Canoe Tour from Pembroke Dock to Black Tar

Glide along a rarely paddled stretch of the Daugleddau estuary on this peaceful downstream canoe trip from Pembroke Dock to Black Tar. Over roughly three hours, you’ll follow the tide through a quiet section of the National Park, spotting wildlife and old riverside buildings as you go. Transport from the finish point back to your car is included, so you can simply enjoy the journey.

Key Details

• Group size: 1–16 people
• Tour length: Approx. 3 hours
• Guide ratio: 1 guide per 8 participants
• Meeting point: Cleddau Reach Car Park, Pembroke Dock (SA72 6UJ)

What to Expect

We’ll meet at the Cleddau Reach Car Park in Pembroke Dock 15 minutes before the published start time. You’ll spot our branded vehicle and trailer, and our team in orange tops will help you get kitted out with paddles, buoyancy aids, and dry bags. After a short safety briefing, we’ll walk down to the nearby water access point where your canoe will be waiting.

The route follows the natural flow of the estuary, heading inland towards Black Tar, using the tide to help us along. This one-way paddle lets you focus on your surroundings, with our experienced guides on hand to offer paddling advice and point out local wildlife and features of interest. The pace is steady and there’s plenty of time for breaks, with resting spots chosen depending on the weather and the group’s needs. The trip ends at Black Tar, where transport will be waiting to take you back to Pembroke Dock.

Location

This guided tour follows the upper Daugleddau estuary, setting off from Pembroke Dock and finishing at Black Tar, near Llangwm. This stretch of water runs through one of the quieter corners of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, known for its birdlife, saltmarshes, and hidden history.

The meeting point is at the Cleddau Reach Car Park (SA72 6UJ), which is easy to find and adjacent to the industrial estate in Pembroke Dock. Toilet facilities are not available at the meeting location, so we recommend making a comfort stop beforehand.

Prerequisites

No canoeing experience is needed, but you should be happy being on the water for up to three hours and capable of light physical activity. Canoes are stable and suitable for two to three paddlers. All participants must complete a medical declaration form before taking part.

This activity is weather-dependent, and we may need to cancel or adjust plans if conditions change. Trips are also planned around the tide, so timings vary — we’ll confirm exact arrangements after booking.

Why Choose Us

The centre is run by experienced guides who know how to balance safety, support, and enjoyment on the water. Sessions are kept relaxed and informal, with a strong focus on making people feel confident even if it’s their first time in a canoe.

With access to high-quality kit and well-maintained canoes, you’ll be in safe hands from start to finish. Routes are chosen to make the most of each day’s conditions, and guides are always keen to share their knowledge of the natural and historic features along the way.