Kayaking in Devon: Sea Caves, Wildlife & Fossil Hunts

Paddle through caves, spot seals, hunt fossils, toast marshmallows on the sand

Sea Kayak Torbay runs guided tandem kayak safaris through the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark in Devon, where you paddle through sea caves, explore hidden coves and spot seals and other wildlife. The morning includes a stop on a secluded beach for fossil hunting, wild foraging and a beach fire with toasted marshmallows. Tandem kayaks with backrests suit all abilities; full training is provided before launch, and all equipment and technical clothing comes with the booking. Solo paddlers are welcome at a surcharge and must have previous sea kayaking experience including capsize recovery.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife and Sea Cave Kayak Safari

• Receive full kayak training
• Paddle through sea caves and rock formations
• Explore remote coves
• Stop on secluded beach for fossil hunting
• Taste wild foraged marine herb
• Enjoy beach fire and toast marshmallows
• Observe seals and cetaceans from kayaks

The Experience

The paddle starts with a briefing on the beach and training in the stable tandem kayaks—designed with supportive backrests so beginners, families and mixed abilities can launch without prior experience. You'll paddle through the geopark's dramatic rock formations and sea caves, stopping in remote coves where the resident seal population often hauls out to bask and fish. The guides know where to find them and read the conditions to keep the day safe and sightings likely.

Midway through the morning, you'll beach on a secluded stretch to hunt for fossils in the rocks, taste a wild foraged marine herb, and gather around a fire where you roast marshmallows. The geopark's ancient geology is woven through the paddle—the guides explain what you're floating past and why the coastline looks the way it does. Bring a picnic and swimwear if you want to swim; the tour runs three hours, and the beach team helps with launching and landing so the logistics don't fall on you.

Up to three guides per tour means the group stays supported and the pace stays manageable. Children under 15 must paddle in a tandem with an adult; reduced family tickets are available by calling Sea Kayak Torbay directly on 01803 912963. Solo kayaks are available at a surcharge for experienced paddlers who can handle capsize recovery on their own. Public transport stops nearby if you're arriving without a car.

What’s included

• All kayak equipment and technical clothing.
• a dedicated guide to the geopark and its wildlife.
• beach fire with toasted marshmallows.
• fossil hunting and wild foraging on a secluded beach.
• a beach team to assist with launching and landing.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Sea Kayak Torbay Limited

Is this one for you?Book the tandem kayak if you're new to paddling, traveling with family, or want to focus on wildlife and the geopark without managing your own boat—the backrests and guide support mean you can relax into the paddle and the seals. Solo kayaks suit experienced paddlers who want to move independently and have capsize recovery skills; call ahead to arrange one and discuss your background.

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Top questions

What wildlife will I actually see on the kayak safari?

Seals are the main draw—the English Riviera has active populations that haul out at favorite spots the guides know and pass regularly. Resident cetaceans move through South Devon and can be observed on many tours, though sightings depend on the day and conditions.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle a tandem?

No. The tandem kayaks are stable with supportive backrests, and Sea Kayak Torbay provides full training on the beach before you launch. The guides support all abilities and ages, so beginners and families are the norm.

What happens if I want to paddle solo instead of a tandem?

Solo kayaks are available at a surcharge, but you'll need previous sea kayaking experience including capsize recovery skills. Call 01803 912963 to arrange one and discuss what that experience looks like.

Can my young children come on this paddle?

Yes. Any child under 15 must be seated in a tandem kayak with one adult—no exception. Specialized infant seats are available, and reduced family tickets can be booked by calling the operator directly.

What's included in the three hours, and what should I bring?

The paddle includes all equipment, technical clothing, a dedicated guide, beach fire with marshmallows, and a beach team to help launch and land. Bring snacks, water and swimwear if you plan to swim; a picnic is welcome too.

How do I get there if I don't have a car?

Public transportation options are available near the launch beach. Call Sea Kayak Torbay on 01803 912963 to confirm the exact stop and plan your arrival time for the briefing.