ISLAY · JURA · COLONSAY: 10-day Scotland sea kayak expedition 6–17 May 2026

500.001,250.00

This expedition explores the southern reaches of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides — three extraordinary islands where the raw energy of the Atlantic meets the stillness of forgotten bays.  Just 36 km north of Ireland, Islay, Jura and Colonsay form one of the wildest and least-inhabited corners of the British Isles. Expect remote beaches, towering cliffs and a coastline that feels both elemental and timeless.

Over ten days, we’ll explore the island coasts by sea kayak, carrying all equipment and supplies. Weather permitting, we’ll paddle stretches of coast seldom seen except from the water, camp on deserted beaches and experience Scotland’s Atlantic edge at its most authentic. Evenings bring simple campfire meals, stories, and that quiet camaraderie that defines true expedition life.

This tour is organized jointly by Explorers Kayaking and Sea Kayaking Anglesey.


Spaces are limited to 8 paddlers.
If you’re drawn to untamed coastlines, pure nature, tidal flows and the self-sufficiency of a true expedition, join Mirco Goldhausen ISKGA Advanced Guide, BCUK ASKL of Sea Kayaking Anglesey and Zoltan Bruckner ASKL, Explorers Kayaking for this unforgettable journey through the Inner Hebrides. Ten days of sea, salt, silence and shared purpose — the essence of sea-kayak exploration.


A deposit secures your place, full balance due six weeks before departure.

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SKU: INT_SCOT_260507 Category:
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Description

Who It’s For

Designed for experienced sea kayakers who

  • have 20 + days of sea-kayaking experience (ideally multi-day trips)
  • can paddle 25–30 km/day in moderate to challenging conditions (Force 4-5 winds / 1.5 m swell)
  • are confident with self- and assisted rescues and expedition packing
  • want to build confidence in navigation, leadership and rough-water handling
  • enjoy small-group teamwork and weather-driven adventure

This is a fully self-supported journey, guided and coached by two British Canoeing-qualified ASKL-level guides.


Key Facts

Duration: 10 days (paddlers days)
Region: Southern Inner Hebrides – Islay, Jura & Colonsay
Distance: ≈ 150–180 km (total / weather-dependent)
Meeting point: north of Glasgow · 7 May 2026 (TBC)
Accommodation: wild camping only (self-supported expedition)
Group size: max 8 paddlers + 2 guides
Guides: Mirco Goldhausen & Zoltan Bruckner (Explorers Hungary)
Included: two-day pre-expedition training on Anglesey, Wales (28 Feb – 1 Mar 2026)
Support: self-sufficient · van + trailer logistics for ferries and transfers


Geographic Area of Paddle

Islay – The Queen of the Hebrides: a blend of whisky heritage, dramatic basalt cliffs and sweeping sandy bays alive with seabirds.
Jura – Wild and mountainous: home to thousands of red deer, sea eagles and some of Scotland’s most dynamic tidal sounds — ideal for navigation and leadership practice.
Colonsay – Gentle and remote: shell-sand beaches and quiet anchorages that offer a welcome pause before our return to the mainland.

Together, these islands deliver isolation, beauty and technical challenge — a rare blend for paddlers seeking genuine wilderness and self-reliance.
(A short film of Mirco’s solo journey here — June 2025 )


Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival north of Glasgow · transfer & gear check
Days 2 – 9 Islay – Jura – Colonsay circuit (weather dependent) · daily 15–25 km paddling, wild camping, skills sessions & group navigation
Day 10 Return to mainland · debrief & farewell dinner

The route remains flexible to make best use of sea and weather conditions.


Safety & Equipment

  • Fully equipped expedition sea kayak (≥ 5.2 m)
  • PFD · sprayskirt · paddle + spare · towline · pump · paddle float
  • Drysuit or robust cold-water paddling kit (≈ 11 °C average)
  • Personal camping + cooking gear
  • Navigation tools (chart, compass, GPS / offline map)
  • VHF radio / PLB (plus satellite messenger carried by guides)
  • Daily review of weather and emergency protocols

Environmental & Cultural Ethos

We operate strictly under Leave No Trace principles — minimal-impact camping, complete waste removal and respect for wildlife and heritage. Along our journey, as needed, we take part in beach cleaning, linking adventure with environmental care.


Cost & Booking

Price: £1,100 (10 days · guiding + logistics + Anglesey/Croatia training weekend)
Includes: professional guiding, group safety and comms gear, ferry transport, training weekend
Excludes: personal travel to Scotland / Wales, food and camping equipment, the mandatory extreme sport insurance

A deposit secures your place, full balance due six weeks before departure.


 

WHEN: 06 May 2026
WHERE: north of Glasgow, UK
PRICE: adult EUR 1,250 per person

 

CONTACT

Have questions? Get in touch with us by phone or email and we’ll answer as soon as we can, in maximum two days.

Tel.: +3620 365 0868

Emall: hello@explorerskayaking.com

Thank you for choosing Explorers and Sea Kayaking Anglesey, and we look forward to seeing you! 


The small print: 

The tour will go ahead with a minimum of 5 people. Kayak and canoe tours must adjust to nature and to weather conditions. They usually result in a joyful experience but can present some challenges. With the exception of sea tours, we only cancel tours and refund money in the case of dangerous or extreme weather conditions (storms, hail, etc.). In any other case, for example on sea tours, the weather is part of our exploration. If the cancellation period has ended and you do not appear at the agreed meeting place, the tour is considered as having been conducted, and payment is not refunded, nor can it be redirected to another tour. 


DATA PROTECTION

We do not release your personal data to anyone, and use it only to conduct our tours in a safe and secure manner in accordance with the Data Protection Statement found on our website.

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