Wildlife Bushcraft and Sea Cave Safari in Torquay

About two and a half to three hours, including kit on the sand, time in caves and a beach stop when the tide allows. Summer starts are often 10:00 to 12:30. Later in the season we often use 10:30 to 13:00.

The exact loop depends on wind, tide and how the group is paddling. We keep time for the fire and fossils rather than racing a long headland.

Seals fish and haul out along this coast, and we watch from the boats. Seabirds nest on the cliffs in spring and early summer. Inter-tidal life shows on the rocks at a beach stop.

Cetaceans visit South Devon, though we never promise a sighting. The guide points things out from a distance so the animals keep their space.

Yes, when the tide and the group allow a stop on a secluded beach. Protected fossils, a foraged marine herb and marshmallows by the fire are part of that stop.

Pack snacks as well. The fire is part of the safari, not a full lunch service, so a sandwich helps if you get hungry before you land.

Four, when the child fits a buoyancy aid. Anyone under 18 paddles with a responsible adult. We usually put younger children in a tandem so an adult shares the boat.

Tell us ages when you request a date. The route stays with the slowest boat, which helps mixed families stay together.

No. The guide coaches a forward stroke and a simple steer on calm water before you head toward caves. First-timers and people who already paddle a little share the same safari.

Say if anyone is nervous so we can pair them in a tandem and keep the first minutes inside the bay.

Usually Oddicombe Beach, Beach Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LB. Walk down to the watersports desk beside the slipway. There is no parking on the sand.

If the forecast favours Meadfoot, Paignton or Brixham we send that pin before you travel. Check your messages the evening before.

A guide, a kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid and technical clothing, plus a beach fire and marshmallows when the stop is possible. Photographs from the trip are sent afterwards.

Bring your own snacks and water. Transport to the launch is not included, and parking near the downs is not part of the outing.

In summer, shorts and a sports top with flip-flops or wet shoes. In spring and autumn, walking layers or waterproof trousers. We add waterproof-skinned thermal jackets with a spray deck and hood when the air is cool.

Sun cream and a hat help on bright days. Pack a towel if you think you might swim at a stop.

We carry a camera and send images afterwards, so you can keep paddling rather than fussing with a phone. You may bring your own camera in a case if you prefer.

We share what we shot of your group after the safari. There is no extra charge for those pictures.

We move the launch or shorten the loop if wind or swell makes caves or a beach stop unsafe. Rain alone does not stop the safari.

We contact you as early as we can if the plan has to change. The fire and fossil stop only happen when the shore is usable.