Answer the Call of the Sea
This impeccable Pembrokeshire coastline is the ideal location for sea adventures of all kinds
Pembrokeshire is the UK’s only coastal National Park, so to visit without exploring the sea would be an opportunity missed. But will your sea adventures be exhilarating or relaxing? Make the most and split your time between both!
With a coastline of sandy beaches, rocky coves, picture-perfect harbours and convenient slipways once used in industry days gone by, there are ample choices for where to launch your saltwater adventures. Will you go paddleboarding in Tenby, surfing in Newgale or kayaking at Stackpole Quay? Or will you try them all?
Adrenaline junkies love to try windsurfing and jet skiing, traditionalists like to perfect the art of surfing and sea kayaking, whilst brave souls love a cold-weather dip in the winter months. Many of our beloved seaside resorts around the county offer watersports tuition, equipment hire and boat trips so you can book all of your seaside adventures in one place.
Abereiddy’s Blue Lagoon is well-known for coasteering with its unique turquoise waters, paddle boarding in Saundersfoot is a must but beware, a good sense of balance comes in handy! Boaters love sailing out from Cwm Yr Eglwys and Newport whilst families enjoy a spot of leisurely bodyboarding at Manorbier.
When the surf is good in Pembrokeshire, it’s amongst the best in the UK. Locals turn out in their droves to catch early waves in the hope of having the bays all to themselves, but sometimes, it’s the large sandy shores like Newgale and Freshwater West which attract the crowds. Solo surfers on their holidays here will no doubt pick up a few top tips as they zip their wetsuits on the pebbles alongside the locals who are venturing in too.
Seawater bathers adore the tranquil “secret” beaches as they can swim until their heart’s content with nothing but the sounds of the waves and the smell of the fresh sea air. Try Swanlake Bay near Manorbier or Porthsychan Beach near Strumble Head.
Cardigan Bay is the place to go if you’re hoping to take a boat trip and sightsee some dolphins in their natural habitat, whilst Skomer is the famous home of the puffin. Enjoy wildlife safaris sailing along the coast of Ramsey and Grassholm from St Davids, or venture out from Tenby and Saundersfoot. At Tenby, you can also book boat trips to Caldey Island where you can spend the day at Priory Bay paddling in the shore or enjoying sea views from the lighthouse high on the island.
Keen anglers sometimes venture to the purple cliffs of Caerfai for a spot of fishing on this mixed ground whilst those in need of a little guidance should seek out the sea fishing boat trips from Tenby Harbour and St Justinians. Take the family to the fun Crabbing Centre inside the brand new Wales International Coastal Centre at Saundersfoot Harbour (lots more exciting attractions due to open here later in 2021!) or head to the craggy headland at Marloes for rock pools galore.
When you’re planning your itinerary, don’t forget there is a whole world underneath the surface to discover. Find a world of sea creatures, shipwrecks and spectacular underwater experiences with a spot of diving at the only protected conservation area in the whole of the UK, Skomer Marine Conservation Zone. Divers of all experiences come from all over the country to launch from St Brides where you can discover an underwater landscape rich in kelp, crabs and cuttlefish.
To get a headstart on planning your Pembrokeshire sea adventures, it’s worth contacting our Concierge team who can help point you in the right direction with personalised recommendations based on your interests. We can even book you in for boat trips, watersports tuition and help you find your new favourite beach.
