On The Water

Your island boat

Every stay includes your own boat, complete with full safety and handling tuition so you can explore at your own pace. Potter around the island, venture into Loch Teacuis, or head further along Loch Sunart in search of seals, eagles and porpoises. The boat also opens up the mainland, letting you drop anchor and set off on walks from various points along the shore.

The boats feature a drop-down door at the bow, giving easy access for diving, snorkelling and swimming directly from the water. The coastal waters around Carna have recently been designated as the Loch Sunart Marine Protected Area, recognising the precious marine habitats and iconic sea life found here.

The wider Argyll coast has also been awarded the UK’s only Mission Blue Hope Spot.

Wild swimming

A stay on Carna is ideal for wild swimming. Swim the two lochs with direct access from the island, Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis, take a dip off our private pontoon, or enter the water from any point around the shore or from your boat.

Further afield there are hill lochs, rivers and even a waterfall to jump from after a good walk.

Whether you swim in a wetsuit or skins, the clean, clear waters of the west coast are hard to beat. If you need advice on tides, currents or boat support, speak to Andy Jackson at our mainland base. Andy has extensive knowledge of the local waters and is always happy to help.

Fishing

Scotland is legendary fishing country, and sea fishing is free wherever you are.

Pack your rod, or hire one of ours, for the chance to catch species your local fishmonger is unlikely to stock: Saithe, Lythe, Sea Trout, Gurnard, Cod and Mackerel among them.

Fly fishing is available on rivers and lochs on the nearby mainland, and with lobster pots you can try the uniquely satisfying experience of setting and lifting creels to see what is lurking below the surface.

At low tide, mussels are easy to gather from the rocky shore. A foodie’s paradise.

Kayaking and canoeing

An excellent way to explore the island and wider Loch Sunart, kayaking gets you closer to wildlife and is a great way to get active, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced paddler.

We can arrange sea kayaking sessions from your Carna base with full instruction and guidance from Steve, Lizzie and Tristan at Sea Kayak Arisaig, who offer everything from introductory sessions to accredited training courses and overnight wild camping expeditions.

Diving

Diving around the island and the Loch Sunart Marine Protected Area is a remarkable way to explore an underwater world of extraordinary diversity.

You might find yourself joined by an inquisitive seal, stumble across crabs squabbling on the seabed, or be stopped in your tracks by colourful corals and sea fans.

Diving facilities for experienced divers with their own equipment are available through our partner Sea Trek.