Watersports

Things to Do

Some of the best views of the English Riviera are from its calm, warm waters.

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Where the region’s geology and nature can be seen in all their glory. Those with a thirst for adventure can set sail, try kitesurfing or dive to the depths to discover our unique marine life. There are also more sedate marine activities to try, including paddleboarding.

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Sailing

The English Riviera boasts some of the best sailing waters around the UK coast. More than 50 sailing events are held here each year, and we have two world-class marinas in Torquay and Brixham. Several clubs and groups offer expert tuition, including Torbay Sailing Club, Paignton Sailing Club and Brixham Yacht Club.

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Diving

Dramatic limestone reefs, seagrass beds and unique underwater formations make our waters a natural wonderland for divers. Many come here to see the diverse marine life that thrives in Tor Bay, much of which has been designated a Marine Conservation Zone. Our famous seagrass beds provide a habitat for seahorses and pipefish, which shelter amongst the leaves; they also act as nursery areas for animals such as bass and cuttlefish.

Favourite dive spots are Babbacombe Bay, Fairy Cove (adjacent to Paignton Harbour) and the outside of Brixham Breakwater. Shoalstone Reef, Thatcher Rock and the waters around Berry Head offer challenges for more experienced divers. One of the Bay’s most noted diving features is the wreck of German submarine U-269, sunk in 1944 by HMS Bickerton.

Torbay British Sub Aqua Club →
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Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a great way to explore the English Riviera’s coastline. Beaches with particularly suitable access include Paignton, Preston, Goodrington Sands, Broadsands, Brixham Breakwater beach and Meadfoot (Torquay). Note: do not enter the enclosed harbours at Torquay, Paignton or Brixham. Reach Outdoors organise paddleboard experiences and coaching sessions along the Geopark coast.

Visit Reach Outdoors →

Swimming and snorkelling

The sheltered waters of the English Riviera are perfect for swimmers of all ages and abilities. There are some top snorkelling spots too, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the area’s rich marine life.

  • Near Paignton and popular with swimmers — the crystal-clear waters are very refreshing. Be mindful of boats and jet skiers farther out.

  • Not far from Elberry, is another calm, sheltered beach that’s also good for snorkelling.

  • Located in Paignton, with its impressive collection of rockpools, is popular with snorkellers when the tide is right.

  • Located in Torquay and ideal for getting up close to our rock formations and caves, as long as you’re careful.

  • More experienced swimmers enjoy going from Oyster Cove to Saltern Cove in Paignton, an SSSI and one of the Geopark’s 32 GeoSites.

    • Always check the weather forecast and conditions before you swim. If in doubt, don’t go out.

    • Swim in shallow water, parallel and close to the shore. If you do swim farther out, be mindful of the return distance.

    • Be aware of whether the tide is rising or falling, as it can quickly alter the distance to shore and cut off areas of coastline.

    • Our beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards, so swim with someone else or let people know you are entering the sea. See rnli.org.

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Kayaking and canoeing

Fancy exploring the intricate coastline in a Kayak? Paddle your own or go out on an organised trip with local experts. Sea Kayak Torbay is a specialist slow-adventure tour operator running geology and marine wildlife tours throughout the Geopark, and Reach Outdoors offers single and tandem kayaks for hire as well as guided Torbay kayak tours. Note: do not enter the enclosed harbours at Torquay, Paignton or Brixham.

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Windsurfing and kitesurfing

For a fast-paced fix of the English Riviera, try these high-energy watersports. Kitesurfing is increasing in popularity and involves wind power and a large, steerable kite that pulls you across the water on a small board. Torre Abbey Sands (with a marked lane out to deep water in summer), Broadsands, Preston and Goodrington offer good opportunities for most styles of windsurfing and kitesurfing when the wind blows onshore.