Explore Scilly’s vibrant outdoor spirit – ideal for adventurous couples and friends seeking a healthy, active getaway!
As an archipelago of wild little islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Scilly is blessed with clear water, abundant wildlife and more than 900 shipwrecks, making it one of the finest places in the UK to spend time in and on the water. Whether slicing through the undulating ripples on a sailboat, floating serenely atop the turquoise sea on a kayak or paddleboard; or racing across open water on a small motorboat, with wind in your hair, Scilly has every water-born adventure covered. Get your heart pumping and explore our watersports experts as we take you on a journey of Scilly’s adventurous side!
Seal Snorkelling Adventures, St. Martin’s
What could be more unique than snorkelling with seals! This unforgettable experience swimming with these amazing creatures that surround our beautiful islands will allow you to get up close to the Atlantic grey. Trips take you out to the Eastern Islands for a 2.5-hour tour where local instructors will guide you. All the relevant equipment will be provided, and no previous experience is necessary, but you must be comfortable swimming in open water! After you’re play in the water – one may play with your fin! – a warm drink and snack will be waiting for your return to boat. Minimum age is 12 years, and anyone aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Image credit: Tim Allsopp for underwater adventures with seals
Hut 62 Watersports Hire, Bryher
Operating from a cool wood-clad beach shack on the iridescent sands of Green Bay on Bryher, Hut 62 offers sailing boats and kayaks, plus the ever-popular ‘Caribe’, a half sit-on-top kayak, half canoe, with a totally transparent hull providing a window to the underwater world… many have experienced the thrill of a seal gliding beneath! They also hire out paddleboards alongside the new pedalboard where rather than a paddle, riders power these Hobie SUPs with their legs. The mainstay of their offering however is the self-drive motorboat hire. Owner Dan’s father started hiring boats from Green Bay in 1962 and most of the boats hired today were built by the family in their boatyard on Bryher. It’s the perfect get-away-from-it-all antidote, exploring the clear waters of Scilly at your own pace. But it also enables you to visit uninhabited shores, fish from your own boat, take a picnic and moor up.
Image credit: Victoria Walker for Hut 62 Bryher
The Sailing Centre, St. Mary’s & Ravensporth Sailing Base, Tresco
Sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking… if it moves on the water, The Sailing Centre will have it! Being an RYA, BSUPA & AALA licensed provider, Richard and his team offer high quality, safe tuition and activities for all levels from their base at Porthmellon Beach and Tresco. Offerings include taster sessions and courses for groups or private hire, Kayak tours and special excursions, the hiring of day boats, dinghies, motorboats and paddleboards – plus their exhilarating Endeavor RIB speedboat for wildlife watching (dolphins, seals, porpoise, sometimes whales!), inter-island taxis, charter and thrill rides.
St. Martin’s Watersport’s Centre
Situated on Par Beach, arguably one of the best beaches on Scilly, this centre offers single and double kayaks and paddleboards for exploring the rugged coastline of St. Martin’s, the uninhabited islands of the Eastern Isles and Teän. Explore the crystal-clear waters, amazing wildlife and enjoy endless family fun out on the water. Just paddle in and plonk yourself down on the warm sands. Their wealth of local knowledge will ensure you get the best experiences and plenty of discovery.
Gig rowing on Scilly
Pilot Gig rowing is a religion on Scilly – with fiercely competitive races that take place amongst islanders every week from April through to the end of September. It was once a way of life too – as pilot gigs rowers earned money helping to navigate ships into Scilly or rescuing those that didn’t! It’s fun and feisty and harder than it looks, but visitors to the islands are always welcomed at the various gig clubs if they fancy having a go.
Image credit: Gordon Brown for the World Pilot Gig Championships
The nine-day festival of the sea celebrates everything to love about our Oceans here on Scilly. Championing all waterborne activities, sea life, maritime heritage and everything on, in and above the water – it’s a thrilling aqua adventure for sea lovers nationwide. From kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and coasteering to a guided sea swim, swimming with seals around the Eastern Isles and taking part in athletic feats with the Scilly SwimRun challenge – set aside the time in August for an exhilarating ride!
