Where to Paddle Board in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire, with its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters, offers an amazing playground for paddle boarding enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice looking for a new adventure, Pembrokeshire's diverse landscapes and serene waters provide endless opportunities to explore. In this blog, we'll guide you through some of the best spots to grab your paddle board and launch in Pembrokeshire, ensuring you make the most of your experience in this coastal paradise.
Solva
Solva's sheltered harbour provides an idyllic setting for paddle boarding, with calm waters that invite exploration at any skill level. Best at high tide, you'll be greeted by stunning views of colourful fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbour, surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery. Paddle boarders can venture further out to sea, following the meandering coastline and discovering hidden coves and secluded beaches along the way.
Lower Fishguard Harbour
Lower Fishguard Harbour, nestled on the rugged coastline of below Fishguard, offers a unique and captivating experience for paddle boarders. Best at high tide, the sheltered waters of the harbour provide a safe and picturesque environment for paddling, making it an ideal spot for beginners and experienced boarders alike. From the moment you launch your board, you'll be immersed in a world of natural beauty, with panoramic views of colourful fishing boats, historic quaysides, and the rolling hills that frame the horizon. As you paddle along the tranquil waters, you may encounter curious seals popping their heads above the surface or seabirds soaring overhead.
Tenby
Paddle boarding in Tenby offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the stunning coastline of Pembrokeshire. Here are some prime locations for paddle boarding in and around Tenby:
North Beach: Start your paddle boarding adventure from North Beach, one of Tenby's most popular and picturesque beaches. With its golden sands and clear waters, North Beach provides an ideal launching point for paddle boarders of all levels. Paddle along the coastline and take in views of Tenby's colourful seafront buildings and the historic castle perched on the headland.
Harbour: Tenby Harbour is another fantastic spot for paddle boarding, offering sheltered waters and plenty of interesting sights to explore. Launch your board from the harbour and paddle around the bustling waterfront, admiring the colourful fishing boats and historic buildings that line the quayside.
Caldey Island: Experienced paddlers looking for a more adventurous paddle boarding experience, consider paddling to Caldey Island, located just off the coast of Tenby. Launch your board from South Beach and paddle across to the island. Take in views of the rugged coastline and keep an eye out for seals and seabirds as you make your way to this peaceful island retreat.
South Beach and Castle Beach: These two linked beaches are another excellent option for paddle boarding in Tenby. Launch your board from this sandy beach and paddle along the coastline, exploring hidden coves and rocky outcrops along the way. The Castle Beach side offers a more secluded paddling experience compared to the longer stretch of South Beach, making it perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquillity.
Stackpole Quay and Barafundle
Paddle boarding at Stackpole Quay offers a wonderful opportunity to explore some of Pembrokeshire's most beautiful coastal and inland landscapes. Whether you're paddling around Stackpole Quay itself or venturing out to explore Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Quay promises an unforgettable paddle boarding experience.
Stackpole Quay: Begin your paddle boarding adventure directly from Stackpole Quay itself. This picturesque harbour provides a convenient launching point for paddle boarders to explore the surrounding coastline. Launch your board from the slipway and paddle out into the sheltered waters of the bay, taking in views of the rugged cliffs and wooded headlands that frame the picturesque harbour.
Barafundle Bay: Venture westward from Stackpole Quay to reach Barafundle Bay, one of Pembrokeshire's most beautiful and secluded beaches. Launch your board from Stackpole Quay and paddle along the coastline towards Barafundle Bay, taking in views of the towering cliffs and turquoise waters along the way. Once you reach Barafundle Bay, you can paddle along the pristine shoreline and explore the golden sands, crystal-clear waters and caves of this hidden gem.
You can also walk to Barafuldle from the car park at Stackpole and launch from the beach.
St Davids
Paddle boarding in St Davids, Pembrokeshire offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the rugged coastline and stunning landscapes of this beautiful area. Here are some top spots for paddle boarding in St Davids:
Whitesands Bay: Begin your paddle boarding adventure at Whitesands Bay, one of Pembrokeshire's most iconic beaches. Launch your board from the sandy shore and paddle along the coastline, taking in views of the golden sands and turquoise waters. Whitesands Bay is popular with surfers and paddle boarders alike, offering plenty of space to explore and enjoy the scenery.
Porthclais Harbour: Explore the tranquil waters of Porthclais Harbour, a picturesque inlet located to the south of St Davids. Launch your board from the slipway or designated area and paddle along the sheltered waters of the harbour, taking in views of the historic quay and surrounding countryside. Porthclais Harbour is a popular spot for kayaking and paddle boarding, with its calm waters perfect for paddlers of all levels. Head left out of the harbour and paddle round to Caerfai Bay
Caerfai Beach: A beautiful sandy beach located just south of St Davids. Launch your board from the shore and paddle along the coastline, taking in views of the rugged cliffs and pristine waters. Caerfai Beach provides an ideal starting point for paddle boarders of all levels, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings.
Broadhaven South
Launch your paddle board directly from Broadhaven South Beach, a stunning sandy beach backed by beautiful sand dunes. The expansive beach provides ample space to launch your board and explore the crystal-clear waters of the bay. Paddle along the shoreline, taking in views of the dramatic cliffs and the pristine sands of this picturesque beach. Paddle left out of the bay and you'll find a private beach which is only accessible from the water.
Experienced paddlers can paddle west along the coast to St Govan's but check tides and wind carefully as there is a rip off St Govan's Head which can be challenging.
