Coasteering in Newquay: Cliff Jumps & Sea Caves

Jump cliffs, swim caves, and navigate the Newquay coastline on foot and in the water.

Coasteering in Newquay is a guided activity where you climb, jump, swim and explore the coastline over roughly two hours, negotiating rock faces, deep water jumps, whirlpools and sea caves with a qualified guide. You'll swim multiple 25-metre sections in open water and need to be a confident swimmer; all equipment is provided, and the activity is open to ages 8 and up with at least moderate fitness.

The Experience

What makes this different from a boat tour or a beach day is that you're in the water and on the rocks the whole time, moving along the coast under your own power. You'll traverse sluices and gullies, tackle easy rock climbing sections, and jump into deep water from heights—but only what you choose to do. The guide leads you through smugglers' caves, points out the local history carved into the cliffs, and keeps the group moving at a pace that works for everyone.

The two-hour session is built around your swimming ability. You need to swim confidently for 25 metres or more in open water to join, and you'll cover multiple sections like that as you work your way along the coastline. The whirlpools and gullies sound wilder than they are—the guide knows every feature and talks you through the approach. All the gear you need is provided, so you show up in a swimsuit and trainers.

Groups stay small, and a minimum of two people per booking keeps the energy up without crowding the rocks. Children from age 8 are welcome, though they need the same swimming confidence as adults. The guide speaks English and is qualified in coasteering, so safety is built into every move.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• all equipment including wetsuits, helmets and safety gear.
• two-hour guided coasteering session along the Newquay coastline with cliff jumps, sea cave exploration and wild swimming.

Good to know

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

Operated by Cornish Wave Surf & Adventure

Is this one for you?The jumps, caves and deep-water sections are real—this isn't a guided walk along the shore—so it suits swimmers who want to move under their own power and aren't looking for a boat or a beach experience.

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Top questions

Do I have to jump off the cliffs if I don't want to?

No. Coasteering in Newquay is designed so you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with—the guide will show you alternatives for every section, including ways around the jumps.

How long is the activity and what's the swimming involved?

The session runs roughly two hours and includes multiple swims of 25 metres or more in open water as you move along the coast, so you need to be a confident swimmer to join.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Bring a swimsuit and trainers or water shoes; all other equipment including wetsuits, helmets and safety gear is provided by the guide.

What are the sea caves like and how do you explore them?

The caves—including smugglers' caves—are explored by swimming and wading into them as part of the coasteering route; the guide shares the local history and leads you safely through each one.

Can children do this activity?

Children from age 8 are welcome, provided they can swim confidently for 25 metres in open water and have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.