Kayaking on Loch Ness: How to Rent a Kayak and Explore the Loch with Yak Shack in 2026
- Jay
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Kayaking on Loch Ness is one of the most exciting ways to explore the water and head out Nessie-hunting, and many backpackers ask whether you can rent a kayak without booking an expensive tour. The answer is yes you can kayak on Loch Ness, and you can now rent kayaks directly from your hostel without booking a tour.
With the new Yak Shack kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental service based directly at Lochside Hostel, you can now hire a kayak on Loch Ness and get straight onto the water without needing transport or advance planning. This makes it one of the easiest and most affordable ways to experience the Loch up close, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or looking for a unique activity during your stay in the Scottish Highlands.
Kayak Hire on Loch Ness: How It Works
Want to head out on the water and experience the Loch up close? There's two ways to go about paddling on Loch Ness in 2026:
Arrive at the Yak Shack Kayak Rental location at the Lochside Hostel in Alltsigh and scan the QR code to book when you get there (most flexible option).
Book your kayak rental experience ahead of time using the Yak Shack App (avoid disappointment during the busier summer months).
There is complimentary but limited parking available for customers of both the Lochside Hostel and Yak Shack Kayak Rental available at the site. Booking ahead guarantees you'll get the kayak hire slot that suits your time on the Loch, though if staying at the hostel you can afford more time to be flexible and book on the spot when you arrive.
Kayak hire is available through most of the day at the site, see our section below on the best times to take advantage of this experience. You can book either single or double kayaks depending on what's available for your desired times.
Once you've booked, you'll receive simple instructions to unlock your kayak, safety equipment, and head out onto the water! No need to meet anyone at a set time, everything is kept within the Yak Shack App.
You can make use of the Yak Shack App to check availability and book right here on the Scotland's Top Hostels Travel Guide:
What Is It Like Kayaking on Loch Ness? Do You Need Experience?
Yak Shack makes it easy to hire a kayak and get out on the water, whatever your experience level. Before heading out, paddlers can use the in-app safety tutorials and check updates on local weather and paddling conditions. If you're completely new to paddle sports, we'd recommend taking a lesson or getting some advice from an experienced paddler first, so you feel prepared and confident once you're on the water. A PFD (personal floatation device) is included with every hire.
Kayaking on Loch Ness from the Lochside Hostel is a fantastic, scenic and generally very easy experience - unless weather conditions are rough, you are likely to experience some waves caused by the wind in the Great Glen (the large valley that the Loch is located in), but also discover small inlets along the edges of the Loch, or paddle out to catch views of the surrounding dramatic landscapes.
It is possible to paddle to the other side of the Loch in around 35-45 minutes depending on conditions and your experience level paddling. If travelling to the other side of the Loch, ensure that there are suitable weather conditions by checking the Yak Shack app before heading out - you'll want calm weather where possible to make an easy crossing.
There is clear emergency signage and procedures to follow if there is any unexpected events while you are paddling, and they also constantly monitor conditions to disable hires when conditions are not suitable for safe kayaking.
Be sure to follow all guidance from Yak Shack during your paddling experience to make the most of your time on the water.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Kayak on Loch Ness?
Yak Shack make it affordable for you to explore the water by paddling. See our pricing table below for the latest information on how much it can cost to kayak on Loch Ness as of April 2026 (prices may vary, the below guide is an estimate):
Type of Kayak | 1 Hour | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | Half Day |
Single Kayak | £15 | £27 | £39 | £51 |
Double Kayak | £19 | £35 | £51 | £67 |
Estimated Prices based on information from Yak Shack in April 2026. 'Rest of Day' hires are also available for variable prices.
Guests of the neighbouring Lochside Hostel also get access to exclusive discounts that will be sent in an email ahead of your stay when available - you can also ask at the reception desk for information on those discounts.
Yak Shack also offer account credit in exchange for litter collection! Explore this option in the Yak Shack App.
When Is the Best Time to Go Kayaking on Loch Ness?
There is no single best time, but there are certainly times that will make your experience unforgettable! Including:
Catching the sunrise or sunset over the Loch (early morning/early evening).
During periods of particularly calm weather that allow you to cross the Loch safely and easily (check weather in advance of arranging your experience).
At peak times, during the mornings and evenings, as many day trippers might choose to book afternoon slots to plan travel to/from the site (staying at Lochside Hostel keeps things flexible and easy).
Where Should You Stay to Kayak on Loch Ness?
The answer is simple - the Yak Shack Kayak Rental site at Loch Ness is located on the grounds of the Lochside Hostel in Alltsigh. A stay at Lochside Hostel makes things simple, and makes your kayaking experience flexible, avoiding any potential for disappointment if there are no kayaks available at a certain hour.
The kayak rental site is located just seconds from the hostel's front door, right on the shore of the Loch, making access to the water unparalleled compared to any other backpackers accommodation on Loch Ness.
You can combine your experience kayaking on Loch Ness with the daily social events at the hostel - from Group Hikes on the surrounding Great Glen Way Hiking Path, through to Traditional Scottish Folk Dance Parties (called 'Ceilidhs') - you'll be bound to find new friends to head out paddling with if you book a stay at the Lochside Hostel.
How to Get to Lochside Hostel on Loch Ness (By Bus or Car)
There is on-site complimentary parking available for both YakShack and Lochside Hostel guests, explore our guide to reaching Lochside Hostel by public transport for just £2 below:
If travelling by car, it's a simple 45 minute drive from Inverness, 20 minutes from Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus, and a little over an hour from Fort William.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kayaking on Loch Ness
Can beginners kayak on Loch Ness?
Yes, Yak Shack provide instructions, visual and video guides, as well as safety features that make it easy for paddlers of all experience levels to get out and kayak on Loch Ness.
Is it safe to kayak on Loch Ness?
Loch Ness can be a wonderful place to paddle for those who are confident on the water, but conditions can change quickly and it's important to know your own ability and check the conditions. Always check the weather and latest updates from Yak Shack before setting off. The Yak Shack will temporarily disable hire if conditions are adverse enough to stop people from safely paddling on the Loch.
Do you need to book kayak hire in advance?
It's recommended to book in advance through the Yak Shack App to avoid disappointment - but if staying at the Lochside Hostel you will be able to flexibly access kayak hire at different times of the day, making it an easier way to explore Loch Ness.
How long can you kayak for?
Yak Shack offers hires starting from just 1 hour up to Rest of Day Hires - check in the app to discover available times to book and the lengths of hire you can take advantage of.
What should you bring when kayaking on Loch Ness?
A PDF (Personal Floatation Device) is included in your hire, as is the paddles needed to operate the kayak. In short, make sure you bring suitable water-friendly clothing, Yak Shack will provide you with everything else you need to paddle safely and easily.
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