Rediscover Watersports in South Devon

Rediscover a love for thrill and adventure in South Devon with a variety of watersports and water activities. Join a fast paced RIB experience, try your hand at paddleboarding, get stuck in with a kayaking trip or settle back and admire the views on a cruise, the possibilities here are endless. Take a look at all of our water based things to do below. 

Kayaking & Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing are extremely popular in the region and if you don’t have your own equipment, there are lots that can provide it. Not only that, many offer guided tours so you can be sure to have a wonderful time exploring and see the main sights as well as spots you might not know about. Sea Kayak Devon is great for this, based in Dartmouth visitors can enjoy a guided trip around the coastline discovering hidden caves or even a full day trip which includes a picnic. One way to discover the River Dart is by canoe on a trip with Winding River Canoe. They offer evening paddles, day trips and even an opportunity to try canoe-camping where you can pitch up overnight at a stunning wild-camping location. 

Paddleboarding & Surfing

Fancy trying your hand at stand up paddleboarding in South Devon? Over the last few years, this watersport has been increasing in popularity and it’s not hard to understand why! It’s a great alternative to kayaking, gives a full body workout and of course the perfect way to explore the coast and rivers of South Devon. EXE Adventures have SUPs for hire as well as canoes and kayaks and these can be enjoyed on Exeter Canal or delivered to local beaches at Dawlish, Dawlish Warren or Teignmouth. They also run a social paddle where you can paddle to the pub for a drink and some food then come back. Another place in Exeter to hire a SUP, kayak or canoe and explore the canal is Saddles and Paddles on Exeter Quay. Although South Devon might not be best known for it's surf spots, there are still places to give it a go such as Bantham Beach where you can find watersports providers offering lessons and equipment hire.

Boating & Sailing

Across the region in South Devon, sailing and boating are popular sports and there’s many places to have a go at them. SeaSports Southwest is based in Teignmouth and offer equipment hire as well as professional tuition in sailing, power boating and lots of other watersports. Or, if you want to get out on the water in a boat without doing it all yourself, why not take a look at Devon Sea Safari, also based in Teignmouth. Climb aboard their safari RIB, a MCA commercial passedger vessel, and enjoy one of their brilliant tours such as marine wildlife tour or a sightseeing tour to Exmouth. 

Cruises

For something on the water which is a little more relaxing, why not book a cruise. You can soak up the magical coastline at a more leisurely pace or even hop on a barge on a river. Stuart Line Cruises is the place to go for a boat trip on the River Exe or the coast around Exmouth. Throughout the year they host fabulous themed trips such as cream tea cruises, guided birdwatching, festive specials and plenty more. It’s a great way to discover the Exe Estuary and sights of interest such as the Jurassic Coast. At the Grand Western Canal in Tiverton, you can look forward to a different trip on the water with a horse drawn barge which meanders through the gorgeous Mid Devon countryside.

Wild Swimming

One way to enjoy the sea or coast without the hassle of much equipment is to go wild swimming. We’ve got lots of amazing locations to enjoy a dip in the cool waters, from natural pools on Dartmoor to hidden coves along the coast. Take a look at our ten best wild swimming locations in South Devon here. Please do remember though, wild swimming is always advised for strong and confident swimmers and can be dangerous, so always check beforehand if it safe and legal to swim in the area.

Waterparks

If a sea or river sport isn’t quite for you, why not head to a waterpark? It might not quite be considered a watersport but there’s nothing quite like splashing around and zooming down some waterslides to get the adrenaline pumping. In South Devon we’re lucky enough to boast an incredible waterpark situated in Paignton on the English Riviera. With 8 rides, Splashdown Quaywest is the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark with refreshments on site and it’s right next to the beach!

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