Tenby: Guided Kayak Trip from Castle Beach with Sea Caves
Kayak Tenby’s coast from Castle Beach to secret sea caves
You’ll launch straight from Tenby’s Castle Beach with a local guide who knows every cove, paddle beneath pastel houses only visible from the water, and—if conditions allow—explore mysterious sea caves near St Catherine’s Island by kayak. All gear is included so beginners are welcome. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing Tenby from this angle—you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re dry.
What’s included
Your day includes use of stable sit-on-top kayaks, helmets, wetsuits or kags depending on weather conditions, and buoyancy aids—all provided at Castle Beach before launching with your local guide.
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3h
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1 — Guided kayaking trip from Tenby beach
- Meet at kayaking HQ on Castle Beach
- Receive wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet
- Attend short paddling lesson
- Launch kayak from Castle Beach
- Paddle past old lifeboat station
- Explore North Beach and Georgian seafront
- Head towards Monkstone Point
- Spot seabirds and hidden coves
- View Caldey Island from coast
- Explore sea caves at St Catherine's Island
- Return to Castle Beach
- Hand over kit and enjoy coffee
“You ever tried paddling backwards?” our guide Ben grinned as we wobbled out from Castle Beach, kayaks scraping over pebbles. I’d barely zipped my wetsuit when the first cold splash hit my ankles—definitely awake now. The water under Castle Hill looked almost glassy, but you could hear gulls somewhere above and smell that mix of seaweed and sunscreen that always clings to British beaches. We set off slow, drifting past the old lifeboat station where two kids waved down at us—felt like everyone in Tenby was watching for a second.
I kept glancing up at those pastel Georgian houses along North Beach, the ones you see on postcards. From the kayak, they look different—smaller maybe, or just less perfect than in photos. Ben pointed out a cormorant drying its wings on a rock and told us about hidden coves you can’t reach except by water. He knew every turn; apparently he’s been guiding this same stretch since 2017 (30,000 people? Wild). My arms started to burn a bit after twenty minutes but honestly I barely noticed because we were laughing about someone’s paddle technique—mine was “enthusiastic,” not skilled.
The best part came near St Catherine’s Island. If the sea’s calm enough—and it was for us—you get to nose right into these caves carved out by waves. It felt weirdly quiet inside, just echoey drips and our paddles bumping rock walls. I remember touching the stone; it was cold and rough and smelled faintly of salt. Ben told us stories about smugglers (no idea if they’re true) while we floated there in half-shadow. I didn’t expect to feel so small in there, but I still think about that moment sometimes when things get noisy back home.
We finished back on Castle Beach with sand stuck everywhere and hair full of salt spray—there’s a café right next door if you need coffee or just want to stare at your photos for a bit before heading off. Not sure my arms have forgiven me yet, but I’d do it again just for that feeling of floating under those cliffs.
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