Watersports on Scilly; islands made for exploring and sea-faring adventures

As an archipelago of wild little islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Scilly is blessed with clear water, abundant wildlife and more than 900 shipwrecks, making it one of the finest places in the UK to spend time in and on the water. Whether slicing  silently through the undulating ripples on a sail boat, floating serenely atop the turquoise sea on a kayak or paddleboard; or racing across open water on a small motor boat, wind in your hair and beach-picnic at your feet, Scilly has every water-born adventure covered.

St. Martin’s Watersport’s Centre, St. Martin’s

Situated on Par Beach, arguably one of the best beaches (if not the best beach) on Scilly, this centre offers single and double kayaks for exploring the rugged coastline of St. Martin’s, the uninhabited islands of the Eastern Isles and Tean and surrounding areas from a fresh perspective. If the paradisical location wasn’t appealing enough, St. Martin’s Watersports have partnered with the Island Bakery just up the road who not only offer a 15% discount when you book the equipment for the day, but will pack up a delicious home-made picnic lunch to be popped in your dry bag and eaten barefoot on a beach of your choosing; just paddle in and plonk yourself down on the warm sands.

OPENING TIMES: 2020: Until mid-October | 2021:  April - October

The Sailing Centre, St. Mary’s & Ravensporth Sailing, Tresco

Sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking… if it moves on the water, The Sailing Centre will have it! The only RYA, BSUPA & AALA licensed provider, Richard and his team offer high quality, safe tuition and activities for all levels from their base at Porthmellon Beach and Tresco. Offerings include taster sessions and courses for groups or private hire, Kayak tours and special excursions, the hiring of day boats, dingys, motorboats and paddleboards – plus their exhilarating Endeavor RIB speedboat for wildlife watching, inter-island taxis, charter and thrill rides.

OPENING TIMES: 2020: Until mid-October | 2021: March – October

Hut 62, Bryher

Operating from a cool wood-clad beach shack on the iridescent sands of Green Bay on Bryher, Hut 62 offers sailing boats and kayaks, plus the ever-popular ‘Caribe’, a half sit-on-top kayak, half canoe, with a totally transparent hull providing a window to the underwater world… many have experienced the thrill of a seal gliding beneath! They also hire out paddleboards alongside the new pedalboard where rather than a paddle, riders power these Hobie SUPs with their legs.  The mainstay of their offering however is the self-drive motorboat hire. Owner Dan’s father started hiring boats from Green Bay in 1962 and most of the boats hired today were built by the family in their boatyard on Bryher.

OPENING TIMES: 2020: Until mid-October | 2021: 1^st April – 7^th October