Loch Ness Canoe Tour Review: Family Fun on the Water
Okay, so you are thinking about a trip to Scotland, are you? Possibly even thinking about visiting the legendary Loch Ness? What about experiencing the loch in a canoe? The ‘Loch Ness Family Friendly 1 Hour Discovery Canoe Tour’ just might be the thing for you. After giving it a whirl ourselves, we will share just what you might expect from it, alongside if it’s basically actually something worth doing for a family.
Setting the Scene: Loch Ness, Scotland
Alright, Loch Ness! Probably just thinking about that place conjures up mental images, doesn’t it? We have got moody skies, water that goes really far into the distance, and of course, that maybe mythical monster. So, in some respects, Loch Ness isn’t just another body of water. It’s really this emblem, almost a symbol of Scottish mystique, that draws visitors from just about every single part of the world. But, is that the same if you are planning to take your family with you? More on that soon.
The loch itself, well it’s absolutely massive. It stretches out for approximately 23 miles and descends to depths of, believe it or not, over 700 feet. Basically, this impressive size does, kind of, create its very own microclimate. You’ll see conditions changing rapidly; think sunlight one minute, heavy rain the next, yet such conditions arguably add to the place’s almost otherworldly atmosphere. The surrounding areas, in addition to this, are super-picturesque. The area’s really all about pretty landscapes of steep hills and lush green forests, which make it possibly that stunning location for some of the more outdoor adventures.
Historically, Loch Ness has also played a significant role, too. It’s basically right along the Great Glen, which is a geographical fault line that cuts across Scotland. Over the years, the area has been of significant value to strategic defense and trade routes, basically adding layers to its really fascinating heritage. And, really, what about the legend of Nessie? I mean, no introduction to Loch Ness would be complete without referring to the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Very much so, this legend, no matter how unproven it is, is typically the heart of Loch Ness. It contributes so much to its mystery. We are, for example, going to look at whether seeing ‘Nessie’ could be something you should think about getting from a canoe tour.
Tour Overview: What to Expect
Alright, so what’s the ‘Loch Ness Family Friendly 1 Hour Discovery Canoe Tour’ actually about? It’s really aimed, arguably, at offering a safe, accessible introduction to canoeing, yet on the legendary loch. Designed with families in mind, very, very young children or inexperienced paddlers will probably be alright, anyway.
The tour itself tends to kick off with a quick safety briefing, basically making absolutely sure everyone knows how to handle the canoe and, in the meantime, is also very familiar with some key safety protocols. They give you life jackets; in short, you will really need to wear them, no matter how good you think you are at swimming. The guides that take you will be fully trained. In the meantime, they have got very extensive knowledge about Loch Ness, very much sharing stories about its history, geology, and, naturally, a few things about the monster Nessie.
During the one-hour tour, very, very young kids and their parents or guardians can possibly gently paddle along the shoreline. They could very much so take in stunning scenery. Very much like that, these canoeing adventures mostly take place in fairly sheltered spots of the loch, for example, Urquhart Bay. It could be so because this location tends to offer pretty calm waters and awesome views of the Urquhart Castle. Usually, this tour basically focuses so much on having that learning experience, such as how to do better as a paddler and working together with other people to do teamwork as you control the canoe. For that reason, this one could actually be just alright if you’re actually there for stunning scenery, anyway. Basically, actually the main advantage of something like this is to make that fun and engaging session for everyone, of course, even those on the loch for the very first time.
Our Experience: A First-Hand Account
Basically, so, for instance, when my family took this trip, we actually weren’t really very sure what to expect, as to be honest. I do know it’s not quite climbing a massive peak, yet going on a boat on waters as potentially difficult as the Loch Ness is a bit intimidating for the first time. And actually, with kids of various ages to entertain and keep safe, anyway! Yet what took place basically exceeded all expectations, honestly.
From that start, my young kids were kept busy. The staff are great for this sort of job and they basically took to the water instantly, so as to learn about safety but also they started sharing stories of the loch. So as to be honest, the actual water conditions were quite fair during the tour we did, meaning that there was still a very real sense of adventure without there seemingly being so many difficult parts of it. The kids totally loved learning how to paddle as a family and also really enjoyed playing spot the boat, by the way. Like you’ll know as a parent that, in general, seeing them laugh and participate basically created the highlight of what might be described as a fun vacation.
Now, the really nice bit was also just how well they handled everyone during the day. Very much so, they had the information at hand and seemed genuinely enthralled at basically sharing some of the better points about the Loch. Also they were pretty hot when it basically got down to responding to things safely, alright. So that you will agree they totally deserve credit when you can say things like this.
Were there any problems, though? Well, obviously there’s actually always some niggles here and there. The duration of 1 hour does kind of seem so very short; we would arguably have liked a lot more, anyway. I am aware of one or two very young children who seemingly got, in some respects, a little fidgety by the very last part of it. Maybe that’s not something everyone should have been worrying about, clearly.
Family Considerations: Is It Right for You?
So, will it basically be right for your family, by the way? Here, anyway, are a few of the important factors, for instance, when working out your best adventure.
Age and Physical Ability: If you are basically the mom or dad of toddlers, then actually take into account they are, generally, going to actually be able to get through this, naturally. The canoe trips were mostly alright, yet of course, your youngsters may need some support. As such, it can arguably be a fantastic introduction to being on water. Be sure, in short, that everybody involved is actually okay with being stuck to their boat at various stages on some waters though. If not, probably something else is potentially needed.
Weather Conditions: This is something I learned about in real time, basically. Even actually on hot summer days, water around lochs usually has that habit of coming from all sides unexpectedly. That really does basically mean planning well; clothing, basically extra layers and really thinking about being comfortable throughout can really help you enjoy it!
Interest in Nature and History: Okay, I know what you might be thinking here. The people who love that nature are definitely likely going to appreciate things very much more, even the younger family who has no real interest in it will probably thank you on it at the very end. Basically think about educating those really young kids about lochs and places very different, too!
Cost Considerations: Well look, something this big obviously has to have a good pricing option! Make sure you factor it into costs. In a way, with trips abroad seemingly having more associated expenditures than others (really, who can keep up these days!?) That said, the real value and enjoyment we received seemed worthwhile in most areas. Really then, possibly this one should get very highly looked at. Even though very costly trips aren’t quite the way to go on times when money seems tight.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour
If you think of taking a canoe trip like this, consider the suggestions in what follows here for those making the maximum amount out of what’s on offer. Arguably these really could save the whole situation for some of us parents. Also don’t be actually shy from changing direction a little as, you know, being a grown up we can sometimes be absolutely hopeless sometimes.
Book in Advance: Especially when it comes to actually traveling during what’s thought to be peak times. Also with spots potentially really scarce you should plan your Loch Ness visit for example in good time ahead. Basically thinking this way actually will really make sure those trips happen that we want! To avoid, obviously, complete chaos. Book well in advance of going please.
Dress Appropriately: That’s right. If nothing at all dress possibly as though venturing into whatever place throws whatever element it feels appropriate to. Actually it might seem excessive to some to have that super think waterproof set on for example… But on other times (really how crazy Scotland does things!), maybe this one is super super perfect!
Bring Snacks and Drinks: We basically nearly nearly forgot something simple for example like snacks – with that potential, always triple check those types of essentials! By and large snacks aren’t the thing. Though they help calm things!
Engage with Your Guide: Remember too also to basically try ask those folks those relevant question about what actually goes down or actually to learn extra. Actually doing that will add massive bits you just won’t believe; it’s crazy really. Also probably for example kids benefit massively with great information to share during their time there also so please do try it!
Capture the Memories: Think through options like “How am I gonna cherish those good looking photos or amazing experiences from a location that may never visit quite the way did just recently?!”. Make sure a fantastic camera and loads of things is fully charged, alright! A tip by me for sure would very much always have one camera that’s got enough safety against any type water also… because there are so many opportunities one those waters.
Other Activities in the Loch Ness Area
There may basically actually possibly also be other potential trips for any planning type while around such a spectacular tourist hot area! Obviously everyone enjoys visiting Loch Ness due lots of good attractions that really will excite, not just families alone even individual people on some of the best excursions they have ever seen ever.
Urquhart Castle: Maybe go tour those places of deep historical parts while near what might thought about as a classic backdrop just in picture shots. Even take a stroll as the sunlight really feels so warm along some cool water… or go deep even with a visit to such ruins that literally are just so impressive and cool that will feel something inside your bones. Urquhart has awesome places close by which basically will give people all the things they could definitely explore and just think those better and good looking photos really might definitely have the perfect background too for keeping it somewhere too; definitely keep that option inside too!
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition: So while in what tourists believe makes up the main spot, think more when going towards the exhibition locations plus that Centre that displays things. Those usually will provide loads information on Nessie (the awesome guy as we remember) which always may be perfect – just so maybe everyone at times may get something more about why Nessie is amazing as to the best point that everyone should. Make some notes – possibly all the information and maybe interesting pieces about it. Also then… just in case; go find your little monster from somewhere inside your hearts at almost some date soon; basically just don’t stop loving.
Boat Tours: Try and get across any parts using various various boats at certain bits like getting up further closer – or just at distant points even – just across whatever bits maybe tourists prefer along that time frame instead actually! Basically these tours frequently happen because it’s the right options that people need maybe even because tourists require those spots for photo shots which literally makes something as the big star which probably could also let lots of nice bits basically to anyone involved right over and also during a vacation tour!
Hiking and Walking: Hiking around and all these things and possibly maybe along bits tourists love… always allows amazing landscape type as something for tourists maybe basically all could probably benefit from! All tourists mostly might actually actually enjoy a casual hike also… because for most others maybe something challenging seems fine; definitely decide yourself by researching along any available trails close-by. A lot, like really probably everywhere seems definitely wonderful which almost every hikers are hopefully possibly wanting every-time while actually adventuring some place at specific hike locations right on top with hills for taking images from a point which seemingly are incredible too every where you wanna show!
Pros and Cons of the Canoe Tour
When deciding whether this canoe tour is the one for you and your loved ones, considering the good parts and the ones that are not too shiny is important. Have a look at this easy summary below to see whether it lines up:
- Pros: Family appropriate so kids have a good day out. Waters will allow it, however not really at too high-level, keeping things secure while letting those young kids in boats have an great occasion! Training crews and instructors always around every where which always leads people very secure because instructors always definitely keeping an big watching over every action that comes around! Plus all good reviews might let folks realize exactly how good an outing will potentially turn around. Landscape and views usually stay perfect for vacation types by some water while probably paddling down and some photo options should give more stuff for something for tourists with vacation around with these!
- Cons: Durations probably aren’t for really far distance and a 60 mins trip length shouldn’t let a bit long maybe as hoped for every person. So if that rains or water are terrible, something is definitely always there if one tour needs any cancelling action around it!
Conclusion
Summing up, that Loch Ness family-oriented sixty-minute Discovery canoe travel excursion really serves well, mainly when an open spot is what tourists may really try searching through! In reality though its benefits plus factors we talked from there hopefully has helped possibly people should decide properly, however, please bear a reminder probably; all your actions every time comes entirely mainly thanks entirely entirely after most consideration of people yourself mostly during these trips rather always just from all our stuff right along from below over down because this entire story, should mostly not come just under any types liability for these ones – cheers basically along as probably any better trips down ahead
