Activities
At Adventure Oban we’re passionate about helping everybody to enjoy the great outdoors.
A big part of that is celebrating the many activities and pursuits that the Oban area supports.
Use this page to find out about the wide variety of activities available in our local area - and the various clubs, groups and organisations that can help you access them - contact details and additional information are provided for each.
WATER
BASKING SHARK SCOTLAND
Basking Shark Scotland
Local Business: wildlife, diving, paddle-boarding
With activities running the year round, Shane and the team at Basking Shark Scotland offer guided trips from shore and boat, using their fleet of specialist ribs. Trips cover everything from shark tours, seal swimming, night dives, winter dives, wreck dives, guided paddle-boarding outings and much more. Get in touch to find out more.
OBAN CANOE CLUB
Oban Canoe Club
Club: sea-kayaking, river canoeing, paddle-boarding
With expertise including everything from river and sea-kayaking to SUPing and prone boarding, Oban Canoe Club are a committed group of paddlers, running regular events, trips and outings during the May-September season with an additional programme of social and training events happening off the water.
OBAN SEALS
Oban Seals
Informal Group: open water swimming
Oban Sea and Loch Swimmers (Oban SEALS) are an informal group of locals passionate about open water swimming. With safety in numbers being key, Oban SEALS organise regular beach meets and swims with introductory events and training regularly taking place throughout all seasons, year-round.
OBAN SAILING CLUB
LEONIE MEAD
SEA KAYAKING
OBAN CANOE CLUB
Oban Sailing Club
Club: sailing, dinghy, keelboats, racing
Well-established with an enviable national reputation, OSC has a vibrant race, leisure and social programme throughout the season. Activities range from fun sessions for young and old to the ever popular West Highland Week with regular race features throughout the year that take in the spectacular West Coast.
Leonie Mead Sea Kayaking
Local Business: sea kayak tours, guidance & coaching
With a wealth of experience from sailing and kayaking all around the British Isles, Leonie offers guided kayak tours and coaching around the West Coast. An active member of the Oban RNLI Lifeboat crew, Leonie offers an added insight into the fascinating waters, coastal inlets and sea lochs of Argyll & the Isles.
Oban Canoe Club
Club: sea-kayaking, river canoeing, paddle-boarding
With expertise including everything from river and sea-kayaking to SUPing and prone boarding, Oban Canoe Club are a committed group of paddlers, running regular events, trips and outings during the May-September season with an additional programme of social and training events happening off the water.
James and Mattia
“I’ve always had family living in Oban and have come to visit pretty much every year for as long as I can remember. When Mattia and I decided that we wanted to immerse ourselves in the Scottish Highlands and islands with a long distance hike and kayak adventure, I jumped at the opportunity to include Oban as a stop! It makes the perfect transition point from land to sea, and because it's all so familiar it's also the perfect place to relax for a couple of days after 3 weeks of sleeping in a tent! Practicalities aside, I'm using this expedition to showcase the best bits of Scotland to Mattia (who is originally from Italy but has studied here for 4 years) and I can think of no better view than showing him a classic West Coast sunset at Ganavan!”
Charlotte
“My family moved from North Berwick to Oban whilst I was in high school and I was far from outdoorsy back then! It’s more recently that I’ve found my love for the outdoors and cycling in particular. I think Oban is a great place to try out a new activity and the nearby beaches and cycle paths make access easy. I am now a keen cyclist, runner and yoga enthusiast. Oban is a perfect destination to take part in outdoor activities and meet a range of likeminded people who will support and encourage you. The rural and scenic landscapes make exercising outside inspiring and I feel very lucky to have such easy access to stunning cycle routes on my door step.
This year I joined the committee of North Argyll Cycle Club as the Women’s Officer. As a club, we’re coming on leaps and bounds. The best part is being able to motivate and share my passion for cycling outdoors with others. I would say to any women looking to try an outdoor activity that Oban is a friendly and inclusive place with a great range of activities.”
Kyle
“I’ve lived in Oban all my life but have also travelled the world fairly extensively where my parents’ work took them.
I’ve worked in the local leisure centre, Atlantis Leisure is, for 30 years and have seen many changes over the years. I’ve had the privilege of watching the Centre grow and expand, giving 1000s of people life skills and experiences.
I think you’d struggle to find anywhere in the world that offers all the outdoor activities and opportunities that you get in and around the Oban area. I take part in various outdoor pursuits including diving, archery, fishing, kayaking, cycling, golf and great skiing in the winter.
I now have a young family of my own and they’re enjoying the outdoors for themselves, taking advantage of the brilliant opportunities that can be had here.”
Dave
“I arrived here in the mid 80s for a job that didn’t work out but by then June and I had fallen for the place so we stayed.
Skiing in the winter, diving and cycling in the summer - Michael grew up here and what a great place to bring up a family, so many outdoor opportunities and a real community.
Over the years I’ve been involved with Atlantis and taught 100s of people to dive and kayak and I’m still out doing it. Favourite place? - The Garvellachs, I’ve dived, kayaked and camped there. What a spot we live in!”