Amazing Sea Kayaking on the Wild Coast of Scotland

Sea Kayaking on Scotland’s Isle of Mull

Sea kayaking around the Isle of Mull in wild coastal Scotland is an incredible outdoor adventure. The Isle of Mull, located off the west coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides, is one of Scotland’s hidden gems. Sea kayaking along Scotland’s dramatic shores on Mull is one of the best ways to experience the island’s enchantment.

Posts may contain links to products and services I love. I may make a small commission from them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Sea Kayaking Company on Scotland’s Isle of Mull

I did a half-day sea kayaking trip with Jon Lloyd at Bendoran Watersports. Jon is a very skilled outdoor guide who has worked for prestigious outdoor programs in his many years in the business. Bendoran Watersports is more than a “just get people out on the water” sea kayaking organization. Curiosity and connection are the foundations of the company ethos. These values are prominent in the trips offered, where connection to the environment, nature, and people is cultivated.

Bendoran Watersports also serves the community by providing a social enterprise that addresses local issues of social isolation and a lack of leisure facilities, and offers employment opportunities for local people. Jon runs many community trips, including teaching young people to sail and sea kayak.

The quality of the equipment in the program is excellent. The company provides wetsuits, neoprene booties, and comfortable lifejackets to participants. The kayaks are well-outfitted and suited to the paddling conditions.

Bendoran uses paddling areas around the Isle of Mull. The trip I went on launched from the beach at the company base. Other trips explore the stunning south coast of the Ross of Mull peninsula. There are half-day and full-day trips, as well as overnight expeditions.

Sea Kayaking the Wild Shore of Scotland

Launching off the Bendoran beach is an easy way to experience some of the best sea kayaking in Scotland. This area offers a raw, elemental seascape where granite headlands, hidden coves, and white sand beaches reveal themselves around every corner.

The paddling trip traces the rugged coast of Loch na Lathaich. Beautiful pink granite rocks emerge from the shores in sculpted headwalls. We passed the inlet of Camus Tuath. The area was once a quarry for red granite, which is used worldwide in monuments and buildings. The remaining buildings were also used for an outdoor center for a time.

Two gorgeous sand beaches came into view as we rounded the corner to Market Bay. Market Bay was the gathering spot for cattle from the surrounding islands before they made their way to the cattle markets on the mainland.

Traditionally, the Royal Yacht Britannia would anchor in Market Bay so the Royal Family could enjoy the quiet tranquility and the sandy beaches for a picnic. Jon had some funny stories about encounters with the staff of the Britannia when the Royals wanted some privacy on shore.

The water of Market Bay is an azure blue with golden sands, pink granite, and variations of green hills framing the water. Paradise borrowed from a Caribbean postcard. We stopped on the beach to stretch our legs and marvel at the wild coast. Jon poured hot chocolate for everyone and shared homemade chocolate caramel brownies while he told fascinating stories. As we enjoyed our snack, people on the trip shared tales in the spirit of connection that is a Bendoran Watersports hallmark.

Wildlife on the Sea Kayaking Trip

On our return paddle, we spotted a White-tailed Sea Eagle. Other birds harassed the eagle, so it did a mid-air pirouette to escape. It was an impressive sky dance of this lesser-seen bird.

We also saw pink barrel jellyfish in the water. They were large and translucent with a huge mushroom-shaped body.

Related post -> Sea Kayaking with Humpback Whales in Maui

Logistics of Sea Kayaking in Scotland on the Isle of Mull

Getting Around Scotland

I highly recommend having a car to visit Scotland and, particularly, the Isle of Mull. While it’s possible to use Scotland’s excellent public transportation systems, there are many places for an outdoor adventurer to explore that require a car. I found driving on the left side to be very manageable. If you aren’t comfortable driving a manual car, make sure to book an automatic, as the standard shift is the usual default for car companies in Scotland.

I use and recommend Discover Cars for your Scotland car rental. Discover Cars works with reliable local car rental companies to give you the best price and rental experience. I’ve used them often and have always been happy with the car rental. I was able to get a nice car for much less than the most recommended car rental company in Scotland.

Getting to the Isle of Mull

Take a ferry from Oban to Craignure to reach the Isle of Mull. Book tickets for the CalMac ferry online. It’s a good idea to book ahead of time if you have a car, as some sailings sell out. It’s a scenic 45-minute ride to Craignure.

Communications for Scotland

The best way to get the data needed to use apps and communicate in Scotland is a digital SIM card for your phone.

I’ve become a fan of eSIM cards for communication on international trips. An eSIM card can be bought online and easily installed on your phone before you travel. When you reach your destination, you turn on the eSIM in your settings, and you have data to use when you are away from Wifi.

I use an Airalo eSIM card for all my international travel. eSIMs are significantly less expensive than my phone carrier’s international charges. Plus, it’s easy to top them off when you run low on data.

Accommodations on the Isle of Mull

It’s worth staying on the Isle of Mull for a few days. Besides sea kayaking, there is amazing biking along the lochs. In addition, don’t miss the boat tour to see the Staffa Island cave and the puffins on Lunga Island.

The closest areas to Bendoran Watersports are Fionphort, Bunessan, and even the Isle of Iona. Check Booking.com for the best accommodations for your budget and comfort. Accommodations in Scotland fill up quickly, so book early. I recommend booking a place with free cancellation as plans can change as your Scotland itinerary becomes clearer.

I stayed in a more centrally located area on the Isle of Mull, allowing me to be near many outdoor adventures. My stay at the Arle Lodge near Aros was totally enjoyable. The self-catering lodge has huge windows overlooking a gorgeous sea loch. There is a large living room with comfy sofas to relax after a busy day of outdoor adventure. I enjoyed meeting other travellers in the common spaces to share tales of our explorations. The large self-catering kitchen is the most organized I’ve ever seen.

Related post-> The Best E-biking Tour Along Loch Katrine in Scotland

Equipment for Sea Kayaking

Related post-> Best Kayaking Day Trips in Europe

Wrap Up of Sea Kayaking in Scotland on the Isle of Mull

Sea kayaking in Scotland offers an exhilarating mix of wild beauty, fascinating wildlife, and cultural history. Being able to explore a sheltered sea loch with Bendoran Watersports is certainly a highlight for any paddler. The Inner Hebrides’ Isle of Mull has protected sea kayaking locations that paddlers of all skill levels will enjoy. While the trip I did was along the north-facing Loch na Lathaich, the paddling trip Jon does on the south shore sounds wonderful too.

I’ve been on countless sea kayaking trips to make comparisons. Therefore, I have to give a shout out to Jon for a professionally run watersports business incorporating safety, fun, and group values while accessing the dramatic coast of Scotland. I was particularly impressed by the community service mission of the company to train youth and others to boat safely on the sea.

Pin it for later!

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Bendoran Watersports on this trip. I was not compensated or asked to write a positive review. All opinions are from my honest experience.

Looking for other Sea Kayaking Adventures Around the World?

25 Best Kayaking Day Trips in the US

Amazing 10-day Sea Kayaking Trip in Baja

Best Kayaking in Hoi An, Vietnam

Sea Kayak Camping on the Islands of the Maine Coast

Sea Kayaking in the Whitsunday Islands in Australia

Amazing Sea Kayaking in Sian Ka’an on the Yucatan Peninsula

Kayaking and Snorkeling with the Amazing Sea Turtles of Tenerife

Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures on Grand Manan Island

Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona

The Most Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures of Swan’s Island, Maine

Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures in the Cape Porpoise Islands