Leisure and Recreation

Marine leisure and recreational activities range from informal walking along a beach or coastal path, to professional participation in extreme water sports. This range of activities contributes to wider tourism.

Sailing in Scotland is concentrated in the Clyde and along the west coast, although new marina facilities have recently created opportunities for cruising around the Northern Isles. Surfing and windsurfing take particular advantage of the Atlantic waves breaking off the Inner Hebrides but surfing is also popular on the east coast.

Diving on wrecks or offshore reefs is an important recreational activity in Orkney and along the Berwickshire coast. Canoeing and kayaking take place around sea lochs and in coastal areas, especially on the west coast, while inland canals provide transit routes between coastal areas.

Sea angling is carried out from most regions of the Scottish coastline. A wide range of species are caught and vary from region to region and at different times of the year. Information about the capture of 'salmon and sea trout' is covered under ‘Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing’.

Coastal and marine wildlife tourism attracts visitors to view, study and/or enjoy wildlife on the coast. This includes viewing birds, mammals and coastal habitats from boats or from land vantage points with a strong emphasis on cliff nesting seabirds or seals at haul-out sites. Marine wildlife tourism specialist operators provide access to offshore areas and certain marine species, for example, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and seals.

Designated bathing waters, subject to EU water quality standards, are popular and many also receive Seaside Award or Blue Flag status.