Coasteering involves exploring the coast by scrambling over rocks, swimming through coves and deep water, and even jumping off cliffs to get from one side to the other.
Coasteering is one of the top things to do in Wales, thanks to its many beaches, coves and the stunning coast that surrounds most of the country. In fact, coasteering originated in Pembrokeshire in the 1980s
In this article, I'll share the best places for coasteering in Wales, as well as the best coasteering tours operators that are available in each place. Coasteering can be dangerous, so using a company like those we have listed is essential as they will kit you out with all the safety gear and show you the safest routes to take.
1. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby is not only a great spot for coasteering, with many interesting coastal spots to explore, but it’s also a very popular tourist destination, meaning that there are plenty of accommodation options locally, and activities for the whole family.
- Tenby Adventure - Tenby Adventure have a number of great coasteering routes which incorporate climbing, swimming and diving. The minimum age is 8 years old (accompanied by an adult), and routes can be based on experience. Group discounts are available.
ㅤ - Nature Break Coasteering - Offering a tailored coasteering trip off the Tenby coastline, with the difficulty based on your own experience and ability. There are various routes available to book between April and December. There is a minimum age of 8 years old (accompanied by an adult) for any participants. A waterproof camera can also be hired for your booking - a great way to remember your experience.
2. Anglesey
The island of Anglesey, just off the coast of North Wales, is perfect for adventure and coasteering amongst the spectacular views. There are plenty of suitable spots, and a number of tour groups available to support your journey.
- Bearded Men Adventures - Offering three hour sessions starting at Holy Island, Anglesey, they welcome individuals or large groups to explore the coast, providing all of the equipment you need. They even have some great videos on their YouTube channel to whet your appetite.
ㅤ - Anglesey Pursuits - Anglesey Pursuits welcomes people of all abilities and experience, for half and full-day adventures along the coast. Other activities are also available with this local company, including Kayaking, Abseiling and Rock Climbing.
ㅤ - North Wales Active - Offering daily adventures between 1st April and 1st October. North Wales Active has two routes that both start in Porth Dafarch, Anglesey, with jumps ranging from sea level to 30ft. Minimum age is 10 years old.
3. St Davids, Pembrokeshire
St Davids is a city in Pembrokeshire, named after Wales’ Patron Saint. It’s also the smallest city in Britain, with a population of just over 1,600 people. It’s well placed to explore the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline that is hailed as inventing coasteering.
- TYF - TYF are regarded as bringing Coasteering to the world back in 1986, and their website states that they have enabled over 200,000 people to take part since then! They really are the grandmasters, and offer everything from discovery sessions for beginners, to more advanced tours.
ㅤ - Celtic Quest - Providing a range of coasteering activities, Celtic Quest caters for individuals, groups, children (aged 8+), and also accessible coasteering, enabling people with disabilities to experience the joys of coasteering.
4. Abereiddy, Pembrokeshire
Abereiddy is a small hamlet in Pembrokeshire, near Haverfordwest, which includes a small blue flag beach, and the ‘Blue Lagoon’ - a beautiful former quarry pit which is now filled with blue-green water. The Blue Lagoon looks like something straight from an Instagram filter, the site was used in the 2012 Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships, and is a must-visit if you are in the area.
- Muuk Adventures - Offering coasteering at two locations, the Blue Lagoon and St David’s, Muuk is suitable for beginners or more experienced coasteering adventurers.
ㅤ - The Real Adventure Company - Offering coasteering throughout the year, they even have warm winter wetsuits, gloves and hoods for those colder days. With multiple routes around Pembrokeshire, The Real Adventure Company guides have been providing coasteering tours since the 1980s.
5. Mathry, Pembrokeshire
A small village in North Pembrokeshire, located between Fishguard and St David’s. Mathry is home to Preseli Adventures, and a great place to base yourself to explore the West Wales coast.
- Preseli Adventures - With over 25 years experience in offering coasteering trips around North Pembrokeshire, Preseli Adventures offers half day and full weekend trips for anyone aged 8+. Accommodation is also available in their 5 Star Eco Lodge, for those looking for a longer trip.
6. Morfa Nefyn, Llŷn Peninsula
The Llŷn Peninsula is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Gwynedd area of North Wales. It is a beautiful seaside village, with great access to Snowdonia and the North Wales coast, including the Isle of Anglesey.
- Boulder Adventures - Offering a wide range of adventure activities alongside coasteering, Boulder will take you to explore along the North Wales coastline, in Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula. Private sessions are available, along with group sessions.
7. Cardigan Bay, Cardigan
Cardigan Bay covers a large patch of West Wales, from Gwynedd in the North, to Pembrokeshire in the South - it is the largest Bay area in Wales. It is also home to numerous beaches and wildlife, and it is not unusual to see dolphins off the coast in the Irish Sea.
- Cardigan Bay Active - Cardigan Bay Active welcomes anyone aged 8+ to join their coasteering adventures, with separate groups for families, as well as older and younger people wanting to try coasteering, a really nice way to explore the wonders of the Bay.
8. Gower, Swansea
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Designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, Gower is a very popular place for visitors to the Swansea Bay area, and offers some wonderful coastline to explore.
- Rip N Rock - Offering the chance to swim in deep water and through caves, and traverse the coastline, Rip N Rock provide sessions, for a minimum of two people, that total four hours from meeting to leaving. They can even offer minibus transport for up to eight people from Swansea City centre for an additional cost.
ㅤ - Savage Adventures - Offering the chance to explore Rhossilli, an area with one of the largest tidal ranges in the world. This does mean that tidal times are checked upon booking for everyone’s safety.
ㅤ - Anturfit - Offering coasteering along the Gower Peninsula for more than 10 years, Anturfit offers everything you need to get you and your group out in the wild, to enjoy the spectacular coastline. Other activities, including Rock Climbing and Gorge Walking, is also available in the area.
Published: 9 January 2023