2 Hours
Explorative adventure above and below the crystal-clear waters of Newquay
Kayak safari taking in the cliffs, caves and caverns of the coast
Snorkel in calm and sheltered inlets
Free photography for you with this activity!*
The cliffs and caves along Newquay’s craggy coastline play host to an abundance of wildlife – but there’s also an incredible amount to be discovered below the water’s surface too.
Unique Kayak Experience
The sheltered stretch of coastline known as ‘The Gazzle’ is just moments from our HQ located near Towan Beach and is the perfect environment for a sea kayak tour. Throughout history it has been shaped by storms and smugglers and now plays host to an array of native wildlife. But peer beneath the water’s surface and you will discover an exciting new world…
Armed with the knowledge and the appropriate gear, our expert instructors will help you navigate the rocky playground from your sit-on-top kayak. Whilst sharing its historic tales of pirates and shipwrecks.
Snorkel Adventures
Once moored up in a sheltered tidal inlet, you will pop on your masks and discover the underwater marine ecosystem. If you’re lucky you may see seals, dolphins, lobsters and starfish; this marine conservation area is the perfect place to see native wildlife of all shapes and sizes. It’s also one of the UK’s few designated seahorse-breeding areas.
Our exclusive snorkel kayak tours are a luxurious way to appreciate the scenery and get a glimpse into the watery world below. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, curious about our coastline’s marine environment, or just looking for an experience that is completely different; this is the perfect aquatic adventure for you.
Kitting Up Ready For Adventure
From the comfort of our heated on-site changing rooms, you will be kitted up with a Rip Curl wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. You will also be provided with a top-quality snorkel mask, snorkel and kayak paddle.
Once fully kitted up, your expert kayak instructor will lead you in the basics of paddle strokes, kit familiarity, water safety and signals – finishing with a short warm-up.
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.
From here, the Snorkel Kayak Tour will move at the group’s pace stopping at areas of interest to answer any questions and to explore the magical world beneath!
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!
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
Brilliant sea kayaking lesson with James - exploring caves, coastal views and local history. Great for beginners, highly recommend!
Alhasan, Tripadvisor
Fun kayak tour along the coastline with James - clear instruction, local landmarks and friendly seals made it a brilliant experience!
Jonny, Tripadvisor
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.