first day of the holiday at the office in Falkirk.

Based at the Falkirk Wheel, one of the most stunning backdrops anywhere on the canals, we are ideally suited for boat trips halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Choosing Falkirk canal boat hire means that you can visit both of these historic cities in Scotland on your cruising route, time permitting.

Your canal boat holiday in Scotland can start by heading east to Edinburgh. Go up the Falkirk Wheel and the following three locks and then enjoy a relaxing cruise into Edinburgh on the long lock-free Union Canal.

The Falkirk Wheel is 115 feet high – the equivalent height of eight double-decker buses and offers visitors a real treat.

Canal boat hire from Falkirk then permits you to travel west to Glasgow. You will cruise along the Forth and Clyde Canal through various locks and swing bridges, meandering through pretty villages such as Auchinstarry and Kirkintillock to Cadder Village on boat trips before arriving at Glasgow.

All locks and swing bridges are operated by Scottish Canal staff, giving you a more relaxing cruise.

Black Prince Holidays - the Kelpies

Narrowboats available to hire from Falkrik

Below are the boat types that are available to hire for narrowboat holidays from this base. When you start your canal holiday search all the boat options and dates that closely match your desired departure date and party number will be presented to you.

Boat Availability

START DAYS : SAT 2.30PM – WED 9.30AM

Princess 2 Signature  | Princess 4 Signature  | Duchess 4 | Princess 6 Signature

START DAYS : FRI 2.30PM – MON 2.30PM

Princess 2 | Shakespeare 4 | Lautrec 4

BASE INFORMATION

SKIPPERS’ GUIDE

Skipper’s Guides are your complete reference guide to boating on the Scottish Canals: Click here to read more

HOTELS/GUEST HOUSES

Best Western Park Lodge Hotel , Camelon Road, Falkirk, FK1 5RY  Tel . 01324 628331 Double / single rooms – £65. Rates include breakfast. www.bw-parkhotel.co.uk

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

National Rail Enquiries : www.nationalrail.co.uk   Tel : 08457 484950 www.thetrainline.com   Tel : 0871 244 1545 www.scotrail.co.uk

Nearest Airport : Edinburgh –  www.edinburghairport.com   Tel . 0131 333 1000 Nearest Railway Station : Falkirk High station / Falkirk Grahamston

Taxi/Minicabs:

  • Bruce’s Taxis  Tel : 01324 636000 /  www.brucetaxis.co.uk
  • Express Taxis  Tel : 01324 622100 /  www.expresstaxis.net 
  • Stenhouse Taxis  Tel : 01324 551161

Approximate prices: (Prices courtesy of Bruce’s Taxis – subject to change)

  • Falkirk train station to Falkirk: £8
  • Edinburgh Airport to Falkirk: £48
  • Glasgow Airport to Falkirk: £54

Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons are all within a ten minute drive from the Falkirk Wheel. Alternatively, shopping can be ordered on-line through the tesco website and delivered directly to the Falkirk base. You will need to access the website, login on as [email protected], using the password:  Boatshopp1ng . It will need to be paid for on your own card – just remember not to save the card details to the account!

HOW TO FIND US

By train : Catch a train to Falkirk High station or Falkirk Grahamston station.

HOW TO FIND US BY CAR

From Edinburgh : Take the A8 for Glasgow and the West. At Newbridge roundabout take the M9 West for Stirling. Take the slip road off for Falkirk (Junction 5). Signs on the M9 indicate you should continue straight ahead for the Falkirk Wheel, but if you do not leave the motorway at junction 5 you will end up at the wrong car park. Once off at junction 5, follow the signs for the Falkirk Wheel/Mariner Centre, which will take you past Falkirk Football stadium and an ASDA distribution centre. This will eventually bring you to the Rosebank Beefeater restaurant at the Forth and Clyde canal. At the roundabout take a left and cross the canal (signposted for the Falkirk Wheel Service and disabled entrance). Immediately across the canal at the mini roundabout turn right. ***You will now be driving with the canal on your right-hand side and can follow the yellow AA Falkirk Wheel signs from here. At the second mini roundabout (with the Union Inn in front of you), go left up the hill and then take the first right. At the next mini roundabout, turn right to enter the Falkirk Wheel site. Park on the right, come down the hill, walk through the reception, turn right and our office is facing you.

From Glasgow:  Take the A80 to the north of Castlecary and join the M876 towards Stirling. Exit at Junction 1 and follow the signs for Falkirk – (it is a severe left hand bend) and turn left at the junction. You will almost immediately come to a large roundabout and again follow the signs for Falkirk (straight through). Approximately 4 km on and you will see the new Falkirk Wheel Park & Ride area to your right and the new roundabout. THIS IS NOT THE CAR PARK YOU WANT TO BE IN. Continue to drive through into Camelon until you reach the Mariner Centre (on left) and a large roundabout about 100 yards further on. From here drive straight on towards Falkirk town until you reach the Rosebank Beefeater restaurant/Premier Inn on your right. At this roundabout go straight through then immediately right, you have now crossed to the correct side of the canal. Now follow instructions in previous paragragh ***(from Edinburgh)

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House-Boats rental

Boat rentals in Scotland

Scotland - Boat without license Magnifique moored in one of the many lochs of the Caledonian Canal which crosses Scotland

You can travel to Scotland by car via England or by air (flying into Inverness airport), but the more original way would be to take the ferry via Belgium.

The must-sees of Scotland by boat

  • Crossing Loch Ness, you might even be lucky enough to spot Nessie, its famous monster, and if you can't get a satisfactory view from your boat, head for Drumnadrochit, where you'll find a specially constructed observation centre.
  • It is also possible to take a horseback ride from Drumnadrochit.
  • Golfers should be sure to bring their clubs! Even if you don't get the chance to visit St. Andrews, you will undoubtedly come across a number of courses to suit your needs from among the 550 to which the country is home.
  • If you enjoy a whisky, take the opportunity whilst you're in the area to follow the whisky trail, with over 100 distilleries to check out!
  • At an altitude of 1344m, avid hikers will find the challenge of scaling Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, hard to resist.
  • Fishermen will be delighted with the richness of Scotland's river and lakes. Don't worry if you've forgotten your tackle - you'll be able to hire it when you get there.

One of the many Scottish golf courses (Saint Andrew) accessible from your license free boat

A few stops during your cruise in Scotland

Hiking trail in Scotland on the mythical Ben Nevis overlooking the Caledonian Canal

Banavie lies at the foot of Ben Nevis and is home to Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight locks linking the ocean to the Caledonian Canal.

If you weren't lucky enough to spot Nessie whilst at Loch Ness, stop off at Fort Augustus , where you'll find plenty of representations of her, and be sure to visit the Clansman Centre while you're there.

Mont Ben Nevis is the highest mountain both in Scotland and in the British Isles, reaching an altitude of 1344m. It is accessible to virtually everyone and offers panoramic views right across the Highlands. If this all sounds a little too strenuous for you, why not take the cable car to climb Ben Nevis's neighbour, Mont Anoch Mor .

Photos: P.TOMKINS / VisitScotland / SCOTTISH VIEWPOINT; Le Boat

Special and last minute offers

Early booking 2025 .

Book now your boating holidays for 2025 and benefit form 5% to 25% depending on the fleet and the date of departure. Some offers are combinable up to 15% with other offers (long stay, groups...). Valid until September 30th 2024

Examples of boats available

Clipper tourism stroll france holiday boat launch barging small barge

2 cabins  –  sleeping capacity: 4

Magnifique tourism stroll france holiday boat launch barging small barge

4 cabins  –  sleeping capacity: 8/10

Horizon 1 tourism stroll france holiday boat launch barging small barge

2 cabins  –  sleeping capacity: 2/5

Don't hesitate to contact us right now to book your next river cruise in Scotland.

Scotland is not the only area available with alpha-croisiere.com . Discover all the other destinations of river cruise that we can rent you.

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COMMENTS

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    Sailing Holidays in Scotland. Our sailing holidays offer an incredible way to explore Scotland's wild coastline and remote islands. We offer a limited selection of skippered sailing trips, and due to the world-class nature of the waters we sail and the boats we use, they are popular and often sell out. In addition to joining the crew on board ...

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    Loch Ness Boat Hire. The route takes you through Loch Ness, the home of the legendary monster, and the Great Glen through Lochs and canals. The canal is almost 200 years old, and joins the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It was built to let ships cut off the hazardous trip through the Pentland Firth around the north coast of Scotland.

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    Alba Sailing is run by sailors - for sailors! We are also on hand to discuss your Chandlery and Rigging requirements. We look forward to welcoming you to Scotland soon! David & Julie Banks. Alba Sailing is a bareboat and skippered yacht charter company and RYA training centre on the West Coast of Scotland. Telephone +44 (0)1631 565 630 for ...

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    Scottish Canal Boat holidays..... The Falkirk Wheel. One of our boating holidays and breaks gives you a unique opportunity to sail 35metres into the air, on the world's first and only rotating boat lift. Falkirk Wheel.... Things to see and do . You can stop off and visit the Antonine Wall World Heritage site.

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    For enquiries or to discuss how we can tailor a day specifically for you, simply telephone or email us on: 0131 554 9401. [email protected]. We will be happy to assist in any way we can. Our offices are open for business Monday to Friday 0900-1730. | FAQ | Terms and Conditions.

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    Hire a boat on the Scottish Lowland Canals from our base at the bottom of the Falkirk Wheel and cruise the Union Canal to Edinburgh and the Forth & Clyde Canal to Glasgow in one week. The whole trip would require you to cruise approximately nine hours a day. Or for a short break, choose your city and either head West or East from the marina.

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    Laggan is our only base in the Caledonian Canal. Fort William and Ben Nevis (the UK's highest mountain) is only 3.5 hours south of the base, while Inverness is only 9hrs to the north. So the whole region is easy to explore in a week. The famous Loch Ness is just a 3hr cruise from Laggan. Check Availability. View our Laggan base on Google Maps.

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    If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 0141 886 6644.. Scotland's premier yacht charter company. Cruise the Clyde, Arran, Skye the Hebrides & beyond. Come & sail Scotland with the best! Our modern fleet caters for corporate days, bareboat charters ...

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    Call today on ++44 (0)1527 575 115 and a Black Prince team member will be happy to help! Scotland Canal Narrow Boat Holiday Hire. Based at the Falkirk Wheel, the Falkirk canal hire base is ideally sited half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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