Fresh air, wild places and unforgettable experiences.
Looking for ways to help your clients experience Scotland beyond the guidebooks? These outdoor and active experiences put adventure, wellbeing and nature at the heart of the journey. Across Scotland’s countryside, visitors can discover new skills, encounter wildlife and create fun memories in spectacular settings.
Basking Shark Scotland
Location: Hebrides
Contact: Basking Shark Scotland
Wild west coast adventures, wildlife encounters, and activities on and beneath the water.
What makes it special?
Based in Oban, Basking Shark Scotland specialises in wildlife experiences along Scotland’s west coast. From seabird and seal encounters to snorkelling beneath the surface, guests can experience the Hebrides from unusual perspectives. Multi-day expeditions offer the chance to search for the world’s second-largest fish, the basking shark, in the waters where they gather each summer. Every trip contributes to an active marine science programme, helping visitors play a role in understanding and protecting Scotland’s marine environment.
All the useful details:
- Tours range from one-day excursions to seven-day expeditions
- Operating across Oban, Mull, Coll, Barra and beyond
- One-day wildlife tours featuring seabirds, seals and snorkelling
- Night snorkelling experiences available
- Seven-day basking shark expeditions
- Watersports activities include snorkelling, wild swimming, paddleboarding, freediving and scuba diving
- Private charter options available
- Guests with accessibility requirements are encouraged to discuss their needs in advance
Cruise Loch Ness
Location: Highlands
Contact: Cruise Loch Ness
Experience Scotland’s most famous loch with scenic cruises and high-speed adventures.
What makes it special?
Based in Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, Cruise Loch Ness offers the chance to explore these legendary waters in a variety of ways. New for this season are three experiences designed to appeal to different audiences. This includes gentle cruises to search for Nessie, as well as thrilling speedboat rides across the loch. Guests can encounter dramatic Highland scenery on the new Loch Ness Quest trips, or slow things down on an Evening Discovery cruise.
All the useful details:
- New Loch Ness Quest 60 speedboat experience (60 minutes)
- New Loch Ness Quest 90 speedboat experience (90 minutes) including a journey to Urquhart Castle
- New Evening Discovery scenic cruise
- Departures from Fort Augustus
- Supports local conservation and sustainability initiatives, including Trees for Life
- Wheelchair-accessible shoreside facilities with ramped access (advance notice recommended)
- High-contrast signage and written commentary available via QR codes
Eat, Sleep, Ride
Location: Scottish Borders
Contact: Eat, Sleep, Ride
Reconnect with nature on horseback in the beautiful Scottish Borders.
What makes it special?
Nestled in stunning south Scotland countryside, Eat, Sleep, Ride encourages guests to switch off and engage with the natural world. Whether journeying through the landscape on horseback or taking part in non-riding experiences focused on horse behaviour, the emphasis here is on wellbeing and time spent outdoors. Rescue horses are at the heart of every experience, creating opportunities for guests to develop new skills and enjoy a deeper understanding of both the animals and their environment. Fireside storytelling, yoga sessions, live music and seasonal farm-to-fork lunches are also available.
All the useful details:
- Suitable for FITs and small groups
- Learn about horse behaviour, communication and land stewardship
- Rescued horses form the heart of the experience
- Pre-bookable add-ons including yoga, storytelling, music and seasonal local food experiences
- Built on a reclaimed off-grid site with increasing use of solar power and biodiversity projects
- Inclusive approach supporting participants of all abilities
Findhorn Watersports
Location: Moray Speyside
Contact: Findhorn Watersports
Experience the Moray coast with sailing, paddlesports and wildlife adventures on the water.
What makes it special?
In the picturesque village of Findhorn, Findhorn Watersports offers a range of activities designed to help visitors build confidence on the water. Your clients can take a powerboat tour along the coastline, hop aboard a water taxi to the beautiful sands of Culbin Forest, or try their hand at sailing with expert instruction. From beginner taster sessions to advanced sailing courses, the focus is on enjoyable, accessible experiences that connect people with the sea. Sustainability is central to the business, with a commitment to responsible watersports, education, and protecting the environment.
All the useful details:
- Sailing courses from beginner to advanced level
- Sailing taster sessions available
- Paddlesports experiences offered
- Marine training courses including first aid, navigation, seamanship and marine radio operation
- Travel Trade rates available
- Strong commitment to sustainability, environmental education and advocacy
- Inclusive approach, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. Accessibility requirements can be discussed in advance
Lost Shore Surf Resort
Location: Edinburgh & The Lothians
Contact: Lost Shore Surf Resort
Ride the waves just outside Edinburgh, at Europe’s largest inland surf destination.
What makes it special?
Looking for surfing, wellness, and accommodation in one unique waterside setting? Lost Shore Surf Resort is home to Europe’s largest inland wave pool and is one of the trendiest active experiences in Scotland right now. The resort offers everything from beginner lessons to advanced surf sessions – the perfect option for first-time surfers and seasoned wave riders alike. Beyond the surf, guests can unwind with wellness treatments, relax in the sauna, or take part in surf therapy and Blue Health programmes. The resort includes three restaurants and a choice of accommodation ranging from waterfront pods to luxury hilltop lodges.
All the useful details:
- Europe’s largest inland wave pool
- Surf lessons and experiences for all abilities
- Group trips and corporate experiences available
- Strong sustainability credentials, including renewable energy and innovative water management systems
- Accessible facilities including disabled parking, accessible toilets, wheelchair-friendly buildings, and accessible waterfront areas
- Coach parking available
Wild Hebridean Swimming
Location: Isle of Mull, Hebrides
Contact: Wild Hebridean Swimming
Peaceful wild swimming adventures on Mull. A chance to discover the Hebrides through guided swimming.
What makes it special?
Based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Wild Hebridean Swimming encourages guests to slow down and build confidence in the water. From taking that first dip in the sea to exploring remote coastal swim locations, each experience is designed to foster a sense of wellbeing and connection with the coast. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), the organisation places people at the heart of everything it does, supporting local communities while promoting safe, low-impact enjoyment of Scotland’s marine environment.
All the useful details:
- Five retreat options available: Dip & Chill (4- or 5-night retreat) / Beginner Sea Swimmers (5-night coaching retreat) / Guided Swimming (5-night retreat) / Swim & Snorkel (5-night retreat) / Hebridean Swim Odyssey (5-night retreat)
- Suitable for a range of abilities, from beginners to experienced swimmers
- Supports marine conservation and low-impact swimming practices
- Inclusive community initiatives including men’s and women’s swim groups
- Angel Package available to support wider access to sea swimming experiences
Wild Orkney Walks
Location: Orkney
Contact: Wild Orkney Walks
Discover Orkney’s incredible landscapes and wildlife with a passionate local guide.
What makes it special?
Wild Orkney Walks was created to share a love of Orkney’s natural heritage. This is a different way to experience these historic islands, revealing everything from coastal birds and marine life to the stories behind Orkney’s unique habitats. With experiences ranging from short walks to full-day adventures, your clients can explore hidden corners of Orkney at a relaxed pace, benefiting from the guide’s extensive conservation expertise. Tailored itineraries ensure each walk is shaped around the interests and abilities of the group, creating a highly personal experience.
All the useful details:
- Suitable for FITs and small groups of up to six people
- Experiences available from 2 hours to a full day
- Operates year-round
- Travel Trade rates available
- Tours can be tailored to individual requirements and interests
- Leisurely pace suitable for wildlife observation and photography
- Led by a guide actively involved with wildlife conservation and education
- Some walks accessible by public transport
We regularly update our Supplier Directory with listings of trade-ready businesses on our Travel Trade website, so do check back for the latest entries.