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About the centre
Newquay, Cornwall
Operated by Newquay Water Sports Centre, a partner of adventuro.
Raft safari sessions offer a different way to explore the coastline, combining ocean paddling, coastal exploration and white water adventure aboard a guided raft. Choose between joining an open group trip or booking a private session for your own family or group as you paddle through caves, rocky sections and moving water along the Cornish coast.
Beginning at the harbour base, the session starts with a full safety briefing before participants get fitted with wetsuits, helmets, buoyancy aids and paddles. Once everyone is ready, the guides lead the group onto the beach for warm-up exercises, paddle drills and capsize practice before launching into the water together.
Out on the ocean, the focus shifts towards exploring the coastline under paddle power rather than surfing waves. The raft moves through areas of swell, white water and moving currents while guides help the group navigate around rocky sections, caves and natural coastal features. Open group sessions bring participants together as a team, while private bookings allow guides to adapt the pace and route around younger children, families or groups wanting a more relaxed experience.
Throughout the trip, the guides share local knowledge about the coastline, wildlife and sea conditions while helping the group develop paddling and raft control skills along the way. Returning to shore, there is time for a debrief before heading back to base to shower and change.
Newquay Harbour provides an excellent launch point for raft safari adventures thanks to its sheltered access and direct route onto the open coastline. The surrounding waters offer a mix of calmer sections, moving swell and rocky areas which create ideal conditions for guided rafting experiences.
Viewed from the water, the coastline feels completely different compared to exploring it on foot. Sea caves, cliff formations and rolling swell become part of the route, while seabirds and marine wildlife are often spotted along the journey depending on the conditions.
No previous rafting experience is required for either the open group or private raft safari sessions. Instructors guide participants through all paddling techniques and safety procedures before entering the water, making the activity suitable for beginners and families.
Participants should feel comfortable around water and prepared for a physically active session involving teamwork and paddling. Private trips are available for younger participants from 5 years old and are usually adapted slightly to suit the group.
Combining experience in white water rafting, ocean guiding and coastal adventure activities, the team has created a session that focuses on exploration as much as excitement. Using quality equipment and experienced guides, each trip is carefully adapted around the sea conditions to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
Mel brings extensive local knowledge and years of experience within adventure activities, helping guests choose between open group and private sessions depending on the type of experience they are looking for. Operating directly from the harbour also gives easy access to varied coastline conditions throughout the year.
A raft safari is a guided ocean rafting experience focused on coastal exploration rather than surfing waves. Participants paddle together aboard a white water raft while exploring caves, rocky sections, swell zones and moving water along the coastline.
The activity combines teamwork, adventure and sightseeing, making it suitable for families, groups and beginners wanting to experience the ocean in a different way.
Raft safari sessions focus more on paddling and exploring the coastline, while surf rafting includes more wave riding and time spent in breaking surf. During a raft safari, the raft moves through swell and white water sections but avoids dedicated surfing areas where possible.
This makes raft safari a good option for participants who want an adventurous coastal experience without the emphasis on catching waves.
Open group raft safari sessions are suitable for ages 8 and above. Private trips can accommodate younger children from 5 years old because the session can be adapted around the group and sea conditions.
Families often choose private sessions so guides can create a slightly calmer experience for younger participants while still exploring the coastline and swell zones.
Depending on the conditions and time of year, participants may spot seabirds, fish and other marine wildlife while travelling along the coastline. Guides also point out natural coastal features and explain more about the local environment during the session.
Every trip is different because the wildlife and sea conditions constantly change throughout the year.
Raft safari involves active paddling throughout the session, although the raft is powered collectively as a team rather than individually. Most participants find the activity manageable even without previous watersports experience.
There are regular pauses during the trip for instruction, exploring and taking in the coastline, helping balance the more active sections of the session.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £55
