Pub Paddle Canoe Tour from Pembroke Dock to Cresswell Quay

This half-day canoe trip takes you through the quiet, wildlife-rich upper reaches of the Daugleddau estuary and finishes at the iconic Cresselly Arms. Paddling as a group with experienced guides, you’ll be supported the whole way while soaking up views, history and the natural charm of this lesser-travelled waterway.

Key Details

• Group size: 1–16 people
• Guide ratio: 1 guide per 8 participants
• Duration: 3 hours
• Meeting point: Cleddau Reach Car Park, SA72 6UJ

What to Expect

After meeting in the Cleddau Reach Car Park, you’ll be greeted by your guide team, who will be easy to spot by their orange tops and trailer of canoes. They’ll run you through what to bring and wear before getting everyone set up with a buoyancy aid, paddle, and drybag. Once the group is ready, you’ll walk down to the canoes, where the guides will give a short safety talk and basic paddling instruction. The route begins at Pembroke Dock and heads up the Daugleddau estuary before turning off into the quieter Cresswell River.

The paddle will last around three hours, with plenty of time to spot wildlife, pause at riverside landmarks, and chat with guides who will be sharing insight into the history and wildlife of the area. The pace is kept steady and relaxed, using tide and wind to your advantage. If anyone is struggling, guides have techniques and equipment to offer support without slowing the group. You’ll finish at the Cresselly Arms, where there should be time for a drink before transport is arranged to return you to the meeting point.

Location

This paddle route is based in the upper reaches of the Daugleddau estuary in Pembrokeshire. It's a lesser-travelled, sheltered section of the National Park, known for birdlife, peaceful water, and rich riverbank heritage. The mix of nature and history makes for an engaging waterway experience.

You’ll meet at Cleddau Reach Car Park near SA72 6UJ, just outside Pembroke Dock. There are no toilet facilities on site, so it's best to plan accordingly before arriving. Look for the team near the orange-branded van and canoe trailer—your guides will take it from there.

Prerequisites

You don’t need to have paddled before, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended. The trip is kept at a steady pace and is suitable for complete beginners, with all safety and paddling instruction provided.

All participants must complete a medical declaration before joining the trip. It’s also important to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth and timely departure.

Why Choose Us

The team delivering this experience has extensive local knowledge of the Daugleddau and its lesser-known tributaries, offering visitors a chance to see the National Park from a fresh angle. All guides are experienced paddlers and know how to adapt the session to suit different levels of ability and confidence.

Everything is organised for you—from equipment and route planning to the return transport—so you can focus on enjoying the journey. These trips are built around the tides and planned carefully to show you the best of the estuary, always with safety and comfort in mind.