
Where can I go coasteering in Salcombe?
We have written before about the magic of seeing the South Hams from the water, but for those looking for a completely different perspective and a chance to get even closer to the landscape, coasteering might be just the activity you’re after. With Salcombe’s spectacular coastline brimming with beaches, hidden caves, and hard-to-reach coves, those with a spirit for adventure will love the opportunity to blend nature, adrenaline, and lots of fun.

What is coasteering?
Coasteering is a sport that combines different elements including cliff scrambling, sea swimming, jumping, and navigating rocky shorelines. It’s essentially coastal climbing – fusing the words ‘coast’ and ‘mountaineering’ the term is a pretty accurate description of the activity.
Wearing helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids, it’s unlike any other coastal sport, seeing you navigate the space between land and sea, often being submerged in water, exploring off the proverbial beaten track, and being up close and personal with nature.
Whether you’re jumping into the waves, exploring sea caves, or scaling cliffs, coasteering is all about embracing the elements and challenging yourself with the help of knowledgeable guidance.

Why is Salcombe a coasteering hotspot?
Salcombe’s main attraction is definitely the landscape – it’s iconic in its shape and beauty, transforming with the seasons and always offering something new to discover no matter how many times you visit. This is a part of the world where you simply must spend time outside, otherwise you’re missing a trick. For many that’s a stroll along the South West Coast Path or a dip in the sea, but for those who want to see the world through a different lens, coasteering is the way forward.
Set in the South Devon AONB, it’s that dramatic natural setting with an immense amount of wildlife that makes Salcombe perfect for coasteering adventures. Those who try coasteering in Salcombe are in for a treat, discovering rugged cliffs and coves, idyllic hidden pools and caves, and a world of diverse marine life that shifts with the tides and weather.
Top spots for coasteering near Salcombe
If you’re looking for dramatic beauty spots in Salcombe, you’re spoiled for choice, but local specialists will make sure to find you the best places to explore on any given day, not only depending on the location itself, but the weather, tides, time of year, and your level of experience. Some of the top spots include:

Salcombe
In Salcombe itself, the team at Adventure South offer coasteering suitable for entry level adventurers including beginners and children. Setting off from the gorgeous North Sands beach by the famous Winking Prawn restaurant, it includes jumps up to five metres, and an exhilarating exploration of natural treasures such as gullies, channels, caves and rocky ledges.

Start Point
Start Point is best known for its lighthouse, which dates to 1836, and juts out over Start Bay on a corner of the South West Coast Path, making it a spectacular point for spotting wildlife like dolphins or seals. Adventure South invites you to enjoy intermediate level coasteering with jumps up to eight metres, for three hours of adventure. Sea-n-Shore is another local provider also offering coasteering from Start Point. Swim in the sea, scramble over the rocks, explore sea caves, and experience the power of Mother Nature.
Photo credit: South Devon National Landscape

Gara Rock
Gara Rock on East Portlemouth is perhaps best known for its eponymous hotel, which also serves superb tea and cake – worth noting for after your adventure. Across the estuary from Salcombe, it’s a real beauty spot, with a wild landscape, quiet beaches, and spectacular views. For advanced level coasteering, Gara Rock is a magnificent place to rock jump, play in the swell, and enjoy plenty of adrenaline. Again, the team at Adventure South offer guided sessions with jumps up to 10 metres on a 3.5 hour experience suitable for those over the age of 14.
What should I expect when coasteering in Salcombe?
The main thing to expect when coasteering in Salcombe is to have a lot of fun. For the more trepidatious amongst us, it can push us a little beyond our comfort zones, but local guides are pros at keeping you safe and helping you navigate this different side of a Salcombe holiday.
Expect to spend time in the water, discover nature in a way you never have before, and gain a whole new appreciation for the power of the sea. There’s jumping, swimming, climbing, shimmying, and even a few quiet moments to observe the world around you.
When you book coasteering, your guides will advise you about what you need to bring and what’s provided. However, as a rule of thumb you should expect to bring your own shoes, a warm change of clothes, swimwear, a towel and a bottle of water. Guides will provide Professional assistance, wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets, a safety briefing and routes tailored to your experience level.

Tips before you go coasteering
The main thing to do before you go coasteering is to be open to the experience. Perhaps you’re super excited about it, or maybe you’re a little nervous – either way you will have a wonderful time. Some of the things you can do to be prepared include:
1. Be prepared to get wet
Even on calm days, part of the experience being by the sea is taking a few splashes! A good wetsuit and sturdy footwear are essential to enjoying the experience.
2. Choose a reputable operator
Safety is key, so having a trusty guide is really important for making sure you have a good time in safe hands. Make sure your coasteering provider has qualified guides, safety gear, and good reviews.
3. Check the weather and the tides
Naturally your guide will do this for you, but conditions can change quickly on the coast, so be prepared for plans to be made around tides and swell for a safe and exciting experience, or to make changes if necessary. Always respect the ocean.
4. Bring a sense of adventure
The coasteering experience can incorporate lots of different elements, with some sections offering more of a challenge than others. Stay positive, listen to your guides, keep an open mind, and enjoy every moment.

Who can try coasteering?
A little known fact is that while coasteering seems like something only the highly qualified should engage in, with the right guidance and expertise to make sure the level of activity is suitable, coasteering is actually a great activity for children (generally over the age of eight), families, couples, and groups of friends, from beginners to experts. A great way to spend time together, learn new skills, and discover new experience, helpful attributes include:
- Proficient swimming skills
- Moderate fitness levels
- An adventurous spirit
- Lots of energy
An adventure for thrill seekers & adventure lovers
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer wanting to add a little adrenaline to your holiday, or you simply want to try something different, coasteering around Salcombe is a unique way to explore and make the most of your surroundings. Combining scenery, a physical challenge, and seaside fun in one of the most beautiful parts of the South West, it’s the ultimate experience – not to mention a great photo opportunity.
Want to find the perfect place to relax after your big adventure? Finest Stays invites you to stay in some of the most spectacular locations by the sea, with a Salcombe holiday cottage for every occasion, whether you’re on a family holiday or a group getaway.
