Loch Ness, the mythical Scottish lake, offers families a unique way to explore its captivating shores. A guided 1-hour canoe tour provides an unforgettable experience, allowing you to discover the loch’s enchanting scenery and rich history from a different perspective. With essential equipment, a light lunch, and an expert guide, this family-friendly excursion promises to create lasting memories. But what secrets might the gentle waters of Loch Ness reveal during your tranquil paddle?
Key Points
- This 1-hour canoe tour on Loch Ness is suitable for families, with children aged 5-9 welcome to sit on an extra third seat.
- The tour includes canoeing equipment, buoyancy aids, and a light lunch of hot soup, oatcakes, and local cheeses.
- The tour departs from and returns to the Loch Ness View Point in Fort Augustus, with easy accessibility by bus from nearby towns.
- Participants can expect to hear stories about the history, myths, and legends of Loch Ness from an English-speaking instructor.
- The tour has received a 5/5 rating based on customer reviews, with praise for the peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Tour Overview
The Loch Ness Family-Friendly Canoe Tour offers a 1-hour discovery excursion on the iconic waters of Loch Ness.
Priced from £29.00 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and starts and finishes at the Loch Ness View Point in Fort Augustus.
Led by an English-speaking instructor, the tour allows guests to explore the southern shore of the loch, visit the mouth of the River Oich, and learn about the history, myths, and legends surrounding this famous body of water.
Canoeing equipment, buoyancy aids, and a light lunch are all included in the tour.
Looking for more options in Fort Augustus? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Booking Information
Reserving a spot on the Loch Ness Family-Friendly Canoe Tour is easy and flexible. Customers can book their tour without any upfront payment, simply reserving their place.
Should plans change, they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is accessible by bus from nearby Inverness and Fort William, and there’s ample parking available at the main public car park.
With a reservation system that allows customers to secure their spot without immediate payment and a generous cancellation policy, the booking process is hassle-free and accommodating.
Itinerary and Experience
During the 1-hour guided canoe tour on Loch Ness, you will explore the southern shore of the famous lake in stable, Canadian-style canoes.
The tour highlights include:
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Visiting the mouth of the River Oich.
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Paddling past historical sites, such as an old pier used by steam trains.
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Hearing stories about the history, myths, and legends of Loch Ness.
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Enjoying a lunch of hot soup, oatcakes, and local cheeses.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of Loch Ness from a water-based perspective while learning about its rich history and captivating folklore.
Participant Age Restrictions
Although the Loch Ness Family-Friendly Canoe Tour is suitable for participants of various ages, there are some restrictions in place.
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 2 years old. However, children aged 5-9 can sit on an extra third seat in the canoe.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg).
Lastly, people with recent surgeries or certain medical conditions may not be able to participate.
These guidelines ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants during the 1-hour guided canoe experience on the iconic Loch Ness.
More Great Tours NearbyParticipant Weight Restrictions
The Loch Ness Family-Friendly Canoe Tour has a weight restriction of not suitable for individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg). This is to ensure the stability and safety of the canoes. The tour company prioritizes the well-being of its participants.
Some key points regarding the weight restriction:
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Adhering to the weight limit ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
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Exceeding the weight limit could compromise the canoe’s balance and pose a safety risk.
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The staff is trained to enforce the restriction politely and discreetly.
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Alternative tour options may be available for those unable to participate due to the weight limit.
Participant Health Restrictions
Along With the weight restrictions, the Loch Ness Family-Friendly Canoe Tour also has certain health-related requirements.
The tour isn’t suitable for people with recent surgeries or certain medical conditions. This is for safety reasons, as the canoeing activity may be physically demanding.
Participants are advised to consult with their healthcare provider if they’ve any concerns about their ability to participate.
The tour guides prioritize the well-being of all guests and reserve the right to deny participation if they’ve any concerns about a participant’s health or safety.
Customer Feedback
According to the information provided, the Loch Ness Family-Friendly Canoe Tour has received overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
The tour boasts an impressive 5/5 rating based on 7 reviews. Highlighted reviews include:
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Bertrand from France, who described the experience as "very peaceful and stimulating, highly enjoyable."
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Lesley from the United Kingdom, who praised the tour guide Katie as "fantastic" and said they "had a great time."
The tour’s excellent reviews underscore its ability to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for customers of all backgrounds.
Getting to the Tour
Reaching the starting point of the Loch Ness Family-Friendly Canoe Tour is accessible by various modes of transportation.
The tour starts and finishes at the Loch Ness View Point in Fort Augustus, which is conveniently located and has a public car park nearby. Visitors can take a bus from Inverness or Fort William to reach the starting point. The bus service provides a hassle-free way to get to the tour without worrying about parking.
Plus, there’s ample parking in the main public car park, making it easy for those driving to the location. The tour’s accessibility ensures a seamless experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Stable Are the Canoes for Families With Young Children?
The canoes are described as "stable, Canadian-style" canoes, which typically provide a smooth and secure ride for families with young children. They have an extra third seat to accommodate children aged 5-9 years old.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour. However, a light lunch of hot soup, oatcakes, and local cheeses is already included in the tour price.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
No, there is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 1-hour experience, and the duration cannot be extended. Participants are informed of the fixed 1-hour length in the tour details.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?
The tour provides all necessary canoeing equipment, including buoyancy aids. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the outdoors and weather conditions, such as warm layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy footwear.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?
The tour has a limited group size, but there is no minimum requirement. The tour is capped at 10 participants, allowing for an intimate experience on the water.
The Sum Up
The Loch Ness discovery canoe tour offers families a unique opportunity to explore the scenic southern shore while learning about the loch’s captivating history and legends. With essential equipment, a light lunch, and an experienced guide, the 1-hour excursion is perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Suitable for children aged 5 and above, the tour accommodates up to 10 participants and is priced at £29.00 per person.
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