Coasteering is an adventurous way of moving along the coastline using a mix of swimming, scrambling, climbing and jumping. There are no boats or boards involved — just you, the rocks and the ocean.

Coasteering usually follows the tide line with time spent in and out of the water. Moving along the coastline allows you to explore areas that are less accessible by foot or by boat.

It is important to understand that the tide, weather, group, instructor and sea conditions will make no two coasteering experience the same. This makes for an exciting experience every time you choose to take the plunge.

Cornwall’s rugged cliffs and clear waters make it an ideal location for this type of coastal adventure.

Cornwall is often considered one of the best coasteering destinations in the UK because of its:

• Dramatic rocky coastline: The coastline in Cornwall features a mix of geology which helps a variety of sea caves, long gullies, vertical cliff faces, natural arches and deep pools. All of these features make it perfect for swimming and exploring along our coast.

• Warm & clean Atlantic waters: Cornwall boasts one of the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches in the UK. The clean waters of the county are also the warmest in the UK making it much more comfortable for those worried about getting chilly.

• Consistent conditions: In the UK, we all love talking about the weather and we know that rain can fall times that are meant for sun. Thankfully the ocean is much more well behaved especially during spring and summer months. Small swells and predictable tides create the perfect balance of safety and excitement. However, if we do have a change in this normally delightful consistency, modern day reporting gives us plenty of notice. 

• Experienced guides & activity centres: Cornwall is full of great activity centres and guides that have been leading the charge on all things outdoors. For more details about choosing a good coasteering provider check out the National Coasteering Charter

Popular areas for coasteering in Cornwall include Newquay, the north coast, West Cornwall, and parts of the south coast, each offering slightly different conditions and scenery.

This is one of the most common questions people search for — and the honest answer is: it depends on you.

For most beginners, coasteering feels exciting rather than scary. You’re always supported by the guides on your session, you wear a flotation device and you tackle elements and challenges step by step. You will always start with easier tasks and progress to more challenging ones as you build up confidence if you want to. You’re encouraged but never pressured to do any part of the activity that you do not wish to do. When it comes to ‘jumping’ in coasteering, please see the section below 👇

Most people finish their session surprised by how much they enjoyed it — even if they were nervous at the start!

Coasteering is a safe and well-established activity when run by experienced coasteering guides. That said, the sea is a dynamic natural environment, so it’s never completely risk-free.

This is why all guides:

• Check weather, swell and tides before every session
• Choose routes based on the day’s conditions
• Provide safety gear such as helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits
• Deliver a comprehensive safety briefing
• Adapt activities to suit the group’s ability
• Constantly asses risks throughout the activity
• Undergo regular testing of their ability as guides.

Good coasteering guides make safety feel seamless — you’re focused on having fun, not worrying about what comes next.

All coasteering guides should be qualified beach lifeguards where they undergo regular testing on their knowledge, water safety and physical ability. They should also have a minimum amount of hours logged taking part in training, assisting and guiding. Check out the National Coasteering Charter website to find a provider for your adventure.

A beginner coasteering session in Cornwall usually includes:

• Swimming: You will definitely be doing some swimming during your activity. Sometime that can be swimming through calm waters one minute, then rougher waters the the next. The sea conditions and your activity guide will help to decide what happens on the day to help create a safe and exciting activity. 

• Scrambling: You could be scrambling over rocks in the water, out of the water and anywhere in between. Sometimes the water that you are in is moving while you are scrambling and sometimes there is little water to be seen. 

• Climbing: There may be times when you will need to climb out of the water, traverse between gullies or even try your hand at climbing above the water where if you fall… you make a splosh!

• Jumping: For those that wish to jump can enjoy the range of jumps available that day. When jumping you should always start with small jumps to make sure you are jumping correctly before venturing any higher. There is never any pressure to jump if you do not want to. We can always find an alternative route for you without altering what the rest of the group do. 

• Exploring: Cornwall’s coastline boasts some amazing rock formation including cliffs, caves, arches and gullies. Depending on the tides you may walk through some of these highlights or sometimes you may visit them by sea. 

Sessions are progressive, starting gently and building confidence as you go. Jumps are always optional, and there’s nearly always an easier route if you’d rather skip anything out.

The main coasteering season in Cornwall runs from late spring through to early autumn.

• Summer offers warmer water and calmer conditions for coasteering. Sea temperatures in Cornwall peak between 15 and 18 degrees celsius but can get up to 20 degrees. The waves are often much smaller and usually only light winds

• Spring and autumn can be quieter but still excellent. The is more chance of some swell as this time of year which makes for a more exciting and challenging coasting experience.

• Some coasteering providers do run sessions during the winter months. The water is much colder and so the sessions times are usually shortened.

Even on cloudy or drizzly days, coasteering still runs — you’re getting wet anyway!

Coasteering in Cornwall is great for:

• Beginners looking for a unique outdoor experience
• Families with older children (Minimum age limits are usually between 8 – 10 years old)
• Groups of friends (A perfect activity for a stag party, hen party or celebration)
• Couples wanting to enjoy something different
• Anyone who enjoys the sea and adventure

You don’t need to be ultra-fit or a super strong swimmer — just reasonably confident in water and happy being active. Most providers will ask that you are able to swim a minimum distance.

If you’re new to coasteering, you should always go with:

• A reputable activity provider. Check out the National Coasteering Charter website for registered providers and cross reference these with traveller reviews.

• Experienced local guides. Get in touch with the activity provider for information or to ask how long they have been coasteering for.

• Proper safety equipment included. This should always include a suitable wetsuit (for the time of year), a buoyancy aid and helmet. You will need to bring shoes that you are happy to get wet.

Most providers supply the technical gear, but you’ll usually need:

• Wetsuit (provided by the activity provider)
• Buoyancy aid (provided by the activity provider)
• Helmet (provided by the activity provider)
• Old trainers or sturdy water shoes  (essential for grip and foot protection)

Flip-flops, sandals, crocs, thin-soled shoes such as beach shoes are all a no no! Wetsuit boots, old trainers or canyoning boots are perfect for coasteering. Bring a towel, warm clothes for afterwards, and something dry to change into.

No. This is one of the biggest myths about coasteering.

Jumps in coasteering are optional and there is always another way around. Jumps make up only a small part of the activity of coasteering. There is plenty of other fun to be had so don’t feel like you are missing out. 

When jumping, you should always build up gradually making sure you land correctly each time. and some skip jumps altogether and still have a brilliant session.