Sea Kayak Holidays Wales
Sea Kayak Holidays Wales explores the wonders of the Pembrokeshire coastline. Beautiful sights, unique wildlife, we have it all.
The varied Pembrokeshire coastline allows paddlers of all levels to explore Britain’s only coastal National Park at their own pace.
Stop to rest on a secluded beach, drift past seals and porpoises, explore mysterious and awe-inspiring caves or play on the clean water waves of some of the UK’s finest beaches.
2 – 5 days
All equipment provided
Free camping onsite
From £90 per day + 6% booking fee
9.00am to 5.00pm
Details & Itinerary
Sea Kayak Holidays Wales
Two different skill levels to choose from:
Calm conditions (Level 2-3)
For those looking to explore the sights of Pembrokeshire at a more relaxed pace.
Each day we’ll find the best coastlines whilst staying relatively sheltered from weather conditions. Beautiful headlands and stunning features like Dinas Head and the Witch’s Cauldron are well within your grasp.
A wilder ride (Level 4-5)
Do you have a fair amount of experience in a sea kayak and are looking for bigger, longer Sea Kayak Holidays in Wales?
Offshore islands like the Bishops and Clerks. Tide races and overfalls like the infamous Bitches in Ramsey Sound. Committing day paddles like Strumble Head.
Weather permitting, we’ll show you as many of these iconic Pembrokeshire paddles as we can, and if the weather does come in, we still have plenty of fantastic sheltered coastlines to explore.
What you can expect:
- An enjoyable few days of paddling in various stunning locations throughout Pembrokeshire. Your guide will discuss with you at the start of the holiday a rough plan for your time with us (weather dependent)
- Mini-coaching sessions along the way to help make your experience more enjoyable, but with the main focus being on getting out on the water and enjoying the journey, scenery, and wildlife on offer.
- We will always try to accommodate requests, maybe you have particular places you want to explore during your time with us? Or maybe you have specific skills or qualifications you are working on and would like to progress towards. Just let us know and we will ensure you get the best out of your time with us.
What you should bring:
Essential:
- If you are camping on-site with us be sure to bring your camping gear with you.
- Food is not provided during your stay with us. Please bring food with you including your own packed lunch and any other snacks you require for the day (in a suitable container to be taken on the kayaks i.e plastic food container)
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Any shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (even flip-flops).
- Drinking water
- Hat
On cold days: Bring a jumper or fleece that you don’t mind getting wet.
On hot days: You might wish to bring clothes to wear kayaking that you don’t mind getting wet (much more comfortable than a wetsuit). The kayak coach will advise on this during the introductory talk.
What we provide:
Top-quality instruction and leadership from our qualified coaches
Small coach to group ratio of 1:4 or 2:6
We will provide all equipment you need or you are welcome to use your own.
We will have available:
- Kayaks
- Paddles
- Wetsuits
- Windproofs
- Drysuits (in winter and on particularly cold days)
- Buoyancy Aids
- Spray Skirts
- Dry Bags
Your coach will discuss this with you on arrival and can provide anything extra you require.
More FAQs...
1. Use this guide to choose your kayaking courses by clicking on the level tabs above. ↑
2. Find the tab that describes your level best.
3. Select your level when you book.
Previous experience required:
None, start here if you haven’t been in a kayak before or only a few times. We will endeavour to find the most *sheltered water* possible.
Sheltered Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Areas of open water (e.g. lakes and lochs) where the paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore and the wind strength does not exceed Beaufort force 3, avoiding the group from being swept/blown out of the safe working area. Slow-moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots)
Small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore, defined beaches with easy places to land throughout, no tide races, overfalls or surf.
Previous experience required:
For our level 2 courses, you should have a small amount of previous kayak/watersport experience or at least be fairly water confident. We stay mostly in *sheltered water* but will look to start developing your confidence in small waves and light winds.
Sheltered Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Areas of open water (e.g. lakes and lochs) where the paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore and the wind strength does not exceed Beaufort force 3, avoiding the group from being swept/blown out of the safe working area. Slow-moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots)
Small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore, defined beaches with easy places to land throughout, no tide races, overfalls or surf.
Previous experience required:
For our level 3 courses, you should have a fair amount of experience in a kayak in *sheltered water* – whether it be in a Sit-on-Top, sea kayak or other. At this level, we start to guide you out of *sheltered water* and spend some time in areas of *moderate water* conditions.
Level 3 courses are often pitched at paddlers looking to obtain their British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award.
Sheltered Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Areas of open water (e.g. lakes and lochs) where the paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore and the wind strength does not exceed Beaufort force 3, avoiding the group from being swept/blown out of the safe working area. Slow-moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots)
Small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore, defined beaches with easy places to land throughout, no tide races, overfalls or surf.
Moderate Water as defined by British Canoeing:
A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
Previous experience required:
For our level 4 courses, you should have plenty of sea kayak experience, be very comfortable with the use of a spray-skirt and be comfortable with being rescued in flat water.
Level 4 courses are often pitched at paddlers looking to obtain their British Canoeing Coastal Sea Kayak Award and aspirant British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leaders.
At this level, we generally aim to be in sustained *moderate* sea conditions with the possibility of venturing into some low level *advanced* conditions such as gentle tide races and overfalls.
Moderate Water as defined by British Canoeing:
A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
Advanced Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Any journey on the sea where tidal races, overfalls or open crossings may be encountered and which cannot be avoided; sections of coastline where landings may not be possible or are difficult; sea state 4 and winds above Beaufort force 4; launching and landing through surf (up to 1.5 metres trough to crest height).
Previous experience required:
For our level 5 courses, you should have plenty of sea kayak specific experience in *moderate* sea conditions. You should be comfortable with being rescued in *moderate* sea conditions and an ability to roll is desirable.
Level 5 courses are often pitched at paddlers looking to obtain their British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Award and aspirant British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Leaders.
At this level, we are seeking out *advanced* sea conditions, tidal rapids and/or exposed swell.
Moderate Water as defined by British Canoeing:
A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
Advanced Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Any journey on the sea where tidal races, overfalls or open crossings may be encountered and which cannot be avoided; sections of coastline where landings may not be possible or are difficult; sea state 4 and winds above Beaufort force 4; launching and landing through surf (up to 1.5 metres trough to crest height).
Need more help deciding on a level to book?
When to come?
Any time of year is an excellent time to visit Pembrokeshire for sea kayaking –
In spring our cliffs and shorelines are graced by numerous nesting sea birds.
Summer is generally warm and sunny. Autumn is fantastic with seals flocking to our rocky shores to give birth and rear their pups. In winter it’s cool and quiet.
With dry suits and drying facilities, we have all the gear you’ll need whatever the time of year and whatever the weather.
Accommodation:
Free camping is available onsite.
With only a handful of pitches, the campsite is dedicated to the Academy and therefore small and quiet – it also has wonderful views inland to Wolf’s Rock and beyond. Please be aware this is currently basic as we are in the process of building our campsite. Pitches are currently on a gentle slope and the toilet is across the yard from the camping field. We currently don’t have a shower but hoping to have two completed by summer 2023.
For those wishing to stay in the ultimate comfort there is also a luxury holiday cottage available onsite, follow the link below to find out more:
Of course, if neither of those options is right for you and you have your own transport, then you can choose from any of the fantastic accommodations on offer in Pembrokeshire. Just locate yourself somewhere not too far from our base in Letterston and we will meet you at Sea Kayak Academy each morning.
Getting to a Sea Kayak Holiday in Wales :
You can drive directly to our base, there’s plenty of space for your vehicle.
For those who don’t drive (or don’t want to) we can arrange pick-ups and drop-offs from all local public transport.
Taught By Experts
A passionate team that is dedicated to helping customers on their personal journey in kayaking.
Small instructor to group ratios to ensure you get the personal attention you need.
All Kayaking Equipment Included
We can provide everything you need including wetsuits, windproofs, paddles, buoyancy aids, spraydecks and kayaks. Your coach will discuss this with you when meeting you and get anything extra you require.
Join us!
