Kayaking Cornwall: Where Should You Go?

Cornwall is an incredible place for a multitude of reasons, but for many people, being so close to the sea and the ability to get out on the water is top of the list. Sea swimming is and will always be a popular pastime and daily ritual for locals and tourists, but watersports such as kayaking continue to appeal to the masses.

In this post, we’ll discuss kayaking in Cornwall, but more specifically, the most popular and beloved locations for relaxation, exploration and brilliant kayaking experiences.

Kayaking Cornwall: St Ives

St Ives is among Cornwall’s most popular tourist destinations and a go-to for those searching for scenery and the seaside. When it comes to the latter, St Ives is arguably the best place for kayaking in Cornwall for people of all ages and abilities. It’s home to St Ives Surf School, which provides kayaking tours led by experienced professionals with incredible local knowledge. 

This not only means that you’re in safe hands during your outing, but you’ll also be taken to locations that you simply would not find on your own. Discover hidden beaches, coves, and landmarks that you can only find while on the water. You’ll also learn about shipwrecks and many other exciting facts and tales about Cornwall!

Are you visiting St Ives in the near future and need a delightful place to come home after a tiring day of kayaking in Cornwall? Carbis Bay Holidays has a vast range of accommodation that suits the many different needs of our customers. 

Kayaking Cornwall: Newquay

Newquay is a hub of activity, nightlife and attractions, and a great starting point for sea kayaking adventures! Book a range of kayak adventures through Newquay Activity Centre, based right on Towan Beach.

Newquay is one of the UK’s surf capitals and therefore lends itself well to other watersports. So if you’re planning on kayaking in Cornwall, Newquay is a solid choice. Towan Beach is an excellent starting point, allowing you to paddle out on the bay and away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches. This stunning coastline has proved to be extremely popular over the years. It offers a variety of sections suited to beginners and adrenaline junkies who fancy paddling out to the swell. Also, the area is full of seabirds, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a few seals and dolphins.

Kayaking Cornwall: Falmouth (Fal River)

If you’re unfamiliar with Falmouth, then let’s just say it’s a haven for those who love beaches and watersports. The Fal River is a scenic and exciting stretch of water between Falmouth and Truro that allows you to explore the estuary’s nooks and crannies thoroughly. With such a vast and interesting place to explore, kayaking provides the perfect vessel to do so. Take in the sites, relax as you paddle through the water, and keep your eyes peeled for the many types of birds and wildlife that inhabit the area.

Also, Swanpool beach in Falmouth is a great place to hire kayaks for the day as it’s located between the Gyllyngvase and Maenporth beaches and is very close to Pendennis Castle. This means no matter which direction you head, there will be sights aplenty and many hidden gems to discover.

Kayaking Cornwall: The Lizard

The Lizard Peninsula is a brilliant location to launch your own kayak or enjoy a guided tour. It’s a pretty hefty stretch of water between Mullion and Kynance cover, around five miles, and is better suited to those with a bit more experience. With clear waters, wide bays, and quiet beaches along the way — the Lizard provides all you need for a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable day on the water, with plenty of spots to stop for a nice bit of lunch to refuel.

For tours, Lizard Adventure offers a fantastic service where you receive a fantastic, safe, and educational guided tour. Of course, this depends on the conditions, but they launch from Mullion Harbour or Cadgwith Cove on a good day.

Kayaking Cornwall: Fowey River

An adventure on the Fowey River is a great location and opportunity to spot wildlife or explore Fowey harbour and Polruan, the old fishing village nearby. Kayaking Cornwall’s rivers are brilliant for beginners needing a confidence boost and calm, quiet waters to develop their skills. The Fowey River is a hugely popular spot, especially for families looking for a pleasant, relaxed and gentle kayaking experience that suits everyone. If you have your own kayaks, fantastic! If not, no worries, you can hire one from Fowey River Hire and even go on a guided tour if you want to.

Now that you have a few locations scouted for kayaking in Cornwall, now you have a find accommodation to suit your needs. Fortunately, we’ll save you some time and effort. Check out the fantastic variety of accommodation offered by Carbis Bay Holidays here, or get in touch if you have any questions!