2 Hours
Personalised, bespoke and unique… Our private kayaking tours are designed especially with you in mind. If you’re after the ultimate solo or couple adventure that perfectly fits your needs, look no further!
Getting To Know The Sport Of Kayaking
From the comfort of our on-site heated changing rooms you will be kitted up with a Rip Curl wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and paddle. Following an in-depth kit familiarisation talk from your instructor, you will move on to learn basic paddle techniques, emergency signals and water safety information before grabbing a kayak and heading down to the beach.
From here you will prepare yourself for adventure with a short warm-up prior to launching your kayak from a sheltered stretch of coastline.
We launch and land from two of Newquay’s lush, semi-secret coves. The start to experience is an adventure, as we walk down a rock path to the water’s edge. It’s worth it as the scenery is breath taking, there is some incredible coastal wildlife in the area, and you really are experiencing the best of Newquay’s coastal fringe. We take the walk down to the water slowly, the kayaks will be waiting in the cove for you.
We pride ourselves in sharing a well-rounded learning experience, which will on many tours see you given the opportunity to experience both a double and single kayak. If you start in a double kayak but want to try a single, we swap mid-way on either one of the secret beaches that we visit or in the ocean environment. We cannot guarantee that you will have a single or a double kayak for the duration of the tour. But will have the opportunity to experience both, or one or the other.
Your instructor will be on hand to help and guide you through the tour, answering any questions and allowing you to put into practice your land-based learning.
Tailored Kayak Experience
As Tripadvisor’s number one provider of water sport activities in Newquay, our team are comprehensively trained to provide personalised adventures for all ages. Together, you’ll explore the secret coves and tidal inlets of our coastline whilst learning about Newquay’s dramatic wildlife, history and taking your cave exploration to a level that you’re comfortably challenged by.
Maximum Fun, Minimum Hassle
Whether you’re an experienced water-person or total ocean newbie, our expert team are the best people to introduce you to the fun. We’ve used over 20 years worth of experience to develop exhilarating and adaptable routes encompassing coves and smugglers caves that hold secrets for all ages to discover.
Easily accessible, our HQ near Towan Beach is surrounded by parking and eatery options and we provide heated changing facilities as well as safe storage for your belongings.
Your Own Instructor
Kayaking is the perfect way to explore our coastal habitats and, being in a private group, you can focus on the tidal zones that interest you the most! Our instructors will allow the tour to run at your own pace so you can really make the most of this exclusive ocean adventure.
Whether you want to book a surprise activity for your partner, or you fancy letting your son or daughter explore new and uncharted territory; our Private Kayak Tours are suitable for all.
What Happens If There Is Extreme Weather?
We are super fortunate to operate many of our activities in the shelter of Towan beach. We choose the tide and weather times that deliver the very best conditions for Kayak Tours. However, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and sometimes she may have different plans for us. We always check the forecasted conditions but if the wind or swell picks up unexpectedly, we will move your session on to our Super SUPs, this will ensure you still cover the same route and session content but will be on a craft that is more resilient against the conditions. Alternatively, we may offer a different time or location for your tour.
Over 95% of our tours go ahead unaffected by the weather but, in the unlikely event that this does happen, we have excellent back-up options for you to choose from. We appreciate your understanding.
Kayaking with Newquay Activity Centre is about more than just paddling; it is a technical, curated journey through some of Cornwall’s most spectacular environments. From the rugged coastline to the tranquil Gannel Estuary, we offer a level of professionalism that standard rental shops simply cannot match.
Here is why we are the #1 rated provider in Newquay:
Official Paddle UK Delivery Partner
We are one of the few centers to hold this prestigious status. It is a testament to our sky-high standards of delivery. Our program is developed using technical advice from top-level paddlesports experts (like John Paul Eatock), ensuring that our lesson quality is industry-leading. You aren’t just going for a paddle; you are learning from the best.
Signature Routes & Weather Expertise
We don’t believe in a “one route fits all” approach. Over 30 years, we have developed signature routes that adapt to the daily conditions. Whether it’s high-tide cave exploration on the coast or a sluice-ride adventure in the Gannel Estuary, we possess the local knowledge to ensure you get the best water conditions every single day.
Elite Instructors
Our guides are career professionals. Every kayak instructor holds the prestigious Paddlesports Leader Award and they have completed ongoing CPD through our Outdoor Instructor Academy training programmes. They are also:
Unblemished Safety Record
We take safety as seriously as we take fun. We work alongside the RNLI to ensure conditions are appropriate, and we are the go-to choice for local schools (like Newquay Tretherras) because of our rigorous standards. We are:
Trusted by VIPs & Media
When high-profile clients need a flawlessly executed experience, they come to us. We have hosted the England Rugby Team, the England Surfing Team, and have been featured by The Sunday Times and BBC Radio One. We are also proud 3x Cornwall Tourism Award Winners.
If you don’t see availability for the date you would like then please contact us using our Online Chat or by calling 01637 877722
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Learn the basics fast, then explore Newquay’s stunning coastline
We pride ourselves on making every kayak special and our reviews are testament to that. We have over 4311 5 star Google & Tripadvisor reviews!
Fun kayak tour along the coastline with James - clear instruction, local landmarks and friendly seals made it a brilliant experience!
Jonny, Tripadvisor
Brilliant sea kayaking lesson with James - exploring caves, coastal views and local history. Great for beginners, highly recommend!
Alhasan, Tripadvisor
Unreal kayak and snorkel tour - exploring the coast and seeing seals up close. Heath was friendly, knowledgeable and made it unforgettable!
Angela, Tripadvisor
Great kayak and snorkel session - saw jellyfish and seals up close. Oleks and Luke made it really fun and enjoyable.
Sally, Google
Fantastic coastal kayak tour with James - professional, reassuring & well organised. Felt safe & looked after from start to finish. Highly recommended
Jonathan, Google
Super fun kayak tour with Amy - sea caves, coastal history and games. Well organised with great kit and facilities. Highly recommended!
Peter, Tripadvisor
From beginner surf lessons on Fistral & Great Western beaches to adrenaline-fuelled coasteering routes, our award-winning centre is the go-to destination for adventure seekers in Cornwall.
We welcome solo travellers, families, stag & hen groups, schools, and military teams for high-energy, high-fun sessions – all tailored to your experience level and comfort.