As well as the famous Cornish pasty, Cornwall is renowned all over the world for its beautiful beaches and coastlines. It’s one of the UK’s most popular summer holiday destinations and arguably the country’s ‘watersport capital’—so kayaking in Cornwall won’t leave you wanting.
If you’re off kayaking in Cornwall, trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed. You have plenty of options available, but, of course—you’ll want to be prepared.
Read on to brush up on all things kayaking in Cornwall before your trip, including some of the region’s best kayaking spots.
Do you need a licence for kayaking in Cornwall?
First things first. The last thing you want is to arrive and not be able to get out on the water because you didn’t do your research properly in advance.
Whether or not you need a licence for kayaking ultimately depends on where you’re kayaking.
To put it simply, virtually all inland waterways in England, such as canals and rivers (usually managed by the Canal and River Trust), will require you to hold a waterways licence to kayak on them. This also includes inflatable kayaks.
However, kayaking in the sea or other tidal waters often does not require a licence. That said, there are still various regulations and guidelines associated with kayaking in the sea.
Always double-check the rules in place for wherever you plan on kayaking, and never assume you are free to kayak just because you’re not on inland water, for example.
There are certain areas where kayaking, and other watersports, may be restricted or prohibited, such as at nature reserves or in areas designated only for swimming—so check, check, then check again.
The best places to go kayaking in Cornwall
Though you may well already have your ideal Cornwall kayaking location in mind, there’s certainly no harm in getting a little more inspiration. Here are some of the best spots to go kayaking in Cornwall.
1. Newquay
Newquay, situated on Cornwall’s north coast, is one of the region’s most popular spots for holiday-goers and surfers. Fistral Beach (pictured above), often dubbed the home of British surfing, is home to the International Surfing Centre, but there’s a great kayaking scene in this part of Cornwall, too.
The region’s north coast boasts some glorious sandy beaches. Towan Beach, right in the heart of Newquay town centre and less than a mile from the train station, is a perfect example.
The beach is a common starting point for kayakers and surfers. Once you’re away from the crowds, you can paddle towards The Gazzle—a 2km-long stretch of coastline between Newquay Bay and the Gannel Marine Conservation Zone—a popular dive site, also ideal for kayaking.
Related: The 10 best places to go kayaking in Newquay in 2023
2. The Roseland Peninsula
Bordered by the Fal Estuary to the west and St Austell Bay to the east, the Roseland Peninsula is blessed with coastal waters extremely popular with kayakers and canoers.
To put your surroundings into context, the Peninsula itself is one of the region’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so this really is a gorgeous spot to come kayaking in Cornwall.
Kayaking on and around the Roseland Peninsula is a unique experience, thanks to its mix of secluded creeks, cliff faces and beaches—of which there are plenty.
Related: The Roseland Beach Guide
There’s a fair amount of rivers around these parts, too—namely the nearby Fal River and Percuil River—both ideal for a spot of river kayaking if you fancy a change from the more open tidal waters.
3. Falmouth
Not far from the Roseland Peninsula is Falmouth, another of Cornwall’s popular tourist destinations, with plenty of kayaking options.
Gyllyngvase Beach (pictured above) is one of Falmouth’s busiest beaches, just a short walk from the town centre. At the time of writing, it’s one of only eight beaches in Cornwall to have received a Blue Flag Award for its cleanliness and water quality, making for a sublime kayaking experience.
Just a stone’s throw down the coast from Gyllyngvase is Swanpool Beach. You can hire kayaks from here, too—perfect for exploring this gorgeous section of the Cornish coast.
Related: Top 10 things to do in Falmouth
4. The Lizard Peninsula
Whether you own a personal kayak or you plan on hiring one out in Cornwall, the Lizard Peninsula is a must-visit. Besides its highly-intriguing name (perhaps surprisingly, it has nothing to do with actual lizards), the Lizard Peninsula is a true kayaker’s paradise.
For experienced kayakers, the five-mile stretch of coastline separating Mullion Cove and Kynance Cove (pictured) offers a breathtaking experience out on the water.
And with multiple hidden caves, quiet beaches and rock pools, there’s lots to stop and do en route. The beach at Kynance Cove is well worth a visit while you’re here, too, and there are plenty of nearby cafés for refreshments.
However, be warned—the water here can get seriously choppy, even on clear days.
5. St Ives
You can’t go kayaking in Cornwall without giving St Ives a go. It’s almost like the water here was made purely for kayaking (and Atlantic grey seals, of course).
The gorgeous sandy beach at Porthminster (pictured) is a good place to start. You can hire kayaks from here thanks to St Ives Surf School (more information further down), which also provides guided tours and lessons with experienced, friendly instructors—something to consider if you’re still fairly new to the water.
If you’ve ever been to Cornwall before, you’ll know that St Ives and the waters that surround it are steeped in history—and what better way to learn more and explore than in a kayak?
St Ives Harbour is beautiful, too, especially on an evening, so make sure you stick around to bask in its glory. A nice refreshing drink with a sea view? You wouldn’t have to ask us twice, that’s for sure.
6. Port Gaverne
As sea kayaking goes, the waters around Port Gaverne, on Cornwall’s northern coast, are pretty calm. So, if you’ll pardon the pun, this is a great spot to ‘test the water’ if you’ve never kayaked in the sea before.
Cornish Rock Tors (more information below) run kayak hire facilities and sea tours starting from the Port’s cove, which allow you to spend up to two hours out on the water with a fully-qualified and experienced guide.
North Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s most stunning coastlines and cliffs, and there’s no better way of experiencing them than from the sea itself.
The neighbouring Port Isaac, just a few minutes down the road from Port Gaverne, is where the TV medical drama series Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes, was filmed. The quaint cottages and narrow winding streets of Port Isaac are well worth a visit if you’re a fan of the show.
Hiring kayaks in Cornwall
As we’ve already discussed, you don’t necessarily need to own a kayak to go kayaking in Cornwall. There are plenty of kayaking schools and hire facilities dotted around the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned kayaking pro, completely new to it all, or merely looking for a fun family activity while on holiday, help is at hand. Here are a handful of hire facilities for kayaking in Cornwall, some of which we’ve already talked about.
- Newquay Activity Centre, TR7 1LW
- Cornish Rock Tors, PL29 3SQ
- St Mawes Kayaks, TR2 5DG
- Kernow Kayak Hire (offers a unique kayak delivery service across West Cornwall)
- Ocean Sports Centre, TR26 2NP
- St Ives Surf School, TR26 1JZ
Plenty of options are available if you’re looking to hire a kayak in Cornwall. However, it’s best to research facilities local to wherever you’re staying in advance, as kayaks and spaces on classes and tours get booked up very quickly, especially in the summer.
How much does it cost to hire a kayak?
The cost of hiring a kayak depends on where you’re hiring it from and how long you’re hiring it for, but pricing structures for kayak hire companies are usually available online so that you can plan.
At Kernow Kayak Hire, mentioned above, for example, you can hire a single kayak for half a day for £50 or £70 for a full day. Tandem kayaks can also be hired for £80 a day or £60 for half a day.
However, their website states that discounts are available, and—of course—other providers are available, so consider all your options before making a decision.
Specialist kayaking insurance through Insure4Boats
If you’re off kayaking in Cornwall this summer, you’re in for a treat. But as fun as kayaking is, it’s not without its fair share of risk. That’s why you may also want to consider protecting yourself and your kayak with specialist insurance.
With Insure4Boats, specialist kayaking insurance is designed to cover your kayak against theft, loss, and damage. You’ll also get up to £3m worth of Third Party Liability cover as standard.
Click here to learn more about specialist kayaking insurance, or use the button below to get an online quote in minutes.
Related
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Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.
