Visitor Licences

If you are sailing or cruising on our waterways for less than 1 month, you need to purchase a short-term licence which covers both navigation and use of visitor moorings. 

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Visitor Licences Season 2026

Please note that visitor licences will be on sale online from 1st March 2026 

Crinan Canal Winter Closure 1st November 2025 - 31st March 2026

The Crinan Canal will be closed until 31st March 2026 to enable winter maintenance works.  

Please contact transitcrinan@scottishcanals.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1546 603210  (Mon - Friday business hours) for any transit queries.

Caledonian Canal Winter Closure 4pm 9th January to the end March 2026 

The Caledonian Canal will be closed for sea to sea transits from 4pm on 9th January to the end of March 2026 for essential Winter safety repairs within the districts. If the winter works programme progresses well, the canal may open earlier for full transit passage.

Please contact Caledonian@scottishcanals.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1463 725 500 (Mon-Fri business hours) for any transit queries. 

 

Purchase a Visitor / Transit Licence 

You need to purchase an appropriate licence to transit any of Scottish Canals' waterways. 

Visitor licences are available no less than 24 hours in advance of intended date of transit. (This is to allow Scottish Canals colleagues to manage the number and type of vessels in the canal). 
 

Vessel Length 

Please ensure that you provide accurate details as to the overall length of your vessel - it really does matter - if your vessel exceeds permitted lengths, you will not be able to transit the canal. 

Our waterway staff carry out random checks of vessels arriving at Corpach and Clachnaharry Sea Locks. Should you understate the length of your vessel you will be subject to additional licence charges and may be refused entry to the waterway. 

Commercial Itineraries 

Vessels visiting the Caledonian Canal as part of a commercial itinerary, e.g. hotel boats or yachts selling spaces that include the canal as part of their advertised programme are subject to a 50% uplift in fees. Operators must contact the Caledonian Canal office in advance of booking their transit. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry to the canal.   

Please note when using the online booking system there can sometimes be a delay between pressing the confirmation button and the transaction completing - do not attempt to repeat the booking.  Please also check your junk email folder for the confirmation email.