Torbay, located on the southwest coast of England, offers some stunning opportunities for kayak tours. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker there is an experience for everyone.
Taster Tours :
Age Restrictions - Ages 8 and Up
Group Size - 4-12
When - Every day through the summer
Half-Day Tour :
Age Restrictions - Ages 4 to 84. All under 18s Must be accompanied by an adult
Group Size - 2-12
When - 1st March – 31st October
Start time
June to Sept Morning 1030-1300 & Afternoon 1400-1630
Sept to April Morning 1030-1330
Full Day Tour :
Age Restrictions - Ages 8 and Up. All under 18s Must be accompanied by an adult
Group Size - 2-8
When - September - May
Evening Safari :
Age Restrictions - Ages 8 and Up. All under 18s Must be accompanied by an adult
Group Size - 4-12
When - 10th June - 3rd September
Start time - 5pm (or later if arranged in advance)
Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe Downs Rd, Torquay TQ1 3LS
How to get there :
Walking - Please walk down Oddicombe Beach Hill (approx. 20min) by or use Babbacombe Cliff Railway for an additional fee.
Car - Please do not drive down to Oddicombe Beach as there is no parking at the beach, and the road down to Oddicombe is extremely steep. There is no need to drive, the best way to arrive at the beach is to park on Babbacombe Downs and come down via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway for an additional fee or walk down via Oddicombe Beach Hill.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway Prices
Adult return£3.50
Child Return £2.50
2 Adult & 2 Child Returns £11.00
Babbacombe Cliff Railway operates on a cashless basis and all payments must be made by card, contactless preferred.
Sea Kayak Torbay specializes in Geology and Wildlife tours within the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. With over two decades of industry experience, Kieran now leads a team of coaches, ushering in a new era of Watersports in Babbacombe Bay, Torquay, Devon. While we continue to offer mobile tours to other sheltered locations in the Bay, we believe that newcomers and returning visitors alike will be captivated by the charms of Babbacombe.
Whether you're interested in learning a new paddle sport or planning an unforgettable family outing, we have something to suit everyone's preferences. Choose from the following activities:
Taster Tours:
Our 90-minute Taster tours, designed for groups of up to 4 people, provide an excellent entry point for beginners or young paddlers to experience the sea. We allocate approximately 20 minutes for an introductory briefing, outfitting, and getting comfortable in your chosen kayak. All our tours are led by expert guides who impart essential paddling skills and share their in-depth knowledge of paddle sports, from boat design to environmental considerations. These guides are eager to answer any questions and ensure your safety as you explore remote areas. You won't need specialized clothing or equipment; we provide Reed's technical Chillcheater clothing to enable year-round paddling. On cooler days, wearing gym gear beneath our dry gear is advisable, and it's usually possible to keep your feet dry. We recommend bringing old or water-friendly shoes, and if you fancy a swim, don't forget your swimsuit or a change of clothes.
Children as young as 8 are welcome, provided they can wear a safety Buoyancy Aid and paddle tandem with an adult. One of our guides can accompany any guest in tandem.
Half-Day Tour:
Join us for a half-day adventure exploring various coves within the Riviera. We launch from a sheltered location and access both sides of the Bay, stopping at a remote beach for a picnic. If we bring fishing gear, we may even cook what we catch along the way. You'll enjoy leisurely paddling around the Geopark, discovering limestone and sandstone caves, natural arches, and the fascinating inter-tidal zone. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or it's your first time, we take care of logistics, providing stable and comfortable boats, paddles, and buoyancy aids, and we teach you the basics. This option is perfect if you're short on time but still want to explore the English Riviera's stunning features and remote coves. Morning tours start at 10:30, and afternoon tours begin at 14:00. Be sure to bring snacks and water, and during the summer months, opt for shorts and sports tops. Conditions can change, but we provide any technical clothing you may need. We also carry a waterproof camera to capture the journey and can share the photos with you afterward.
Full Day Tour:
Embark on a full-day adventure with our geo safaris, discovering crystal coves, ancient coral coasts, raised beaches, caves, and natural arches. Immerse yourself in the English Riviera, encounter marine life, and potentially spot Cetaceans like dolphins and whales. Our route may include exploring several coves, heading to headlands like Hopes Nose or Berry Head, and visiting St Mary's Bay, known for regular Cetacean sightings. Whether you're a physically active paddler or seeking a more relaxed family outing to sheltered coves and remote beaches, we cater to your preferences. Additionally, if you wish to explore beyond the Bay, we can launch on the South Hams Rivers, including the Dart, Teign, Erme, Yealm, and Avon, each offering unique natural beauty and historical significance. A day tour lets you explore these diverse areas at a comfortable pace.
Evening Safari Tour:
Experience the magic of the English Riviera in the late evening sun, a privilege enjoyed from July to August. Our evening tours provide a truly enchanting experience. Feel free to bring refreshments for your group. These tours, accommodating 4 to 12 people, take advantage of the late evening sunshine, offering a unique perspective on the bay as the sun sets, and the water becomes tranquil at dusk, reducing background noise. Evening tours typically start at 5 pm, but arrangements for later starts can be made; please contact us for more information.