Advanced Kayak Tours

Advanced 3 hour kayak tour. £55/person using Double kayaks (£10 Single supplement applies for odd number groups or individuals). 

Please note: These longer trips can be very weather/sea dependant, for this trip we normally use double kayaks, both for their stability and because we find two paddlers are generally better than one. With much less effort required, you can then concentrate on enjoying the stunning local scenery!

Please email us to discuss your group size and requirements if any questions so we can advise what’s best.

What’s involved:

We teach you the basics in the sheltered harbour and then go on a coastal journey if the sea conditions allow. We hope to take in some large sea caves, plenty of stunning coastline, secluded coves, along with an array of sea and bird life.

We regularly see fulmars, cormorants, shags, oyster Catchers, razor Bills, guillimots, turnstones, black backed gulls, gannets and lots of other sea birds.

Our groups quite often see grey seals and sunfish when out on the kayaks; sometimes we have even been lucky enough to see dolphins and basking sharks on our trips. Not to mention the amazing world of the rock pools and tide lines that hide some of the most interesting creatures!

Our guides also have an intricate knowledge of the Geology and History of the amazing coastline, which has been shaped by natural forces and mined through the ages for precious metals and minerals. We love sharing our local history and knowledge with you.

This session can’t be run if there are medium strength winds and swells over a certain size, so we will always contact you if the forecast does not look good. A basic level of fitness is required, especially as an adult if paddling with under 18’s on a double kayak. It is also advantageous to have kayaking experience but it is not essential – if you are happy on and importantly in the water, generally this is enough to have a great time.

Timings and duration:

We run these trips if we have calm settled weather forecast in the Summer season April-October. We normally run at 9am and 1pm but also sometimes in the evenings and at different times of the day due to the tides. The early or late sessions are normally calmer due to lighter winds in either the early mornings or late afternoons. So the early bird really does catch the worm in the kayaking world!

this is our longest trip so please allow three hours, from our introduction at our HQ down beside the harbour, aiming for two hours paddling on the water. Please arrive at our HQ in Port Quin 10-15 minutes before your booking time.

We have some parking for afternoon trips if there’s no room in the national trust car park, AM trips should be fine but getting here early is a good idea, please note there are no toilets in Port Quin.

Equipment:

We provide all necessary equipment, Stable sit on top kayak, wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet,  and a qualified local instructor. Please bring swimwear for under your wetsuit, some old trainers, wet shoes/boots, a towel and warm clothes to change into afterwards. Water and suncream are handy if it’s sunny!

You will need to change/wetsuit up beside our container in PQ or in the car park if preferred next to your vehicle. Surfer style changing is necessary ( a towel and some balance!)

Age restrictions:

We recommend a minimum age of 14 (younger by arrangement if sea conditions are very calm) for our kayak tours – provided the child is on a double kayak with an adult who can, if needed, paddle for them if they get tired. We do not have an upper age limit but just use common sense please. Call or email if you have a specific concern.

Weight restrictions:

Kayaks become unstable if you are too heavy for their buoyancy, also people can find the seating position uncomfortable if carrying much excess weight. We recommend persons no heavier than 17 stones on kayaks, although we have taken a few Rugby players out on sheltered sessions who were nearer 20 stone so it can be more about proportion of weight to height etc. Please let us know if you are a bit over weight before booking as we are more than happy to alter the session to suit your needs and it also saves any awkward situations for either party on the activity day. Normally it is best to do a more sheltered trip such as our  family fun session so that you are not committed to a longer journey if you feel uncomfortable or unstable . If you get on well you can then look at coming out again another time to use the skills and confidence gained in the sheltered harbour to further explore the coastline.