Boat trips on Arran
Come see Arran and surrounding waters by boat!
The RV COAST Explorer has been built and customised to allow her to be utilised for various boat trips and activities including Research Charters, Educational groups, Citizen Science workshops, Dive Charters as well as community engagement. Please contact us at email@arrancoast.com if you have any queries.
“Lovely little centre, so interesting and staff very friendly. We also did the boat trip and it was amazing. The skipper and research leader were so lovely and helpful. We did some scientific surveys which were fab for the kids in particular to get involved with but also the adults. They were knowledgeable and helpful. The scenery is spectacular and it was great to see the Holy Isla and all the wildlife. Absolutely wonderful trip. A must do”
– Liz T, April 2025, TripAdvisor –
Sea Science Public Trips
Jump on board COAST’s brand-new research vessel and become a sea scientist. Help us survey the ocean and the animals that call it home.
Visit our What’s On page to see current trip availability.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Boat charters - 2026 Booking OPEN
RV COAST Explorer offers a unique platform for marine researchers due to its diverse capabilities and stable platform. Our vessel is based on Arran but, due to her fast cruising speed, can travel anywhere in the Clyde.
We are now welcoming enquiries for 2026 boat charters. If you are interested in booking a research charter or field trip, please get in touch with us directly. Charter and Diver Charter Terms & Conditions can be read here.
“Arran represents a flagship approach to marine conservation. To be able to dive its carefully protected waters is an extreme privilege. Diving from the awesome RV COAST Explorer allowed us to deliver detailed Seasearch surveys in places where few had dived before. Our trip was an amazing adventure, and we learnt so much about the marine life of the Atlantic coast of Scotland.”
- Will Nash, Seasearch Diver & RV COAST Explorer charter participant. -
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Specifications
The RV COAST Explorer is a bespoke 9 metre PMC Aquafish catamaran motor vessel with multi-functional deck space and an enclosed wheelhouse. Our vessel is an MCA coded category 3 commercial workboat which allows her to work up to 20 miles from a safe haven with up to 12 passengers and operated by 2 crew. She is powered by twin 150 horsepower outboard engines giving a cruising speed of 15 – 17 knots per hour. The multi-functional deck space allows for seating for 10 passengers which can be removed if a clear deck space is preferred. RV COAST Explorer has a spacious wheelhouse with seating for 6 people including the Skipper, which allows for travel in inclement weather and a dry table space for working. She is equipped with a toilet and basic galley facilities and can provide 240v charging for equipment use in the dry wheelhouse.
Additional features
- Starboard Creel winch
- Toilet & basic galley facilities
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- External covered wet lab Area
- Hydraulic A frame built to tow sonars, plankton nets, BRUVs
- Detachable dive ladder & dive kit stowage
- 2 ROVs & drop down cameras
- Port & Starboard gunnel doors
- 12v fridge
- Cold freshwater services for rinsing
- 10 or 6/4 seat configuration
- Sonar /Radar
- Garmin Panoptix Live Scope System
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This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, which is facilitated by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF), and managed by NatureScot.
