Coasteering in Bude: Swim, scramble, jump rocks

Swim through sea caves and jump into hidden coves off the Cornish rocks.

Coasteering in Bude is a two-hour activity where you swim, scramble across rock ledges and jump into the sea to explore the Cornish coastline from the water. OA Surf Club's guides have run sessions at Bossiney Cove for over 25 years and provide all specialist equipment: wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets. Children are welcome from age 12, and you'll need closed-toe shoes or wetsuit boots.

The Experience

What does coasteering actually involve? You'll enter the sea and move along the coast by swimming, clambering over barnacle-covered ledges, and jumping off rocks into the water. The route takes you through natural rock arches, into sea caves, and across inlets to discover beaches you can't reach from land. The two-hour session stays in the water and on the rocks the whole time. It's not a tour with stops to stand and look, but a continuous exploration of the coastline from a perspective most visitors never see.

OA Surf Club has been running these sessions at Bossiney Cove for more than 25 years, and the guides discovered the routes themselves. They provide all the specialist equipment: thick wetsuits to keep you warm in the Cornish sea, buoyancy aids for safety, and helmets for the scrambling sections. You bring closed-toe shoes or wetsuit boots. The operator does not provide swimwear or a towel. The activity runs with a live guide who speaks English and keeps groups small enough to move safely along the rocks.

The pace is steady and physical. You need at least a moderate level of fitness to manage the swimming, scrambling and jumping. The activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point, so you don't need a car to get there.

What’s included

• All specialist equipment including thick wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets.
• a live guide in English.
• a two-hour coasteering session along the Bossiney Cove coastline.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by OA Surf Club

Is this one for you?The activity demands steady swimming, scrambling and jumping for two hours straight, so you need moderate fitness and comfort in the sea. This is not a gentle coastal walk or a guided tour with rest stops.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

25 verified traveler reviews

5 ★24

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly do you do during the two hours in the water?

You swim along the coast, scramble across rock ledges, jump into the sea between inlets, and navigate through natural arches and into sea caves. The route is continuous. You're moving the whole time, not stopping to observe from a fixed point.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit and safety gear?

No. OA Surf Club provides thick wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets for every participant. You'll need to bring closed-toe shoes or wetsuit boots. Swimwear and a towel are your own.

How experienced do the guides need to be?

The guides at OA Surf Club discovered the Bossiney Cove routes themselves and have been running coasteering sessions there for over 25 years, so they know the rocks, tides and conditions intimately.

Can children do this activity?

Yes. Children are welcome from age 12 and up, provided they have at least a moderate level of physical fitness and can manage swimming and scrambling in the sea.

How do I get to Bossiney Cove if I don't have a car?

Public transportation options are available near the meeting point. Contact OA Surf Club directly for specific directions and pickup details for your departure.