Family Sea Kayak Lesson & Tour in Newquay

Kayaking with the family is an easy way to mix fun, learning, and time outdoors. This two-hour tour is designed with families in mind, combining gentle paddling, stories of smugglers and pirates, and chances to spot wildlife along Newquay’s coastline. Suitable for children as young as three, the pace is relaxed and tailored to your group, ensuring everyone feels involved and comfortable.

🔑 Key Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Group size: 1:4 instructor ratio
• Minimum age: 3+
• Location: Newquay, Cornwall

🧭 What to Expect

You’ll start by getting kitted up in the heated changing rooms with Rip Curl wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, and paddles. Once ready, your instructor will cover the essentials of paddle strokes, safety signals, and what to expect on the water. The short walk down to one of Newquay’s secluded coves feels like part of the adventure itself, with the kayaks waiting at the water’s edge.

The tour moves at the group’s pace, with opportunities to swap between double and single kayaks so everyone can find what works best for them. Along the way, instructors weave in games and challenges to keep younger paddlers engaged, while sharing stories of smugglers, shipwrecks, and pirates. Depending on conditions, you may paddle into caves that were once used to stash contraband, giving children (and adults) the chance to imagine life on these waters hundreds of years ago.

Wildlife encounters are a highlight, with seabirds nesting on the cliffs and seals often seen in the water. Between paddling, playing, and listening to tales of Newquay’s past, families come away having learnt new skills and shared something that feels both adventurous and achievable.

📍 Location

The tour explores Newquay’s Gazzle coastline, just a short walk from Towan Beach. This stretch is full of character, with towering cliffs, narrow inlets, and caves shaped by centuries of storms. It’s a place where history and wildlife overlap – once a hiding ground for smugglers, today it’s home to marine life like seals and fish, as well as seabirds that nest along the rocks.

⚠️ Prerequisites

This activity is open to families with children aged 3 and above. No previous kayaking experience is required, as all instruction and equipment are provided. The session is tailored to ability and confidence, so whether it’s your first time or you’re more experienced, the instructor will adjust the activities to suit your group.

⭐ Why Choose Us

With over 20 years of experience, the instructors know how to keep families safe, engaged, and entertained on the water. Their approach balances teaching paddle skills with storytelling and games, making the experience educational without ever feeling like a lesson.

Modern facilities such as heated changing rooms, hot showers, and secure storage mean you can focus on enjoying your time together without hassle. Free photography is also included, so you’ll have lasting memories without needing to take your phone on the water. In case of poor weather, reliable back-up options ensure your adventure still goes ahead in some form.