Pembrokeshire is the UK’s only coastal National Park, and we’ve got 186 glorious miles of beaches, coves, islands, inlets and caves to explore! And how better to do it than to jump right into one of the many Pembrokeshire watersports adventures on offer? With adventure companies popping up all over this pretty peninsula, there’s an aquatic activity for everyone. We dare you to pop on a wetsuit and give one of these six fabulous Pembrokeshire watersports a go.
coasteering
What?
We had to start our list of Pembrokeshire watersports with this activity as it originated right here on the shores of the St Davids Peninsula. Coasteering is a thrill-seeking combination of adventure swimming, cliff scrambling and jumping or diving – a wetsuit is a must as this sport is not for those who want to keep their hair dry!
Where?
There are many spots around Pembrokeshire where coasteering takes place, none as popular as the steep and stunning cliffs, rocks and man-made plateaus around Abereiddy (also known as The Blue Lagoon).
Who?
These companies all offer packages for families, children, school groups, stag and hen groups and corporate days out.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
What?
Explore the Pembrokeshire coastline while testing your balance and having a real giggle with a day of stand up paddle boarding! The first part of your adventure is sure to be filled with hilarity as you find your feet on the water. Once you’ve mastered that bit, which doesn’t take long, you’ll love discovering the coast from an elevated position. Look down through clear waters to see what you can see.
Where?
Experiences run from Porthclais, Solva, Newgale and other spots around the St Davids Peninsula.
Who?
Wild Swimming
What:
Anyone who’s spent time on the UK coast will know that this is not a new recreation. It has, however, gained immense popularity due to its incredible health benefits such as better circulation, a boost to the immune system and a sure-fire way to have a great night’s sleep. It may not seem like a thrill-seeker’s activity, but braving the bracingly cold waters of Pembrokeshire in just your bathers takes guts!
Where:
When the tide is high, the beautiful long harbour at Solva is the perfect place to take a sheltered dip. Whitesands beach is a lovely place to swim if you don’t mind some wave jumping! The Blue Lagoon is a sunken mine that has succumbed to the sea – less rough than open water if that’s not your thing.
Who:
The Bluetits are an international community of swimmers that originated in Pembrokeshire! They love the thrill of cold water on their skin and the feeling of community that swimming together gives them. The group is informal, fun, and welcomes anyone who wants to give cold water swimming a try when visiting Pembrokeshire. Visit The North Pembrokeshire Bluetits Facebook group to find out details of the next swim. Go for it!
Surfing
What?
Rugged coastline teamed with the wild Irish sea makes for some fantastic surf conditions, and there’s plenty of companies that will hire boards, wetsuits and give lessons. It’s not unusual to see campervans topped with boards in almost every beach car park in Pembrokeshire all year round. People from across the world make a pilgrimage to partake in this most popular of Pembrokeshire watersports.
Where?
The 2-mile open stretch of beach backed by pebble bank at Newgale is paradise for surfers. Equally as popular, but a little more saturated with families in the summer is Whitesands Beach, a mere mile from St Davids city centre.
Who?
Kayaking
What?
With such a vast amount of sea to explore, those who choose to kayak the coastline around St Davids will be spoilt for choice. This stunning way of moving across the water can also provide the best views and opportunities to explore the coast in far more depth than from a surfboard or a boat. Sea kayaking is one of our favourite Pembrokeshire watersports – won’t you give it a try this year?
Where?
With so many inlets, caves and islands to explore, the sea’s your limit! Keep an eye out for some playful dolphins, too.
One of the most challenging stretches to kayak around these parts are The Bitches, a set of treacherous rocks between Ramsey Island and the mainland. We think we’ll leave that to the whitewater kayaking professionals, though!
Who?
Boat Trips
What?
OK, so technically this isn’t a watersport, but it would have been a travesty to leave this off our list of aquatic activities. The islands surrounding St Davids Head – namely Ramsey, Skockholm and Skomer – as well as their smaller siblings, offer many opportunities for birdwatching, dolphin spotting and occasionally, the sight of a passing whale. This is a fantastic way to see this stunning coastline from a completely different angle and is a great way to pass an afternoon with the family.
Where?
All of the main boat trips leave from St Justinians, home of the St Davids Lifeboat Station and 2 miles north-west of St Davids.
Who?
So there you have it. Whether your a wetsuit-clad kayaker or a bathing suit wild swimmer, there’s a type of Pembrokeshire watersports to suit everyone. So there’s no excuse not to get your kit off and get in there!
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