Kayaking and snorkelling come together on this unique two-hour adventure, giving you the chance to experience Newquay’s coastline both above and below the waves. Paddle past caves, cliffs and coves before donning your snorkel to explore sheltered inlets teeming with marine life. With expert instructors guiding the way, no previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a sense of fun.
The session begins at the centre near Towan Beach, where you’ll be equipped with a Rip Curl wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet, paddle and snorkel gear. After a safety briefing and short warm-up, your instructor will take you through the basics of paddle strokes and water safety before walking down to one of Newquay’s semi-secret coves where the kayaks are waiting. This launch spot sets the tone straight away, with its dramatic cliffs and sense of discovery.
Once afloat, you’ll explore at the group’s pace, paddling into caves, through gulleys and past rock formations shaped by centuries of waves and storms. Along the way, the instructor will share stories of smugglers, shipwrecks and wildlife that call this coastline home. You may switch between single and double kayaks during the trip, giving you a chance to try both styles. Stops at quiet beaches or sheltered waters allow time to rest, play games and prepare for the snorkelling element of the tour.
The highlight comes when you moor up in a tidal inlet and put on your snorkel mask. Here, you’ll get a close look at life beneath the surface – starfish, crabs and shoals of fish are commonly seen, and seals or even dolphins occasionally appear. This area is also one of the UK’s designated seahorse-breeding sites, adding something truly special to the underwater experience. With your instructor close by, you’ll have guidance on how to move through the water comfortably and safely, making this part as enjoyable for first-timers as it is for confident swimmers.
The tour is based in Newquay, Cornwall, launching from coves just a short walk from Towan Beach. The coastline here is a mix of dramatic cliffs, sheltered caves and narrow inlets that create the perfect playground for sea kayaking. Known as the Gazzle, this stretch has a fascinating history of pirates and smugglers, with caves that once concealed contraband now providing safe havens for wildlife.
Below the surface, the area is equally rewarding. The marine conservation environment supports a wide variety of species, from colourful anemones and lobsters to curious seals and, with luck, dolphins. Snorkelling here offers a chance to see the area from a completely different angle, connecting the dramatic scenery above with the thriving ecosystem below.
No previous kayaking or snorkelling experience is required, as the session includes a full introduction to both activities. All necessary kit is provided, and the pace is set with comfort and safety in mind.
Participants should be confident enough in the water to take part in snorkelling. Children from age 8 are welcome, provided they are able to follow instructions and are accompanied by an adult.
The centre is run by a team of instructors with years of experience guiding groups safely along Newquay’s coastline. They combine technical knowledge with local expertise, ensuring you not only learn new skills but also gain insight into the history and ecology of the area. Each session is tailored to the group, so whether you’re new to the water or already confident, you’ll feel supported and encouraged throughout.
In addition to high-quality coaching, the facilities make the day smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. Heated changing rooms, hot outdoor showers and secure storage are available, and free photography is included so you can take home memories without worrying about a camera. Excellent back-up options mean that tours can go ahead in almost all conditions, ensuring your plans aren’t spoiled by the weather.
There’s much more to kayaking than simply paddling in a straight line from start to finish. Your session can include much, much more! Learning advanced paddling techniques. Fun games and races. Exploring smugglers caves. Getting up close with wildlife in the natural environment, especially the local Seal population and possibly dolphins. Navigating narrow gullies and riding the natural rapids created by the ocean swell. Learning about local history and points of interest. Watching our coasteering groups as they jump off cliffs is also a great spectator sport!
With this tour, you will also have the excitement of snorkelling and discovering an abundance of marine life below the water, too!
What better activity to do in the rain than a water activity? Rain or shine our kayak sessions are the ultimate activity for the family.
As you will be undertaking your session in one of our sit-on-top kayaks, falling in pretty unlikely, and even if it does happen, it is not a problem. You can just flip the kayak upright and climb back in. One of our qualified instructors will be on hand to make sure that you are ok and give you any assistance needed.
Plus, with this adventure, you will be getting in the water to snorkel anyway, so you will inevitably get wet! It doesn't matter how you get into the water... and you can always style it out by saying you spotted a starfish!
We can provide a wetsuit so you only need to bring a towel and swimwear. You can wear your own wetsuit if you have one or if you have your own kayak specific waterproofs you may bring these too. Footwear will also be required so bring either a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or you can hire from us for £3 a go. Most importantly please bring a sense of adventure and fun!
Your trip will take you on one of a couple of different routes that we use. The main route is along the Gazzle which is a large headland just a short paddle from our centre. Alternatively, we will take you along a sheltered stretch of river located a short drive from the centre. We are happy for you to let us know your preference, and we will use the conditions on the day to help us decide.
Our ocean-based route along Towan headland is rich in wildlife. Common sightings include Grey Seals, and an array of birdlife. There is also the possibility to see Dolphins, Sun Fish, Lion’s mane jellyfish, and Basking Sharks have previously been spotted in the area (don’t worry, they are completely harmless and have no teeth). Our river-based route in the Gannel estuary is very in rich in Birdlife including Herrings, Iceland and Franklin Gulls.
Providing you have fulfilled the minimum requirement of 50 metres swimming capability and you have no current health issues or injuries preventing you from participating in an adventurous activities you are welcome to come! Don’t worry, it’s not a race and you are not expected to be an Olympic-level paddler! Your instructor will make sure the group moves at the pace of the slowest paddler and will assist weak paddlers when needed.
All our Instructors are fully qualified British Canoeing Paddlesport leaders as well as Beach and Surf Safety Lifeguards. Our instructors have years of personal experience in the water, and attend regular site-specific staff training. We also work in close partnership with the RNLI to ensure your safety in and out of the water.
We both loved it , the instructor was a gentleman . Clear , concise instructions and very helpful . Can’t remember his name sorry , very tall with long hair
Jamie was a good instructor but a bit disappointed with the time snorkeling and not seeing anything. The sighting of the seals and info about the coast was great
Everyone was so friendly. My crew leader Alex was really supportive and encouraging as I am not an avid swimmer and so easing my way into kayaking and coasteering was a breeze. The team back at their headquarters were amazing ... keeping my baggage safe as I toured and even…
We had a really good time with Heath today. He showed us all the safety information and kept checking we were all okay. Instead of just staying out snorkelling he showed us some caves and told us about the history and cool knowledge about the caves and rocks. Had a…
We had an amazing time with heath. He was so lovely and gave us a bit of history as we went along. Very caring and made sure we had a fab time
Fun and exciting. The guide Oleks made it really enjoyable for us
Olek was such a cool instructor…let you get on with enjoying the water whilst keeping you safe and giving lots of detail…dan was super helpful when we got there and having a chat afterwards 10/10 hope to be back next summer
Amazing time coasteering in Cornwall with our instructor James. Great fun and James was very knowledgeable and easy to chat to. Thanks for an amazing time
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Newquay Activity Centre, a partner of adventuro.
