The Best Boat Rentals in Scotland

What to know about renting a boat in Scotland

With all the beautiful canals, lakes, and gorgeous coasts, Scotland has a lot to offer people looking to rent a boat during their visit. You can rent a boat in many of the different cities of Scotland, both on the coasts and in the lakes and rivers inland. Charter a cruise and enjoy a day of boating in the waterways of Scotland, admiring the gorgeous scenery from the deck of a boat. Rent a boat on your own and spend the day exploring at your own pace.

If you’re hoping to explore the canals, there are various options of canal boats to choose from. If you’d like to explore the water by a motor, consider a canal tour or chartering a power boat for a day. If you’d rather explore at your own pace and get some exercise, rent a kayak or canoe to paddle in the canals or in the many lakes of Scotland.

If you and your travel mates need an adrenaline rush, consider a day of white-water rafting on the River Tay. It makes for a thrilling day of paddling through rapids, admiring the natural beauty of the riverbanks and stunning scenery. This is definitely a step up from a leisurely day of boating that will be a memorable experience.

Guided fishing tours are a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors in Scotland. Depending on which parts of the country you’re visiting, you can choose a fishing tour on a lake, river or in the open ocean. Some of the fish you can catch include salmon, pike, cod, mackerel and sea bass. Choose from a freshwater fishing trip or saltwater, depending on your preference. There’s something for all levels of angler while in Scotland.

Boating Events in Scotland

Scotland is a large country, and there are various boating events and boat shows that take place throughout the year in different cities. The primary boat show in Scotland is the Royal Yachting Association of Scotland Boat Show. The show offers visitors charter and rental opportunities, with everything from yachts to rubber rib boat rides.

Another worthwhile boating event in Scotland is the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival at Portsoy. It’s a festive weekend of boating events, food, music and live entertainment, and street vendors selling artisan crafts and goods.

Other Things To Do

While on land in Scotland, there are various points of interest that you must visit. Edinburgh Castle is the most iconic Scottish tourist attraction. It's easy to understand why, as it sits on a beautiful hill overlooking the city. Another castle worth visiting is the Urquhart Castle, which overlooks Loch Ness. Loch Ness is another Scotland must-see, and while you're visiting it be on the lookout for Nessie, the lake monster!

For active travelers, a day spent hiking in the Highlands is an unforgettable experience. The natural features of this land include gorgeous cliffs, waterfalls, and rolling hills.

Walking tours are a fantastic way to dive into the history and culture of Scotland. You can choose customized and themed tours based on your interests and spend time getting to know different cities.

Marinas in Scotland

The primary marinas in Edinburgh are the Royal Forth Yacht Club and the Cramond Boat Club. There are many berths with lots of sailboats and motorboats, full-service facilities and amenities including bars and restaurants.

The River Clyde shapes the city of Glasgow, and multiple marinas are along the banks. The Glasgow Richmond Model Boat Club, Clyde Marina and James Watt Dock Marina are the primary marinas in the city. They have hundreds of berths for sailing yachts and motorboats.

In Inverness, the primary marinas are Inverness Marina Limited and Caley Marina.

About Scotland

Scotland is a gorgeous nation in the northern part of the United Kingdom. It borders England to the south and the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea to the North. Edinburgh is the capital and nearby Glasgow is the largest city. It’s known for its beautiful mountains, rolling hills, and a rich, unique history.

Summer in Scotland has the best weather. The sun is out for long hours and the days are warm. It doesn’t get hot in Scotland like it does in Southern Europe, but summer will guarantee some comfortable, warm days. The downfall of visiting in the summer is that it is busy with tourists and prices are generally higher. Late spring is a beautiful time to visit. There is sometimes still snow on the mountains in the Highlands but generally, the temperatures start to warm up. The winters in Scotland are windy, cold and snowy, but it's a beautiful and festive time to visit, especially during Hogmanay, the New Year’s celebration. Autumn in Scotland is gorgeous, as the foliage starts to change color. During October and November, the crowds disperse, making it more affordable and quiet.

There are several airports in Scotland located in different parts of the country. Glasgow and Edinburgh are the busiest with the most international flights. Inverness and Aberdeen are also good airports that service many major European cities. You can also reach Scotland by train and bus from England and other parts of the U.K.