If you’re arriving in your own boat, there are step ashore facilities in Lochranza, and visitor moorings at Brodick, Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Blackwaterfoot, and Pirnmill. These usually work on a donation basis, sometimes boxes will be in local shops or hotels, and information will usually be around the landing slips in each village.
There are various companies offering a variety of experiences on the water, so if you’re up for adventure, it’s worth checking them all out. See Otter's Tail & Kayak Arran for fun guided kayak excursions or perhaps learn to scuba dive with Dive Arran? Try gorge-walking with Otter's Tail while Arran Active offer SUP and kayak hire, COAST run snorkel taster sessions and Lamlash Cruises run fabulous boat trips during the summer.
Swimming off the sandy beaches is a fun activity for all ages and throughout the year ‘open water swimming’ is popular with local groups such as Arran Open Water Swimmers, who welcome and support visitors who want to give it a go. Arran is also the first Scottish island to have an island-wide snorkel trail and a visit to the COAST Marine Interpretation Centre might offer wetsuit and snorkel hire if you don’t have your own. There is an Arran Snorkelling Facebook group if you want to meet up with other keen locals!
Enjoy the waters around our island, and help us look after them by being responsible and taking all litter away with you.