2 Hours
Your stag or hen party will embark on a re-enactment of one of Newquay’s most famous shipwrecks, do you have what it takes to survive? To mark the 100th anniversary of a legendary castaway tale, we’ve created the Cornwall Castaway.
As Legend Has It…
In December 1917 a terrible storm battered the coast of Newquay. The Osten, a local fishing boat, got caught in the storm and was washed over the notoriously dangerous Cribbar reef – a modern day big wave surf spot where waves of up to 40ft break over shallow jagged rocks.
The alarm was raised and horses pulled the lifeboat to the slipway on Towan Headland. However, on arrival at the scene, the lifeboat’s new coxswain refused to launch in such weather and waves. Despite the coxswains orders, former cox Gill resisted saying he had been out in worse and formed a maverick crew of volunteers to rescue the Osten.
Much to the delight of onlookers, the lifeboat set sail under Gill’s command, but the boat was soon tipped by huge waves. Her sails quickly filled with water so she could not self-right and the crew were washed overboard and into the cliffs.
The storm raged for the following 3 days and 3 nights forcing the crew to weather it out in a nearby cave. The men foraged for seagull eggs, crabs and shellfish and built fires from driftwood to cook and fend off the onset of hypothermia. When the storm finally passed the crew were rescued and awarded RNLI gallantry medals on their return to land.
Would you have the knowledge to survive in such an unforgiving environment?
Stag Parties & Hen Parties
You’ll be challenged on every level in a myriad of wilderness bushcraft & adventure scenarios. These will include wild swimming, coasteering, survival skills and navigating a rescue craft back to shore. It’s no easy feat and to become a true Cornwall Castaway you must successfully complete every wilderness & adventure challenge. Have you got what it takes?
On arrival at the Newquay Activity Centre one of our qualified experienced instructors will kit your group out in Rip Curl wetsuits, buoyancy aids and safety helmets before leading you to the beginning of your Cornwall Castaway adventure.
Challenge One: Making Dry Land (Coasteering)
Shortly after being ‘shipwrecked’, your objective is to make dry land by means of wild sea swimming, traversing your way along rocks, low-level climbing and riding nature’s natural rapids. Get the excitement of your stag or hen party going with incredible leaps into deep-water plunge pools and see who has the nerve to go the highest!
Challenge Two: Cave Survival (Bushcraft)
On making it to Dead man’s cove, you’ll take on a host of wilderness & adventure survival skills. Here you will forage, collect fuel to build a fire and also learn how to identify our fascinating marine and bird life.
Challenge Three: Raft Escape (Super Sup)
Once your belly is full and your energy recharged, it’s time for your stag or hen party to escape Dead man’s cove. Fortunately for your group, a life raft (a.k.a our huge Super Stand Up Paddleboard) will be somewhere in the vicinity as a means of escape. Here, working as a team, you’ll learn how to launch & land the castaway raft, perform efficient paddle strokes (both standing up and kneeling down), steer & control the craft and navigate our craggy coastline back to the safety of the shore.
Something For Everyone
It’s not just action, adrenaline and heaps of fun, but you will walk away having learnt invaluable coastal survival skills and a tall tale to tell for the next 100 years!
Our coastal adventures are more than just a day out; they are the perfect fusion of adrenaline-fuelled fun and essential sea safety. Whatever activity you are taking part in, you are learning from the industry leaders.
Here is why thousands of visitors choose us every year:
The Complete Experience
We don’t just throw you in the water. Our coastal adventures are educational. You will leave with a smile on your face and genuine ocean knowledge—understanding rocks, rips, and rescue techniques. Plus, we are the #1 Rated Outdoor Activity Provider in Newquay on TripAdvisor, with over 3,000 5-star reviews backing up our promises.
Gold-Standard Safety & Accreditations
We hold the highest safety credentials in the industry, so you can push your limits with total peace of mind. We are:
Elite Instructors (Not Just Students on Gap Years)
Your experience depends on your guide. Our team consists of career outdoor professionals who train year-round. Every instructor holds:
Trusted by VIPs, Schools & The Media
We are the #1 choice for clients who need absolute professionalism and safety. We are the go-to provider for local schools (like Newquay Tretherras) and elite organizations. If we can coordinate the England Rugby Team and England Surfing Team on a Super SUP, we can handle your group. We have also been featured by:
We prefer to speak to our group bookings so we can design a package right for you.
Please contact us using our Online Chat or by calling 01637 877722
Learn the basics fast, then explore Newquay’s stunning coastline
We pride ourselves on making every stag and hen activity special and our reviews are testament to that. We have over 4311 5 star Google & Tripadvisor reviews!
Coasteering adventure on our stag do - epic cliff jumps, huge fun and brilliantly led by James and Sarah. Highly recommended!
Ian, Tripadvisor
Rosie and Venetia led our Cornish Challenge hen party brilliantly - organised, energetic and professional. So much fun, thank you!
Jo, Google
We completed the Cornish Challenge for our hen weekend - amazing fun, lovely staff and loads of great photos!
Sian, Google
Brilliant coasteering and Super SUP paddleboarding for our stag group. Great instructors and smooth booking - would love to do it again!
Liam, Tripadvisor
Incredible hen do experience - felt safe, looked after and even surprised with fizz by Alex and Jacob. Such a thoughtful touch!
Maisie, Google
20 of us had an amazing stag do blending coasteering and Super SUP. So much to experience - thanks to a fantastic team!
Tom, Google
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.