Summer’s here, so get ready to take to the water

There are few things in life more pleasing than heading to the waterfront on a sunny afternoon, and here in Dundee we’re understandably proud to have had such a rich history with the water. One of the most impressive tourist attractions, the RRS Discovery, was built in Dundee and it now stands in a purpose-built dock at Discovery Point, ready and waiting to welcome visitors from all over the world.

And while we heartily recommend exploring more about the city’s links with both the river and the sea, we also urge tourists to check out the options to actually go on the water and have some fun. Exactly how you do that, of course will depend on your own individual tastes. The one thing you can be sure of, however, is that you’ll have a great range of options to choose from.

For those with a taste for adventure, the best place to start would perhaps be Wild Shore Dundee, located in West Victoria Dock Road, just opposite the Apex City Quay Hotel. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed here right in the heart of the city, including stand-up paddle boarding, wakeboarding, open water swimming and, perfect for family groups, there’s also a highly popular Aqua Park.

Making the most of an iconic riverside location

The River Tay has provided the heartbeat of the city for centuries, and it continues to fascinate. At certain times of the year, it’s possible to take a boat trip out on to the river to see seals and even dolphins. And of course you get to see unique views of Dundee’s fabulous waterfront, including the amazing V&A, from the river itself. Be sure to bring a camera with you.

The beautiful town of Arbroath is less than 30 minutes away from Dundee by car, and it’s always been something of a magnet for those who love their sea and beach fishing. Catches here can be plentiful and varied, and you are most likely to find cod, plaice, coalfish, huss, bass and flounder. When you’ve had enough, go looking for a restaurant serving the delicious Arbroath smokie, a celebrated speciality of the town.

Needless to say, if you’d prefer your water-based fun to be indoors, there’s an excellent leisure pool to be found at the Olympia Leisure Centre on East Whale Lane. It offers a great day out with the family, and features a rapid river, a wave pool, bubble beds and a toddler pool for the little ones. It has to be said that if you’re one of those people who like the water, the city of Dundee really does have everything.