Estuary Kayak Tour

STUNNING SCENERY

Kayaking on the river Gannel, where the river meets the sea on the sweeping sands of Crantock Beach. This vast expanse is at your disposal for discovering wildlife and learning new skills under the expert eye of your kayak instructor.

You’ll navigate your crafts from the banks of the Gannel and paddle with the tide. Glide through blue water lagoons and under overhanging trees whilst soaking up the setting with your fellow kayakers  on this peaceful coastal adventure.

LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS

Our travelling HQ (the Newquay Activity Centre van) will provide a nomadic base from which you will receive your kayak equipment and safety brief. As we set up on the banks of the estuary, you can admire a backdrop of stunning scenery whilst kitting up in a Rip Curl wetsuit, buoyancy aid, rash vest and helmet.

After grabbing a paddle and a kayak, your experienced instructor will lead you through the basics of paddle strokes, kit familiarity, water safety and signals – finishing with a short warm-up before heading down to the water.

SPECIAL WILDLIFE

The basic skills of kayaking are simple to pick up and easy to perfect as you paddle along the Gannel, which is sheltered from the swell of Newquay’s Atlantic beaches. The salt marshes and sand banks of the Gannel Estuary provide a unique habitat for Newquay’s bird life – so keep your eyes peeled for curlews, little egrets and different types of gull.

It’s a fragile and protected area home to an array of marine wildlife that you are guaranteed to see from your kayak. Otters and kingfishers have been spotted in the area and the local seals occasionally swim through to say hi!

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Myth and legend are rife along Newquay’s coastlines – from pirate tales to witch hunts, there’s a story in every cove. During your kayaking adventure, you’ll discover Penpole Creek. Once known as the Port of Truro, this is where goods would be sailed in and transported to the southern coast of Cornwall. The remains of the quay and the moorings of small sailing boats are still visible today if you know where to look.

As you paddle, listen out for “the Crake”. This haunting cry, heard day and night, is said to be the sound of a thousand human souls. The legend lives on and is a memorable story to take home.

Despite the mythical noises, this stretch of river is known as “Millionaire’s Row” – and for good reason. The properties that overlook the estuary benefit from epic sweeping views of lagoons, sandbanks and lush hills. Not a bad view to wake up to in the morning! Come and experience for yourself the incredible setting of the Gannel.