There are adventures – and then there are wild adventures. On a recent Low Tide Coasteering session, held in collaboration with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, turned out to be one for the books, revealing the incredible marine biodiversity that thrives right under our wetsuited noses along Newquay’s rugged coastline.
With the help of an extreme spring low tide, expert guides, and a bit of luck from the Cornish weather gods, we uncovered a secret world of crabs, sea squirts, and even rare fish – all while scrambling, swimming and exploring the lesser-seen parts of Towan Headland.
Never tried coasteering before? Find out what it’s all about here: Coasteering in Newquay
An Underwater Safari Like No Other
When the spring tide dramatically peeled back the ocean from Newquay’s rocky shoreline, it revealed an extraordinary scene – like nature’s own backstage pass. Hidden gullies, tide-carved caves, and kelp-fringed pools suddenly became a living museum of Cornwall’s marine biodiversity.
With Marine Awareness Officer Matt Slater from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and our local Low Tide Coasteering team leading the charge, our group encountered an astonishing 80 different species in just one unforgettable session.
Here’s a deep dive into some of our wildest finds:
Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus)
You might know this beast from your seafood platter, but out here on the reef, the edible crab is the king of camouflage. With its distinctive pie-crust-edged shell and black-tipped claws, it’s a burly predator hiding beneath boulders and seaweed.
Size: Up to 20cm wide
Season: Seen year-round
Where: Rocky seabeds from the shoreline to 100m depth
💡 Fun fact: Over 10,000 tonnes are harvested annually from the English Channel!
Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Big, curious, and playful, Cornwall is home to 40% of the world’s grey seal population. They’re a true highlight of any coastal session.
Size: Up to 2.6m long
Season: Autumn for pups
Where: Close to shore in relatively shallow water or secluded bays.
💡 Fun fact: We always observe seals from a safe distance – these amazing mammals are protected by UK law.
Porcelain Crab (Porcellana platycheles)
Tiny, hairy, and easy to miss, this crab is a rockpooling prize. Despite its fierce look, it’s a peaceful filter feeder that uses fan-like hairs to sift plankton from seawater.
Size: Up to 15mm
Season: Year-round
Where: Under rocks on rocky shores
💡 Fun fact: They can shed limbs to escape predators – like marine ninjas!
Tompot Blenny (Parablennius gattorugine)
With antler-like tentacles and cartoon eyes, this cheeky fish stares right back at you from its crevice home. They’re fiercely territorial and full of character.
Size: Up to 30cm
Season: Year-round
Where: South & West UK coasts
💡 Fun fact: Males protect eggs for over a month – dad of the year?
Star Ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri)
These pressed-flower-like colonies look otherworldly and are made up of tiny animals working together. Often found under rocks or on kelp.
Size: 10–20cm colonies
Season: April to October
Where: Rocky reefs and sheltered pools
💡 Fun fact: Each “star” shares an outflow but has its own intake – like communal plumbing!
Velvet Swimming Crab (Necora puber)
Fast, feisty, and fearless, these “devil crabs” have bright red eyes and paddle-like legs that help them zoom through the water.
Size: Up to 10cm across
Season: Year-round
Where: Rock pools and shallow sea
💡 Fun fact: Females carry thousands of eggs – earning them the nickname “berried females.”
“It was amazing to be able to carry out a survey on such a fascinating and hard-to-access shore. We were astounded by the diversity of life.”
What Causes Super Low Tides?
These dramatic drops are thanks to spring tides, which happen twice a month when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun align. If you get a calm, high-pressure day on top of that? That’s a super low tide—the ultimate coasteering window.
Curious about waves too? Read our blog on what creates ocean waves.
Check Newquay tide forecasts: https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/newquay-tide-times
When’s the Best Time for Wildlife?
Spring (March – May)
- Edible crabs reappear from their winter hideouts
- Beadlet anemones add colour to the pools
- Sand smelt shoal in the shallows
- Grey seals bask near the cliffs
- Fulmars and razorbills return to nest
Summer (June – August)
- Prawns and shrimps sparkle in rockpools
- Baked bean sea squirts and star ascidian colonies bloom
- Velvet swimming crabs patrol the gullies
- Kittiwakes nest on The Gazzle
- Young seals explore the coast
- Fish nurseries teem with baby wrasse, clingfish, and gobies
Autumn (September – October)
- Hermit and shore crabs forage in calm waters
- Tompot blennies guard their hidey-holes
- Migrating seabirds sweep the skies
- Seal pups make solo appearances
- Seaweed forests sway with snails and shrimp
Nature Meets Adventure – For Families, Schools & Eco Explorers
These aren’t just action-packed sessions – they’re educational, sustainable and totally unforgettable. Ideal for:
Families – Real adventure, safe setting
Schools & Youth Groups – Curriculum-linked learning in nature
Eco-Minded Travellers – Wild Cornwall, responsibly explored
Groups & Corporate Days – Bond over shared discovery
📍 All equipment included.
📚 Led by knowledgeable, qualified instructors.
📸 Photo options available.
🌿 Eco-first approach, always.
Our Eco Adventures:
Ready to Discover the Wild Side of Newquay?
Don’t just visit the coast—explore it.
Call us on 01637 877722 or email info@newquayactivitycentre.co.uk
Limited spaces during low tide windows – don’t miss out!
