Half-day guided canoe trip on the River Dart near Totnes

Paddle downriver past Sharpham estate or upstream toward Dartington with a guide who knows the Dart estuary

A half-day guided canoe trip on the River Dart near Totnes puts you in a stable canoe with a guide who leads small groups through the estuary. You paddle for roughly 1.5 hours with the tidal flow, stop for tea or coffee by the riverbank, then paddle back: about four hours total. The guide handles safety, pacing and local knowledge. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The Experience

You check in at the starting point in Totnes, where the guide fits you with a buoyancy aid and hands out a waterproof dry bag for your phone and wallet. After a 15-minute safety briefing and paddling instruction, you get into a stable canoe (either solo or paired with another paddler), and push off into the water. The guide leads the group at a pace that suits everyone, paddling with the tidal flow for around 1.5 hours. Depending on the tide, you either head upriver toward Dartington or downstream past Sharpham estate toward Stoke Gabriel. The river is rarely crowded, and the guide points out the landscape as you go, sharing what they know about the Dart and its wildlife.

Halfway through, you pull ashore for a 30-minute break where the guide provides tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Then you paddle back to the start, another 1.5 hours or so. The guide stays with the group the whole time, ready to help with technique or answer questions about the river. Seals sometimes appear in the estuary, though spotting one is never guaranteed.

What’s included

• Buoyancy aid for each paddler.
• waterproof dry bag for your belongings.
• stable canoe with paddles.
• tea, coffee or hot chocolate at the riverside break.
• guide in English or German leading a small group.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Paddle Devon

Is this one for you?You paddle the canoe yourself with a guide leading the group, so this suits anyone who wants to be on the water and moving under their own power rather than watching from a boat. Small group sizes mean the pace stays manageable for all fitness levels, and the guide handles navigation and safety while you focus on paddling.

Traveler reviews

4.81★★★★★★★★★★

21 verified traveler reviews

5 ★20

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What do I need to bring for a canoe trip on the River Dart?

Bring clothing and shoes you don't mind getting wet and muddy. The operator provides the buoyancy aid, dry bag for valuables, canoe and paddles. You just need to wear clothes suitable for the water and riverside.

How long is the actual paddling time on the River Dart?

You paddle for roughly 1.5 hours in each direction (outbound with the tidal flow and return to the start) with a 30-minute break on the riverbank in between. The whole trip runs about four hours from check-in to finish.

Can children go on the half-day canoe trip?

Children from age 5 are welcome. Canoes hold up to two adults and two children, so families can paddle together with the guide leading the group.

What's the difference between paddling upriver toward Dartington and downriver toward Stoke Gabriel?

The direction depends on the tide when you go out. Upriver takes you toward Dartington. Downriver passes Sharpham estate and heads toward Stoke Gabriel. Either way, you're paddling with the tidal flow, which helps carry the canoe along.

Do I need paddling experience to join this trip?

No experience is necessary. The guide gives a 15-minute instruction on paddling technique before you set off, and they adjust the pace to suit all group members. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle for roughly three hours total.