Set out on a two-hour sea kayaking experience along Newquay’s coastline, where caves, coves and cliffs reveal the area’s natural beauty and fascinating history. With expert instructors by your side, you’ll learn key kayaking skills and enjoy games, wildlife watching, and plenty of fun on the water. No prior experience is required, making this a great choice for both beginners and those looking to build confidence at sea.
Your adventure begins at the activity centre close to Towan beach, where you’ll be welcomed by your instructors and kitted out with high-quality gear including wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and paddles. After a full briefing and some land-based coaching to cover safety signals, paddle strokes and basic techniques, you’ll be ready to head for the water. The launch point is reached by a short walk down to one of Newquay’s hidden coves, where kayaks will be waiting for you.
Once afloat, the tour follows the coastline at a comfortable pace, with time to take in the scenery and ask questions along the way. You’ll navigate through gulleys, paddle past cliffs and visit tucked-away beaches such as Adventure Gulley and Dead Mans Cove. Alongside learning kayaking skills, there will be games to keep the group entertained and plenty of stops to explore caves once used by smugglers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including inquisitive seals that often appear around these waters.
Depending on conditions and group preference, you may also have the chance to try both single and double kayaks during the session. The experience is designed to be flexible, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their time on the water. Your instructors will share stories of the coastline’s history and biodiversity, making the tour both educational and fun.
Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most famous seaside towns, well known for its beaches, surf culture and rich maritime heritage. The coastline here is shaped by dramatic cliffs and dotted with caves and inlets that make it ideal for exploring by kayak. Launching from sheltered coves near Towan beach means you’ll get to access areas that are hidden from the land above, providing a unique perspective of the area.
The route passes through the Gazzle, a stretch of coastline full of deep caves and sea life. This area is steeped in local history, once used by smugglers and pirates. Today, it provides a safe habitat for wildlife such as seabirds and seals, making it a fascinating place to paddle. Being out on the water allows you to experience this section of Cornwall in a way that walking paths simply can’t match.
This activity is suitable for beginners as all necessary training and equipment are provided. A reasonable level of comfort in water is recommended, but you don’t need prior kayaking experience.
Participants must be aged 8 or above and should be able to follow instructions from the instructor team. All sessions are led at a relaxed pace to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe throughout.
The centre is led by highly experienced instructors who specialise in making coastal kayaking safe, enjoyable and memorable for all ages. They know the area inside out and carefully plan each session so you’ll explore the best spots while learning the skills you need to paddle with confidence.
Alongside expert coaching, the facilities are designed to make your visit as easy and comfortable as possible. Heated changing rooms, hot showers and secure storage mean you can focus on the adventure without worrying about logistics. With free photography included, excellent back-up options in case of poor weather, and a focus on fun as much as learning, this tour offers one of the best ways to enjoy Newquay’s coastline.
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!
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.
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.
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