8 Best Kayaking Spots in Pembrokeshire (2025)

Ramsey Island & St Justinian's

The ultimate Pembrokeshire paddle — tidal races, sea caves, seals, and island crossings.

The waters around Ramsey Island offer the most complete sea kayaking experience in Pembrokeshire. The Bitches — a notorious tidal race in Ramsey Sound — provides white-water kayaking in the sea (experienced paddlers only). The island's western cliffs are riddled with sea caves, arches, and blowholes. Grey seals haul out on the rocks year-round, and the island crossing is a genuine adventure. This is world-class sea kayaking.

Tenby & Caldey Island

Pastel-coloured harbour, limestone cliffs, and a monastery island — the most scenic paddle in South Pembrokeshire.

Launching from Tenby's North Beach and paddling around the headland to St Catherine's Island, then out towards Caldey Island, is one of the most scenic paddles in Wales. The limestone cliffs and arches around Tenby are stunning from the water, and Caldey Island — home to Cistercian monks — is accessible by kayak with care. The sheltered harbour makes it accessible to intermediate paddlers, while the open-water crossing to Caldey provides a genuine challenge.

Saundersfoot to Monkstone Point

Sheltered, scenic, and seal-rich. The best beginner sea kayaking in Pembrokeshire.

This sheltered stretch of coast between Saundersfoot and Tenby is ideal for first-time sea kayakers. The limestone cliffs are beautiful, with small caves and arches accessible at the right tide. Seals frequently appear along the coast. The beach launches at both ends make logistics easy, and there are cafés and pubs in both Saundersfoot and Tenby for post-paddle rewards. Low-commitment, high-reward paddling.

Fishguard Bay & Strumble Head

Wild, remote, and rich with wildlife. Proper sea kayaking for experienced paddlers.

The coast around Fishguard and Strumble Head is wilder and more exposed than South Pembrokeshire, which makes it more rewarding for experienced paddlers. Fishguard's Lower Town harbour provides a sheltered launch point, and from there you can explore the dramatic cliffs towards Strumble Head. Porpoises are regularly spotted in the tidal flows, and grey seal colonies dot the coastline. This feels like proper adventure sea kayaking.

Stackpole Quay & Barafundle Bay

Paddle to one of the best beaches in Britain — Barafundle is even more stunning from the water.

The Stackpole coastline is jaw-dropping from any angle, but from a kayak it's extraordinary. Launch from Stackpole Quay and paddle west past limestone sea stacks, arches, and crystal-clear water to Barafundle Bay — regularly voted one of the best beaches in Britain. Land on the beach, have lunch, then paddle back. The limestone geology creates spectacular features at water level that you simply can't see from the coast path above.

River Teifi (Cilgerran Gorge)

Swap the sea for a stunning river gorge with a ruined castle and otter sightings.

Not all Pembrokeshire kayaking is on the sea. The River Teifi at Cilgerran Gorge offers a completely different experience — paddling through a narrow, wooded gorge beneath the atmospheric ruins of Cilgerran Castle. The river is tidal here, creating changing conditions throughout the day. Otters are present (though rarely seen), and the atmosphere in the gorge is magical. It's a perfect complement to sea kayaking and accessible to beginners.

Skomer Island Circuit

Puffins, Manx shearwaters, and the most spectacular island circumnavigation in Wales.

Paddling around Skomer Island is a bucket-list sea kayaking experience. The island hosts one of the largest puffin colonies in southern Britain (April-July), plus Manx shearwaters, razorbills, and guillemots. The cliffs are dramatic, the sea caves excellent, and the open-water crossing from Martin's Haven adds genuine adventure. This is a full-day expedition that requires experience and favourable conditions — but when it all comes together, it's unforgettable.

Newport Bay & Cwm yr Eglwys

A peaceful bay with a ruined church on the shore and seals around every headland.

Newport Bay in North Pembrokeshire is a sheltered, beautiful bay that's perfect for a relaxed paddle. The ruined church at Cwm yr Eglwys (destroyed by a storm in 1859, with only the belfry standing) is atmospheric from the water. Paddle east towards Dinas Head for wilder coastline and likely seal encounters. The bay's shelter makes it suitable for less experienced paddlers while the headlands provide challenge for those who want it.