What is coasteering? (And where you can try it)

One of the latest adrenalin sports to pop up in the UK, Coasteering is a fun activity which absolutely anybody can try – you just have to be brave enough to take the plunge! Whether you’re a family looking for a memorable day out, someone with a taste for water sports, or someone with a lot of extreme sports experience, we give you the lowdown what is involved and where you can try it. Beginning with the most important question, ‘what is coasteering?’

Coasteering

Coasteering as a commercial venture began in Pembrokeshire in Wales, and basically involves navigating around rocky coastlines sticking mostly to the region between the high and low tide marks. It can involve several different sporting elements, but most commonly it is a mix of rock climbing, swimming and cliff jumping. The jumping is the part most people get nervous or excited about – you will be jumping from cliff faces into open sea water! The jumps usually range between 1 and 10 metres high, but with an experienced guide they are perfectly safe and no one will ever be pushed beyond what they are comfortable doing. There are always alternative routes for people who decide they don’t want to do a particular jump. Once in the water you progress by either swimming or climbing up rocks.

Health and Safety

As a rule, there are a minimum of 2 guides per group, and groups over 14 people require more than 2 guides. There is also certain equipment that you need, including a suitable water helmet, wetsuit, buoyancy aid and suitable footwear. In colder times of year you may also wish to bring a few extra layers of clothing for the start of your session – once you start properly Coasteering the adrenalin will keep you warm, but the start can be chilly!

All activity centres offering Coasteering sessions will be able to provide equipment, though it’s worth checking before you go whether they charge for this service or not.

Where can I try it?

You can take part in coasteering all over the UK. The most popular destinations for the sport are Wales, Cornwall, Dorset.  Anyone can try coasteering, and the minimum age for children varies from around 8-10 years old.  There is no maximum age! Below we outline some places to try it.

Cornwall

Vertical Descents is a Newquay-based company offering coasteering in many different parts of Cornwall – including St Austell Bay, Penzance and St Ives. They offer 3 hour sessions including transport from your accommodation. The Newquay base has hot and cold shower facilities too. This company also offers photographs of your experience. A session costs £45 per person. 

Dorset

Land & Wave are an activity company offering coasteering from two Dorset locations, Dancing Ledge and Durdle Door – the second of which is a famous natural site which many people travel to Dorset to see. Their base is only a 25-minute drive from Poole, so it’s handy for most people camping near the Dorset coastline. Sessions cost around £50 per session, but larger families and groups may enjoy the fact that groups over 6 pay £42 per person. They run sessions every day of the week and offer free video footage of your Coasteering adventure.

Wales

Wales probably has the best choice of Coasteering opportunities. There are several companies offering the activity up and down the coastline – from Glamorgan to Anglesey.

Preseli Venture is one example from the Pembrokeshire coastline. The company offers half day sessions for a very reasonable £40 per person, or if you decide you love the sport they also offer ‘Wicked Liquid’ weekends for over £200. Preseli Venture are licensed by the National Trust meaning they have a unique level of access to the best rural locations. This is great for nature lovers, as they can see secluded coves and natural rock arches, plus wildlife such as grey seals!

Coasteering is a sport growing in size and popularity. With the excitement of the day out to the exhilaration of completing a terrifying jump, it’s no wonder people return to try it again and again.