Swanage is a haven for watersports enthusiasts. This idyllic seaside resort offers a wide range of water-based activities that suit both seasoned adventurers and families seeking aquatic fun.
With its crystal-clear waters, stunning cliffs and an abundance of marine life, Swanage provides an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable adventure on and underneath the water.
Kayaking and paddleboarding in Swanage
The calm waters of Swanage Bay provide an excellent setting for kayaking and paddleboarding. Whether you're an experienced kayaker looking for a thrilling adventure or a novice wanting to enjoy a leisurely paddle, Swanage has something for everyone.
Why not book onto a kayaking tour with one of the activity providers based in and around Swanage; join a tour with Fore Adventure and paddle out to Old Harry Rocks and marvel at the striking chalk formations rising from the sea or head out along the Swanage coastline with Cumulus Outdoors.
Give stand-up paddleboarding a go on the sea with Land & Wave or book a session with Cumulus Outdoors and perfect your balance on their private lake.
Old Harry Rocks is a great place to head for where you can marvel at the striking chalk formations rising from the sea, whether you are ‘in’ or ‘on’ the water!
Set sail on the Swanage shores!
Swanage offers endless possibilities for sailors. With its sheltered bay, it's an ideal spot to set sail.
If you're a seasoned sailor, hire a sailing dinghy from Shell Bay Sailing Centre at Studland or for those who want a more relaxed experience, consider hiring a crewed dinghy. These tours provide a unique vantage point to appreciate the dramatic cliffs, arches, and caves along the coast.
You could even book on a course and learn how to sail – what a great experience and skill to return home with!
Enjoy a coasteering adventure
If you're seeking an adrenaline rush and love the idea of exploring the coastline in a unique way, coasteering is the perfect activity for you.
With an experienced guide, you can traverse the rugged cliffs, jump into the sea, and navigate the shoreline while discovering hidden caves and coves near Swanage. Coasteering is a thrilling way to experience the raw, untouched beauty of Swanage's coastal landscape.
For 'extra' thrills, treat yourself to a coasteering activity session with Cumulus Outdoors, Fore Adventure or Land & Wave and let the adventure begin!
Fishing in Swanage
Swanage is the perfect place to learn to fish, and you can try your hand at angling from the pier or join a fishing charter to venture out into the deeper waters to catch a variety of species.
Swanage Sea Fishing welcome both experienced and novice anglers, including children and families. The skippers on the boats are passionate about fishing, preserving the natural habitats and species, and providing an excellent day out for all customers.
Wildlife watching
Swanage is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The waters around Swanage offer an extraordinary opportunity to connect with marine life in their natural habitat.
Swanage Sea Fishing offer sightseeing tours and the opportunity to hire our boats to get up and close to the limestone cliffs, providing the perfect opportunity for sketching, bird watching and photography.
During the summer, the Rangers at Durlston Country Park provide an on-board commentary on birdwatching boat trips from Swanage Pier to see the nesting colonies of guillemots and razorbills on the nearby coastal cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may even see a puffin or two.
Sea swimming in Swanage
There’s nothing more reinvigorating than a swim in open water and Swanage is a fantastic place to embrace this activity with a dip in the sea.
As well as enjoying some surf and sea with family or friends there are groups that meet up to swim together every day, even in the winter months!
If you love wild swimming, why not come along to the Wild Swimming Festival which takes place on the 20th and 21st July 2024?
Under the water!
Swanage's underwater world is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity. The area is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities, making it a favourite destination among divers. These underwater wonders are teeming with colourful marine life, including seahorses, anemones and lobsters, which will leave divers awe inspired.
For those who prefer snorkelling, the shallow waters around Swanage Bay are perfect. The clear waters ensure excellent visibility, making it a joy to explore the underwater world and encounter playful fish, crabs, and other marine creatures.
The combination of stunning coastal scenery and a bucket full of aquatic adventures makes Swanage a must-visit destination for water lovers. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or prefer a more tranquil experience, Swanage welcomes you to dive into coastal bliss and create lasting memories.
