Sea Kayak Expeditions

For most of human history, the sea was by far the easiest way to travel from one place to another. Water provided a link between communities we would now think of as remote, many of which have since disappeared. Following these ancient routes, sea kayaking offers unparalleled access to wild and beautiful locations, often only reachable by boat. The West Coast of Scotland is rich in deserted islands, sandy beaches, and superb views, making it one of the best places in the world for expeditions, especially as the liberal access laws allow responsible paddlers to land almost anywhere, pitch a tent and camp out.
 
Although some previous experience is required for all our expeditions, we try to cater to as many paddlers as possible. Expedition grades take into account distance and conditions, but also exposure: Explorer Expeditions will generally stay relatively close to shore, while Intermediate / Advanced might head out on open crossings between islands. We keep expedition group sizes small to minimise the environmental impact, maximise opportunities for wildlife sightings, and encourage paddlers to work together as a team.
 
The Scottish West Coast weather is hugely variable, and we have some strong tides to contend with, so we don’t decide on destinations until a few days before departure. This flexibility allows us to choose the best venue for the conditions we have, and means the expedition team can be involved in the decision. We can also organise custom expeditions for groups (maximum 6 people).
 
If you’re not sure which expedition is right for you, email Laura on adventures@seakayakoban.com, or give us a call on 01631 565 310 to discuss. Expeditions are only open to paddlers aged 16 and over other than for private trips.

Introduction to Expedition Skills

Trip length: 3 days

Cost: £400

Level: Improver

For paddlers who have spent around 3-5 days on the water, and are capable of paddling 10-15km per day.  No camping experience is required.

Making the move from day trips to expeditions can feel like a whole new world of planning and equipment. We’ll cover everything from choosing a route to packing a boat, from finding a campsite to cooking the perfect dinner. And of course we’ll do it by going on a journey through some spectacular scenery.

The course starts at our base in Oban, where as a group with the instructor you will plan the trip together. You will learn about the factors involved in planning a multi-day trip, some elements of tidal planning, contingency plans, how to find campsites from a map. You will also cover what kit to take and how to pack it, including effect on boat handling. Once that is done, you will load up, head to the launch spot, go on the expedition and see if the plan works! En route (as well as going on a superb journey) you’ll look at how to monitor group pace on the water, adapt plans if necessary, and get up-to-date weather forecasts. Paddling a loaded boat is also not the same as with an empty one, so you might cover some boat handling skills (including rescuing a loaded boat, before getting off the water on the last day). The nights will be spent wild camping, and you will learn campcraft, cooking skills, and the principles of Leave No Trace.

All equipment and clothing is provided, but you will need to bring your own lunches, breakfasts and snacks. You will be expected to join in with cooking evening meals, which will be vegetarian. If you have any particular dietary requirements please ensure we know well in advance. We can provide any camping equipment you need (included in course cost), though you are also welcome to bring your own. If using our equipment you may be expected to share a tent with another group member.

The course starts at 09.30 on day 1 and finishes around 16.30 on day 3.

2024 Dates : 31 July – 2 August

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Tent and sea kayak with paddler overlooking islands

Explorer Expedition - 2 day

Trip length: 2 days / 1 night

Cost: £260

Level: Improver

For paddlers who have spent around 3-5 days on the water, and are capable of paddling 10-15km per day.  This would be suitable as someone’s first kayak expedition, even if you have no camping experience. Possible destinations include Lismore, Luing, Kerrera, Seil, Loch Etive.

The West Coast of Scotland is one of the world’s top sea kayaking destinations, and for good reason. Over three or five days you will have plenty of time to reach some truly remote areas. Scotland’s relaxed laws on wild camping mean you can pitch your tent on spectacular isolated beaches, or perhaps even your own desert island. Careful use of tides can speed you on your way, saving your strength for island crossings or more exposed coastlines. We would of course hope to meet seals, otters, porpoises, sea eagles and perhaps even basking sharks on the way.

Course price includes paddling equipment and clothing. Camping equipment is available as part of the price but must be booked in advance. We do not provide sleeping bags, and you will need to bring your own food. If weather allows, we may take the ferry to or from Mull, in which case there will be a small additional charge for the foot passenger ferry ticket – this will be discussed in advance.

2024 Dates : 15/16 June

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Explorer Expedition - 3 day

Trip length: 3 days / 2 nights

Cost: £390

Level: Improver

For paddlers who have spent around 5-10 days on the water, including in winds of up to Beaufort Force 3 and waves up to 0.5-0.75m, and are capable of paddling 15-20km per day for 3 consecutive days. This would be suitable as someone’s first kayak expedition, though we would recommend you have some previous camping experience. Possible destinations include Lismore, the Inner Hebrides, Mull, Gigha.

A 3-day trip opens up a wonderful range of destinations, including several options for full circumnavigations – Lismore, Gigha, and some of the Inner Hebridean islands such as Luing, Scarba and Lunga are all accessible in that time.

You will meet at 09.30 on the first day, and we will set you up with kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid and any paddling clothing you might require. The itinerary will depend on the weather, so you might launch from the beach right outside our base in central Oban, or there might be a short drive to an alternative launch spot. 

In pretty much any weather forecast, we will be able to make the trip a circular route rather than there and back, so each day will offer new scenery, as well as opportunities for spotting wildlife such as seals, otters, porpoises and sea eagles. Overnight you will be wild camping, and there will be time to explore the area around your campsite on foot after the day’s paddle if you wish. Depending on weather and group preference, you might move camp each night, or you might stay put and head out on a day trip on day 2. The expedition will finish back at our base around 16.30 on day 3.

Course price includes paddling equipment and clothing. Camping equipment is available as part of the course price but must be booked in advance. We do not provide sleeping bags, and you will need to bring your own food.

2024 Dates: 8-10 May, 28-30 June, 10-12 July, 24-26 Aug

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Intermediate Expedition - 3 day

Trip length: 3 days

Cost: £390

Level: Intermediate

For paddlers with a couple of seasons’ paddling under their belt, who are capable of paddling at least 20-25km a day each day of the trip, in winds of up to F4 and swell up to 1m. Wild camping experience is essential, though this does not have to be from a kayak. Possible destinations include the Inner Hebrides, Mull, Jura, the Garvellachs.

The West Coast of Scotland is one of the world’s top sea kayaking destinations, and for good reason. Over three or five days you will have plenty of time to reach some truly remote areas. Scotland’s relaxed laws on wild camping mean you can pitch your tent on spectacular isolated beaches, or perhaps even your own desert island. Careful use of tides can speed you on your way, saving your strength for island crossings or more exposed coastlines. We would of course hope to meet seals, otters, porpoises, sea eagles and perhaps even basking sharks on the way.

Course price includes paddling equipment and clothing. Camping equipment is available as part of the price but must be booked in advance. We do not provide sleeping bags, and you will need to bring your own food. If weather allows, we may take the ferry to or from Mull, in which case there will be a small additional charge for the foot passenger ferry ticket – this will be discussed in advance.

2024 Dates : 4-6 May, 16-18 August

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Paddlers looking at tidal race

Intermediate / Advanced Expedition - 5 day

Trip length: 5 days / 4 nights

Cost: £650

Level: Experienced

For paddlers capable of paddling 25-30km a day for 5 consecutive days, in winds of F4 or more with associated sea state, through strong tidal streams and on open crossings. Experience of paddling a loaded boat is essential. Possible destinations include the Garvellachs, Mull, west coast of Jura and many others.

For strong paddlers with a sense of adventure, the possibilities are endless. Working with the weather and tides, we will set out to make the most of the available conditions. A 5-day trip allows access to some truly remote locations, such as the roadless west coast of Jura, or the Ross of Mull, Treshnish Islands and Staffa. We can paddle through some classic tidal gateways, including the Grey Dogs and the notorious Corryvreckan, stopping to play if we wish. Taking advantage of Scotland’s liberal wild camping laws, we will be pitching our tents on deserted beaches and uninhabited islands.

Course price includes paddling equipment and clothing. Camping equipment is available as part of the price but must be booked in advance. We do not provide sleeping bags, and you will need to bring your own food. If weather allows, we may take the ferry to or from one of the islands, in which case there will be a small additional charge for the foot passenger ferry ticket – this will be discussed in advance.

2024 Dates: 24-28 July

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Kayak on hidden beach on Isle of Mull

Isle of Mull Week

Trip length: 6 days / 5 nights

Cost: £870

Level: Improver – Intermediate

6 days exploring the beautiful and varied coastline of the Isle of Mull. We will base ourselves in a well-equipped campsite, and if the weather permits we will also head out on one or two nights wild camping expedition. Depending on conditions and the group, we could explore Ulva, the Treshnish Isles, Iona and many other areas.

Experience: For paddlers who have spent at least 10 days on the water, including in winds of up to Beaufort Force 3 and waves up to 0.5-0.75m, and are capable of paddling 15-20km per day for 5 consecutive days.

Trip price includes paddling equipment and clothing as well as ferry foot passenger fare and campsite fees for 5 nights. Camping equipment is available as part of the price but must be booked in advance. We do not provide sleeping bags, and you will need to bring your own food.

2024 Dates: 22-27 May

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Sea kayaks tied up on a beach

Islay Week

Trip length: 6 days / 5 nights

Cost: £870

Level: Intermediate – Advanced

6 days paddling the remote and less-visited coast of Islay. We will base ourselves in a well-equipped campsite, and if the weather permits we will also head out on a wild camping expedition. Depending on conditions and the group, we could paddle the Rinns of Islay, around Oa, or pop across to Jura. And of course there are plenty of distilleries to visit if we wish.

Experience: For paddlers capable of paddling 25-30km a day for 5 consecutive days, in winds of F4 or more with associated sea state, through strong tidal streams and on open crossings. Experience of paddling a loaded boat is helpful.

Trip price includes paddling equipment and clothing as well as ferry foot passenger fare and campsite fees for 5 nights. Camping equipment is available as part of the price but must be booked in advance. We do not provide sleeping bags, and you will need to bring your own food.

2024 Dates: 11-16 Sept

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