10 Best Activities to Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has over 100 miles of wild coastline to explore. Wondering where to begin? We’ve compiled the ultimate outdoor adventure itinerary with 10 activities which are sure to offer an entirely unique perspective of this dramatic landscape.
- COASTEERING
Coasteering is a thrilling concoction of climbing, swimming, exploring and ledge-leaping and laughing. Traversing the intertidal zone where the land meets the sea, you’ll encounter plunge pools, rushing gullies, booming sea caves and a wealth of wildlife. Trust us! This has to be No.1 on your bucket list.
2. SURFING
Uncrowded breaks to suit all abilities, crystal clear waters and beaches facing all angles to make the best of the wind and and Atlantic swells: these are the pillars which hold up Pembrokeshire’s epic surf scene. Spend a couple of hours with an encouraging and friendly local guide and you’ll be riding waves in no time.
3. SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKING
Sit-on-top kayaking is a perfect adult- and family-friendly activity to explore Pembrokeshire’s diverse and beautiful coastline. Paddle under immense sea cliffs, through majestic sea caves and otherwordly rock gardens. It’s a truly magical experience.
4. SEA KAYAKING
Take a full-day trip along the Pembrokeshire coast with an expert guide using a full-length touring sea kayak, learning techniques at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to take in the wealth of wildlife and spectacular scenery. Pack a picnic and land on a remote wild beach you can’t get to by foot.
5. SUP BOARDING
A remarkable way to venture out along the coastline, allowing you to gaze into the water beneath you as well as the incredible scenery around you. Finding your sea-legs on a stand-up paddle board is unbelievably satisfying, and once you gather a bit of momentum, it’s both exhilarating and strangely relaxing and meditative. If you’ve tried it before, you’ll know the feeling – if you haven’t, just do it!
6. ROCK CLIMBING
Traversing the world-class crags and cliffs of the Pembrokeshire Coast is something you’ll remember forever. In the safe hands of Pembrokeshire’s most experienced climbing afficionados, you’ll scale one of the awe-inspiring rock faces of the St David’s Peninsula which offers climbs for both beginners and those who already “know the ropes”.
7. OFFSHORE ISLANDS BOAT TRIP
Circumnavigate some of Pembrokeshire’s magnificent offshore islands such as Ramsey, Grassholm and Skomer. These boat trips offer unforgettable passages of discovery out at sea with the possibility of spotting seals, porpoises and a wealth of Atlantic sea birds such as gannets, choughs, razorbills, guillemots and puffins.
8. ROCKPOOL SAFARIS
This is a truly special experience for families with younger children, but great for all ages. Rockpool safaris open up a whole new world as you explore the colourful intertidal zone and its diverse inhabitants. Learn about the rocky shore-life from a friendly guide with lots of passion for the marine world and knowledge of how we can protect it.
9. COASTAL EXPLORER DAYS
This is the ultimate off-the-beaten-track experience for adults and families. Coastal Explorer Days offer a unique and unparalleled blend of coasteering, kayaking, coastal foraging and fishing. We can’t think of a better way to bring together all the best activities in Pembrokeshire.
10. CANOEING
Okay, this isn’t strictly a coastal activity, but it had to make it to the top 10. And as they say, all rivers lead to the sea! Take a full day exploring the beautiful Cleddau or Teifi estuary by open canoe, carving a path through Pembrokeshire’s heart, through woodland and tidal river beaches amidst herons, egrets, grebes, and perhaps the blue flash of a kingfisher.
