Water Based Activities

The English Riviera is set around a large horseshoe shaped bay and sheltered by the rolling hills of Dartmoor - both of which provides a warm microclimate, and safe, shallow waters. Our long sandy beaches, secluded coves and crystal clear waters create a mediterrean vibe, and mean that water-based activities are the favourite thing to do for both locals and visitors here in Devon's Beautiful Bay. 

There are plenty of activity providers who offer beginners lessons, equipment hire, and guided trips for all.  With sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, speedboat trips, coasteering and scuba diving all available, you'll find something for everyone here on the English Riviera.

Kayaking

Tor Bay is heaven for canoeing and kayaking with open waters, sea caves and secret passages to explore. 

The Reach Outdoors Adventure Centre offers single and tandem kayak hire and is based at the Seashore Centre near the beach at Goodrington.  You can also try their Torbay Kayak Tours using sit-on-top kayaks, which are perfect for those new to the water.  There are short 1.5 hour tours, half day and full day tours and a picnic lunch can be provided. 

For those looking for a real adventure guided by the experts, join Reach Outdoors wild camp kayak expeditions where you will explore sea caves around Berry Head and Sharkham Point, catch and cook your supper, and sleep on a remote beach. Protective clothing and safety equipment is provided.

Other kayaking providers include include the IBEX Canoe Club at Brixham. 

Paddleboarding

The calm, sheltered waters of Tor Bay are perfect for those learning to paddleboard or those looking for their next paddleboarding adventure. 

In Torquay, WeSUP based on Torre Abbey sands and Torquay Harbour is the place to go for paddleboarding.  WeSUP offer private and beginner lessons, 1 hour SUP hire, and all day SUP hire.  They also offer weekly and monthly events that are fully inclusive so if you’re new to paddling, worried about keeping up or worried about being good enough, don’t be!  It is not a competitive club, but instead is all about sharing unique social experiences. 

Other paddleboarding providers include Reach Outdoors based at the Seashore Centre at Goodrington.

Coasteering

For adrenaline lovers, coasteering is hugely exciting way to see the bay.  You’ll head along the rocky outcrops on the English Riviera’s beautiful coastline, scrambling along on foot, swimming and jumping from exhilarating heights.  See the coast as you’ve never seen it before and come back buzzing.  Reach Outdoors offer a half day tour which includes all equipment and guiding. With guides to keep you safe, and ease you out of your comfort zone (should you be looking for more of a challenge), an afternoon coasteering on the English Riviera is one you'll definitely remember!

Scuba Diving

The English Riviera's waters are shallow and easy for qualified beginner divers to make their first independent dives in open water. With a treasure trove of marine species, a range of habitats and crystal clear waters, its easy to see why scuba diving is popular here. There is plenty of seagrass around Tor Bay which are a protected habitat, and here you'll find cuttlefish laying their eggs, pipefish hiding away and young fish, seeking protection from larger predators.

Providers include Dive Torquay based on Meadfoot Beach, Torbay BSAC based at Torquay Harbour and Divers Down on Babbacombe Road.

Sailing

The calm waters of Tor Bay are a wonderful place to learn to sail on dinghies, yachts and motorboats.

Torbay Sea School in Brixham offers a wide range of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) yachting courses from Start Sailing and Competent Crew to Yachtmaster.  They also offer powerboat tuition. 

Paignton Sailing Club offers dinghy sailing with a selection of RYA courses from beginners to more advanced sailing with spinnakers – courses for adults and juniors. 

The Disabled Sailing Association based in Torquay is a non-profit-making service run for the disabled by the disabled and gives you the chance to participate as fully as you are able in a seagoing sailing experience.

The Brixham Yacht Club and the Royal Torbay Yacht Club host many prestigious championships throughout the year.

Heritage Trawlers

With Brixham's history of heritage trawlers, its no surprise that there are a number of heritage vessels moored in the Bay.  You can try sailing on Vigilance of Brixham, a restored 78-foot heritage sailing ketch based in Brixham.  They offer the excitement of sailing a classic yacht on morning, afternoon or evening sailing trips. 

Adrenaline seekers

For those looking for something a bit different, a trip on the UK's fastest RIB ribe is a must! Torquay Watersports' flagship 12m vessel 'Raptor' offers a 30 minute high speed trip around the bay and is the ultimate RIB Ride! Or try out their waterbikes to experience something different.

Swimming

Go for a dip in the sea, or if you'd like somewhere to take the kids and relax, a trip to the seawater lido, Shoalstone in Brixham is perfect for families. Naturally filled by the sea, and run by volunteers, Shoalstone is free to visit, but it is requested to make a donation. With beautiful views across the bay, changing rooms, space to sunbathe, and railings around the edge, its a great place to kick back and relax, knowing that your children are swimming safely.