5 adventure activities to try in Cornwall

Now that summer is back on, our Cornish partner outlets are opening their doors for all you adventure seekers once more. We’ve listed 5 incredible activities for you to try in Cornwall. Explore golden sandy beaches, perfect waves, caves and cliffs. Release any pent up lockdown frustration and experience the wonders of this extraordinary coastline.

Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush or calm paddle, these amazing activities won’t disappoint.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

There’s a reason SUP is gracing the headlines non-stop at the moment. As the world’s fastest-growing sport, it’s all-inclusive, accessible, provides fitness benefits, and allows you to explore! It’s a fantastic low impact alternative to running or power walking and offers both mental and physical benefits. Get out there on the water and experience nature from a new perspective. With an instructor to guide you through balance and paddling techniques, you will master the sport in no time.

Where to go: Take in the outstanding natural beauty of the Tamar Valley with Mai Adventures and let the experience calm and soothe your soul. SUP along the stunning cliff coastline at Port Gaverne with Cornish Rock Tors and experience a new side of Cornwall’s beautiful nature. Enjoy a two hour SUP tour with your own guide and master the techniques with Surf Sanctuary. Explore the crystal clear waters of Port Isaac by paddleboard, whilst taking in the local wildlife with Cornish Coast Adventures or go paddle with Big Green Surf School on the calm waters of the breathtaking estuary in Crantock Bay.

Open water swimming

Open water swimming is an amazing activity and a fun challenge for all ages and skill levels. With many strokes to master and places to swim it’s an exciting and adventurous sport. In Cornwall, open water swimming is at its finest. Feel safe in the company of experienced guides and take in the gorgeous landscapes whilst improving your technique.

Where to go: Explore swimming sections of an otherwise inaccessible coastline and experience the exhilaration of sea swimming with Cornish Rock Tors. They offer swim specials; from Port Quin to Lundy Bay (2.8km) and Lundy Bay towards The Rumps and back (5km), as well as completely bespoke guided swim adventures. Join a snorkel tour with Surf Sanctuary and enjoy the sparkling clear visibility of the ocean around Newquay, expect to see spider crabs, silver flashes of bass over the kelp and more.

Coasteering

Coasteering is a magnificent activity for families and thrill-seekers alike. Expect rock-hopping, swell-riding, shore-scrambling, cave exploration and jumping off cliffs. It’s an epic adventure where you will experience local wildlife and work together as a team to conquer the Cornish coast. Your guide will take you along a stunning route and teach you the skills necessary to participate safely. Are you ready for the challenge?

Where to go: Enjoy the beauty of Port Gaverne and tackle the natural playground on offer with Cornish Rock Tors. More experienced? They offer both private and advanced coasteering sessions. Take the plunge with Surf Sanctuary where the guides will help you design your own route as you traverse the breathtaking coastline around the headland.

Kayaking

Navigate the glorious coastline by kayak with one of our Cornish partner outlets. Bring the family along for an unforgettable experience. Explore exclusive, untouched sandy beaches and caves that larger vessels cannot reach. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take in the surrounding nature, amazing marine wildlife and seabirds.

Where to go: Paddle through the beautiful natural harbour at Port Quinn, explore caves and experience wildlife with Cornish Coast Adventures. Why not bring the family along for their family fun and sea kayaking trip? Or kayak the unbelievable coastline at Port Gaverne and discover untouched spots along the route with Cornish Rock Tors.

Surfing

Cornwall is a UK surfing hotspot, so it’s the perfect place to learn. Take in the unspoilt views and enjoy the excitement of catching a wave. Feel the sense of an intense adrenaline rush and understand why surfing is so widely loved here. It's great for all ages and many weekly camp lessons are available for kids. Where will your surfing adventure take you?

Where to go: Visit the iconic Watergate Bay in Newquay with Westcountry Surf School and expect funny, friendly coaches as well as a fabulous day out! Beat the crowds and experience the waves at the pristine nature reserve at Crantock Bay with Big Green Surf School. Enjoy the surf with award-winning Global Boarders Surf School that operates at many spectacular spots including; Praa Sands, St Ives Bay and Gwithian. After a more personalised experience? Join the Surf Sanctuary in Newquay for a specialist surf day or bespoke surf class. Or bring the whole family along with Perranporth Surf School and try their family explorer lessons.

Now that the lockdown measures are starting to ease-up, it’s the perfect time to experience the adventures that Cornwall has to offer. Indulge in the fresh sea air, get back to nature and take back the summer by making some unforgettable memories with your family and friends. Now you can easily find and book your next adventure on the eola marketplace.

Looking for a booking system to help you run your outdoor activities? eola is dedicated to helping instructors and outdoor activity centres share their passion with more people. We reduce your administrative burdens, so you can have more time to spend doing what you love. Find out more at our watersports page.

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Check out 10 of the best places to go surfing in Cornwall or check out 7 great summer activities to try near Bristol.

Whilst you decide what activity to try (if not all of them!) make sure to be following our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for our latest updates.