Welcome to the wonderful Coastal Activities around South Devon that can be accessed from the new luxury accommodation at Hillfield Cottages & Country House. The area boast over a diverse selection of water sport within easy travelling distance, the following are a selected few. For more information click on business name to link their web site where available. Travelling time from Hillfields taken from the “AA” route planner is shown in brackets.
“Featured picture from the Discovery Surf School”.
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Dart Harbour Tide Tables
Admiralty EasyTide
Whether you're in the sea, on the sea or near the sea, Admiralty EasyTide will quickly provide you with valuable tidal information to help you make the most of your time. Tidal predictions for the current day and the next consecutive 6 are provided free of charge.
It’s Adventure South West
Welcome to our new guide to the best adventure activity holidays in South West England.
Whatever you enjoy, from surfing to sailing, mountain biking to micro-lighting or canoeing, you'll find information on the best places to go and all the best activity providers in the region. Ideal for planning an adrenaline filled break, whether you are planning to go kite-surfing in Cornwall, 4x4 driving in Devon, diving in Dorset, mountain biking in Somerset, parascending in Wiltshire or canoeing in Gloucestershire!
Dartmouth Harbour & Navigation Authority 01803 832337
VHF Channel 11 – Call sign "DARTNAV dhna@dartharbour.org.uk
Dart House, Oxford Street, Dartmouth, The River Dart in South Devon is one of the finest natural Harbours in the British Isles “An ideal and attractive stopover for yachts on passage between the Solent or Channel Isles and destinations further west. With time to spare, visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery in the upper reaches of the River Dart"
Brixham Harbour & Navigation Authority 01803 851854
New Fish Quay, Brixham, TQ5 8AJ, Fax: 01803 852434 01803 550405
Emergency (or out of hours) Opening Hours: 0900 - 1700 (Weekdays); 1000 – 1300 (Weekends). It was in the Middle Ages that Brixham established itself as a major fishing port and by 1850 it was said to be the largest fishery in England. Today the character and rich heritage of Brixham is there for all to see. So too are its narrow street with rows of fisherman's cottages, back alleys and caves which made the port a haven for smugglers. A spectacular replica of Francis Drake's famous ship stands proudly in the harbour and welcomes visitors onboard. Along the sails, masts and rigging you'll get a feel for life at sea in the 16th century, and below deck there are scenes of life at sea; as it used to be.
Salcombe Harbour & Navigation Authority 01548 843791 Fax no: 01548 842033 Whitestrand, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8BU, salcombe.harbour@southhams.gov.uk
One of the most beautiful sailing and fishing centres in the world, Salcombe Harbour offers a safe haven to visiting yachts. Apart from the sizeable local shell fishing fleet, there is no commercial traffic. Yacht and small craft moorings are concentrated into certain dedicated areas, leaving a large proportion of the many creeks unspoilt as a natural habitat for an abundance of wildlife. There is no river flowing into the "estuary" from Kingsbridge and so the Harbour is, in fact, a salt water sea inlet. A number of superb, clean and sandy beaches are situated towards the Harbour entrance. A wide selection of outdoor pursuits, including cliff walks, golf, tennis, horse riding, swimming and virtually all water sports are available in the area.
KITE SURFING
Sea Breeze Sports 01548 851247
Torcross, Slapton Sands, Kingsbridge,Devon, TQ7 2TQ
Sea Breeze Sports provides the kind of coastal experiences that challenge the body, inspire the mind, and awaken the spirit. Breath in the sea air, feel the wind on your face, open your eyes to the beauty of it all and let the adrenalin surge through your veins. Zapcating and kite surfing are without doubt the two most exhilarating waterbourne activities that mankind ever dreamt up. Despite first appearances both of these sports have excellent safety records and with professional supervision can be enjoyed safely. Both are truly accessible sports, with participants of all ages and gender.
Edge Water Sports Exmouth 01395 222551 / 07887 882866
Edge kite-surfing, power-kiting and land boarding provides all the tuition, advice and kit that you need. With tuition ratios low and instruction on the Exe estuary & sea, we have all wind directions covered. Check out the web-cam over the "Duck Pond" (www.edgewatersports.com). Trips around the South West with top ladies kite-board rider & 'North' sponsored - Steph Bridge. Spinakers Sailing Centre also continues to provide quality dinghy sailing and powerboat tuition. The right price with good quality kit.
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SURFING
Guide to Surf Beaches on the South Devon Coast
The main named spot between Plymouth and Start Point is Bantham. However, there are several secret and semi-secret spots along this stretch of coast. To find them you will need to do some exploring using an Ordnance Survey map.
A1Surf
SJ, JB and Soul Surfer got together in 2000 and decided to combine their talents to provide the best and latest surfing information in the UK through A1Surf.com for the benefit of the British surfing community. A1Surf Limited was incorporated as a private company in December 2001, Company Number 4333084. Based on SJ's legendary Surf Forecast for the South West, A1Surf now includes Soulsurfer's BRITISH ISLES Surf Prospects, and a wealth of daily surf reporters and webcams nationwide.
Bantham South Devon:
The Beach: - Arguably the most consistent break on the south coast of the UK, but it does get crowded.
Bigbury on Sea South Devon
The Beach: - Great for surfing, windsurfing, canoeing and body boarding, particularly at high tide.
Discovery Surf School 07813 639 622
Discovery Surf School provides professional coaching for all ages and levels, with an emphasis on safe, quality tuition in small groups. Learn to surf in safety with a beginner course, improver lesson or develop your surfing skills with an advanced coaching session. Lessons are available all year round at Bigbury on-Sea on the South Devon Coast, although the beach location can change depending on wind and swell conditions
DIVING
Diventure Salcombe 01548 843663 07974 910878
Tuckers Marine, Brewery Quay, Island Street, Salcombe TQ8 8DP: Email: richard@diventure.net
Diventure Salcombe is the premier PADI dive centre of South Devon. We offer a full diving service: PADI courses and specialities, dive trips, RIB charter, air and Nitrox to 232 bar full equipment rental, dive shop, mountain bike hire. Diventure caters for all levels of experience and other diving associations.
Salcombe Scuba 01548 843243
The Fo´c´sle, Onslow Road, Salcombe TQ8 8AH Email: tedbonner@lineone.net
Complete beginner or seasoned diver, the clear waters around Salcombe and Salcombe Scuba have something to suit everybody. Dive trips aboard our MCA licensed Rib, equipment rental and dive guide available • PADI Recreational diving course • Scuba taster sessions Contact Ted and Christine Bonner.
SEA FISHING
Phoenix Charters Ltd 01548 842840, 07855 315770 www.phoenixcharters.co.uk
A variety of sea angling is provided by Phoenix Charters out of Salcombe. This fast, comfortable boat accommodates both large and small fishing parties for most types of fishing. The skipper, a member of the Salcombe RNLI, is experienced and knowledgeable of local waters and of fishing grounds and wrecks.
Anglo Dawn 01548 856666 or 07967 387657
11 SE5 of Salcombe, Fishing and Boat trips.
BOAT HIRE
Dartmouth Boat Hire 01803 835034 or mobile 0385 976433
You may hire wooden motorized boats, all built locally I believe, and available for hours, days or whatever. As well as puttering about on the river, you can take them fishing or explore all the way up river to Totnes. Boats come equipped with fuel and everything as part of the price.
Stonefisher Charters Plymouth (67 min)
Rob Matson 07723 053134
Stonefisher Charters, based at the Queen Anne’s Battery Marina in Plymouth, Devon. If you are looking for self-drive hire of quality fishing boats for the best fishing grounds in the UK, then you’ve found the right site!
Tuckers Boat Hire 01548 842840 Mobile: 07855 315770
Tuckers Boat Hire has been established in Salcombe for many decades. The fleet caters for most needs by offering a variety of boats with both inboard and outboard engines. Our boats are used by holidaymakers and fishermen alike and are available for weekly hire, for use within the estuary.
Salcombe Yacht Charter 01548 844153 or 07974 802986
Day, weekend or week charters.
Salcombe Dingy Sailing 01548 842786
Sailing Boat Hire Adult & Children’s Sailing Tuition, Sailing from Whitestrand pontoon in the middle of Salcombe, Pick-ups available from East Portlemouth beaches, RYA Qualified Instructors. AALA Licensed.
Whitestrand Boat Hire 01548 843818
Whitestrand Car Park, Salcombe
Situated on Whitestrand Quay in Salcombe, one of the UK's premier sailing and watersports locations, Whitestrand Boat Hire is ideally positioned to offer everything you need to have fun afloat! Whitestrand Boat Hire is a combination of three independent businesses, each offering their own specialised water based facilities - all of which can be booked either by phone or by visiting the convenient Booking Office, right on the Quay.
BOAT CHARTERS
Greenway Cruises (32 min) 01803 844 010
'The Greenway Ferry has been running for over 1000 years. The ferry is still summoned by ringing the bell on either side of the river. The ferry has progressed from being rowed and horse drawn. We now run using an engine but sometimes think we would prefer a horse! Certainly lots of the Children would! Dittisham - A Wonderful quaint village with views to die for. Spring, summer, autumn or winter. ‘The Ferry Boat Inn’ pub has charm whenever you visit. Enjoy a drink with lunch or supper made from local produce. Warm up by the log fire in the winter. Dittisham links with several river dart walks including the new John Musgrave Heritage Trail and the Dart Valley Trail. The children’s epicentre of fantastic crabbing on the pontoon! Greenway. Whatever the occasion or event, from wedding parties and champagne trips to corporate events, the Greenway Quay company can put together a tailor made cruise to any destination on the river Dart using any of our boats. We specialise in private family outings for that special private occasion.
Falcon of Dartmouth Boat Charters 07970 759172
Falcon of Dartmouth Boat Charter is based in the picturesque estuary of the River Dart in South Devon. New for 2005, the boat and its owner/skipper Tony Hoile provides either: South Devon Coastal and River Dart Estuary Explorations for small groups of 4 - 12 passengers viewing the superb scenery and wildlife at a leisurely pace; or Private charters for sub-aqua diving groups around the South Devon coast exploring the wrecks and scenic reefs. Fully licensed and equipped boat with a very experienced skipper and diver/diving instructor. Falcon will be available from early March to late October on a regular basis, but the boat is available throughout the year by arrangement - if it's a nice day it's worth a trip! Also available over Christmas and New Year Periods (apart from Christmas Day unless you bring the goose!)
All Seasons Boat Charter 07789 251251
“All Seasons Boat Charter” is the dream turned reality by Ian and Pete, with the purchase of "Late Arrival", a luxury 42 foot Sealine yacht. Moored at Noss Marina, Dartmouth, we have created a wonderful opportunity for you to be able to enjoy a luxury boating experience. Whether you are after a calm and tranquil day at sea or the Adrenalin pumping excitement of Late Arrivals speed, we are here to turn your boating dreams into reality.
Dartmouth Yacht Cruise School 01803 863162
We offer a wide range of sailing opportunities from MCA/RYA Authorised Practical and theory training courses. Adventure Holidays from different locations and Skipper or bareboat Yacht charter - YCA bond 95093. We have a range of vessels to choose from in Dartmouth, in England's beautiful west country sailing to Brittany S/W France. In the Greek Islands as well as the Canary Isles. We even have our own 42 ft yacht in Florida USA.
All of our Yachts are equipped to RYA Dpt. YBDSA, YCA, MCA Standards to ensure your time onboard is both pleasurable and safe.
The Picnic Boat 01803 752625 Mobile 07968 752625
The Picnic Boat operates on the beautiful River Dart in Devon. The river itself is steeped in history, abundant in wildlife and incredibly stunning in all seasons. We are licensed for 12 passengers. Owner and operator Liz Ogborne grew up sailing on the River Dart. She later trained as a Norland nanny but it was her love of boats that put a temporary end to her nannying as she worked on yachts and hospitality in Australia, the Caribbean and the UK. She then trained in several tickets including RYA Yachtmaster, Boatman’s License, VHF, Sea Survival and First Aid qualifications. Years later she decided to settle back home and start a business of her own, hence The Picnic Boat, the first in Devon of its kind! Cruises can be individually tailored but there are plenty of other options available. You may choose either a private charter and select your menu, or join the boat for an open to all, at a great price. We can cater for the very young, the old and all those in-between! Pirate parties for children are a speciality and are very popular.
African Queen 07885 246061
Fishing and family adventure trips. Owned and run by husband and wife team, Alan & Hilary Hemsley, both experienced skippers. The African Queen offers a variety of pleasant trips, ranging from 2 hour evening trips, half days to weekly charters. Try an evening picnic party or a half day fishing trip, have a fun trip along the coast with friends and family. Catch a Mackerel or catch a Shark, see a Dolphin.
River Link 01803 834488
We offer pleasure boat cruises and trips up and down the River Dart, from Dartmouth to Totnes. Our passenger vessels, now including the Baltic Star, are also available for hire, and are ideal for parties, company promotions or wedding receptions. We operate all year round and all of our boats have excellent facilities. The River Dart is one of the most spectacular estuaries in the British Isles, in terms of scenic beauty, natural wildlife and also historic interest. One of the best ways to enjoy the river is from a pleasure boat trip and we are proud to run the largest boats on the river.
During the year, and especially during the Summer, we operate a number of special cruises with themes, Dixieland Riverboat Shuffle, Sunday Lunch, Wildlife Cruises. Due their demand it is recommended that tickets should be purchased in advance. Tickets may be obtained from our office and riverside kiosks or we would be happy to reserve them for you for pick up on the vessel itself. Please feel free to enquire via email! sales@riverlink.co.uk
River Link Round Robin
River Link Round Robin is a unique circular tour using our own integrated transport system. You are invited to commence the tour at any point, for example join the Steam Train at Paignton and travel to Kingswear, cross to Dartmouth on the Passenger Ferry and select your River Dart Cruise to Totnes. Our River Link bus service 100 completes the tour from Steamer Quay Totnes to Paignton. Let us help you to plan your itinerary. Round Robin tickets include all transportation costs (Steam Train, Ferry, River Cruise and Bus) great value for all the family. You can stop off at any point along the way to explore the area before you travel on to the next stage. River Link bus 100 operates as a normal bus service and observes all bus stops between Paignton and Totnes. Round Robin tickets can be purchased on the bus, from the Steam Railway at Paignton, Stagecoach travel shops or from the River Link offices at Totnes or Dartmouth.
Escape Charters 01803 872000
Realise your ultimate dream aboard Nojokin enquiries@escapecharters.co.uk Whether you want to escape your daily routine, spend quality time with family and friends, celebrate a special occasion or just have a wonderful experience to remember we can offer luxury motorboat charter and mini cruises unrivalled anywhere in the West Country. Based in Brixham we can take you to many ports and estuaries along the South Devon and Cornwall coast, we also cruise to the Channel Islands and French Brittany coast. From the moment you step aboard our brand new luxury motor cruiser, you will receive a breathtaking experience. Available for Bespoke Day, Corporate Day, Water sports Day, Mini Cruises, Part Day, and Evening Charters - Firework Displays, Buffet, and Barbecue at Anchor.
Dartyacht Skippered Day Charters 01803 770930 or 07729 172977
Day sailing trips tailored to suit your sailing abilities - from complete novice to the more experienced sailor aboard an 11 metre Blue Water cruising yacht - the Enchantress
Coastal and Estury Trips on the Joseph Soar 01548 843818
Wheelchair Access, Fully Licensed for Charters, Individual trips or group hire, Hourly departures from 11am. Enjoy a trip around Prawle Point, the Second most southerly point in the UK and see Salcombe and the Estuary from the former St David's lifeboat the Joseph Soar. All enquiries and bookings please contact Whitestrand Boat Hire, situated by the car park in the centre of Salcombe or call for enquires and booking.
Torbay Belle
Information and booking 01803 528555
Aboard the largest passenger ship in torbay, a whole range of cruises are available. How about a trip to Dartmouth from Torbay along the spectacular coastline. Combine a trip to Dartmouth with a trip on the Steam Railway at Kingswear. How about enjoying a summer's evening aboard the boat enjoying the sunset at Livermead then cruising past Torre Abbey, Paignton, Goodrington and Broadsands to see the illuminations that decorate Torbay's spectacular coastline. Torbay Belle can also be hired for special occassions - call for details!
Tamar Sailing 01752 840599 info@tamarsail.co.uk
A TamarSail expedition usually takes 3 hours. All trips start from Saltash, but then, given suitable tide and wind, the choice is yours. Whichever direction you go, the views are excellent and there is little other traffic to disturb the peace. On the River Tamar, itself, you can sail upstream past the mouth of the River Tavy, past picturesque Cargeen to Weir Quay. Leave behind the sound of traffic on the bridge and sail past wooded hillsides and gentle open farmland.
Canoe Adventures 01803 865301
Our unique 12-seat Voyageur open canoe Cheemaun offers luxury canoeing. With twelve seats, including expert helmsman Phil Sheardown, Cheemaun offers easy canoeing in safety and comfort for groups of 6 to 11 persons of any age. Smaller groups can be accommodated by special arrangement. No previous experience is required. Buoyancy aids, paddles and necessary equipment are provided. Wear clothes to suit the weather. Trips to suit you! Canoeing is the perfect way to enjoy the peace of South Devon’s rivers. You can power yourself along or travel at the pace of the tide.
SAILING
NONSTOP Sail 0870 850 2074
All NONSTOP Sail courses will be brought to you by our sailing school which is based in Dartmouth, Devon. So who are we? A family owned business, NONSTOP have three very clear and straightforward principles: First and foremost NONSTOP are a training company who work with the best instructors in the industry. These are people who have a wealth of experience in their chosen sport and are fantastic at passing on their knowledge in a fun and clear manner. We aim to give all our clients much more than just a training course. A NONSTOP course offers the opportunity to meet a range of new people, explore new places and learn new skills. We like to bring a family / friendly feel to all the courses. Our ethos is to give our clients a service that is up to what we ourselves would wish to experience.
Dartmouth Sailing School & Boat Charters Ltd 01803 833973
Sailing designed with YOU in mind by the professionals- Friendly relaxed sailing with expert tuition - All RYA shorebased & practical courses - Fun sailing weeks - Bareboat and skippered charter - Corporate training and entertainment.
Dartmouth Yacht Cruise School 01803 863162
We offer a wide range of sailing opportunities from MCA/RYA Authorised Practical and theory training courses. Adventure Holidays from different locations and Skipper or bareboat Yacht charter - YCA bond 95093. We have a range of vessels to choose from in Dartmouth, in England's beautiful west country sailing to Brittany S/W France. In the Greek Islands as well as the Canary Isles. We even have our own 42 ft yacht in Florida USA.
All of our Yachts are equipped to RYA Dpt. YBDSA, YCA, MCA Standards to ensure your time onboard is both pleasurable and safe.
Dartyacht Skippered Day Charters 01803 770930 or 07729 172977
Day sailing trips tailored to suit your sailing abilities - from complete novice to the more experienced sailor aboard an 11 metre Blue Water cruising yacht - the Enchantress
Dittisham Sailing School 01803 722365 (01803 722582 evenings)
Booking office at the Anchorstone Café, Dittisham. The River Dart Boating Experience!
Sailing tuition in Wayfarer • Laser Pico •Toppers • Hobie Cat, Boats for hire. Drascombe Lugger • 21ft. Open Day Boat Half day, Daily or Weekly basis. Motor & Sailing Boats of various sizes Prices vary on type of boat & season. Sailings from Dittisham Pontoon.
Start Point Sailing
Start Point Sailing is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised Sailing School for Yacht Cruising offering a friendly and professional service to experienced sailors, novice sailors and landlubbers.
Salcombe Dingy Sailing 01548 842786
Sailing Boat Hire Adult & Children’s Sailing Tuition, Sailing from Whitestrand pontoon in the middle of Salcombe, Pick-ups available from East Portlemouth beaches, RYA Qualified Instructors. AALA Licensed.
ICC Salcombe 01548 531176 Fax: 01548 531196
28 Island Street, Salcombe TQ8 8DP Email: info@icc-salcombe.co.uk
RYA recognised sail training centre offering a wide choice of courses for the complete beginner to experienced sailors. Dinghy and keelboat hire. All activities based on Egremont, our converted Mersey ferry moored in the estuary just ten minutes from Whitestrands.
Devon & West Yacht School 01803 883718
Devon and West Yacht School is a National Federation of Sea Schools (NFSS) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) approved school for the running of practical and theory courses. Courses start from our home port of Dartmouth and visit ports along the scenic south west coast, such as Salcombe, Brixham, Torquay, Newton Ferrers and Plymouth. The Channel Islands and French Coast are within easy reach given favourable weather. All of our practical courses from Competent Crew to Yacht master are run with a maximum of 4 students, on a choice of well-found yachts.
Southsands Sailing 01548 843451
Southsands, Salcombe
An RYA and AALA licensed centre offering sailing and powerboat courses for children and adults of all ages and abilities. 2 hour taster sessions to 2 day courses. We also operate as a hire centre offering sailing dinghies, single/tandem kayaks, and windsurfing & catamaran dinghies. All equipment included in tariff.
Salcombe Yacht Club 01548 842872 (Members) 01548 842593 (Admin)
Cliff House, Salcombe
Tamar Sailing 01752 840599 info@tamarsail.co.uk
A TamarSail expedition usually takes 3 hours. All trips start from Saltash, but then, given suitable tide and wind, the choice is yours. Whichever direction you go, the views are excellent and there is little other traffic to disturb the peace. On the River Tamar, itself, you can sail upstream past the mouth of the River Tavy, past picturesque Cargeen to Weir Quay. Leave behind the sound of traffic on the bridge and sail past wooded hillsides and gentle open farmland.
POWER BOATING
Sea T Boats Dartmouth
The 'get on board and go' service that makes power boating more fun. We are a specialist service and indoor marina based in Dartmouth that offers a completely hassle-free boating experience.
Salcombe Powerboat School 01548 842727
Bartons, Island Street, Salcombe TQ8 8DP chris@salcombepowerboats.co.uk
Salcombe Powerboat School has built its reputation on safety and quality. Our instructors are among the most highly qualified in the business and their knowledge of the local waters is unsurpassed. The difference comes in our attention to detail and our commitment to providing a safe, enjoyable power boating experience, whatever your level. Choose an item from the menu above to find out more about us.
Ribs 4 Kids 01548 842727
Bartons, Island Street, Salcombe TQ8 8DP chris@salcombepowerboats.co.uk
A unique junior training programme designed to teach children, from 8 years, boat handling skills and safety on the water. Full days training programme fully supported by the Salcombe Harbour Authority.
Powerboat Training South West Newton Abbot 01626 364 021
We are an RYA Approved Coastal Training Centre and offer courses at all levels for Powerboat / Motorboat, Sea Survival, Own Boat Tuition, International Certificate of Competence, and Short Range VHF (including DSC) radio, all as part of the National Powerboat Scheme. Please see our Courses section for full details of the service we provide.
Whether you are new to powerboating or motorboats, or have been involved with boats for years, at Powerboat Training Southwest we can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the sport.
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