Isles of Scilly: Coasteering Adventure on St. Mary’s Island

If you’re craving an active way to explore the wild coastline of the Isles of Scilly, a coasteering trip on St. Mary’s is an excellent choice. For around $88 per person, you’ll spend a few hours navigating cliffs, swimming through grottoes, and scrambling over granite formations—all under the guidance of experienced local guides. This experience is perfect for confident kids, adventurous families, and thrill-seeking adults alike who want a hands-on connection with Scilly’s rugged edges.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to jump into crystal-clear waters from a variety of heights—always optional but often tempting—and the chance to explore hidden sea caves and rocky gullies inaccessible by land. Plus, the all-inclusive kit simplifies things: wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids are provided, so you only need to bring trainers and a pair of shorts for over your wetsuit.

A potential consideration is that the activity is physically demanding and involves some exposure to the open water. It’s not suitable for children under 9, and participants should have a basic level of swimming ability and fitness. But if you’re comfortable in the water and seeking a memorable, adrenaline-filled experience, this tour offers a fantastic mix of adventure and scenic beauty.

This coasteering adventure suits travelers who love outdoor action, stunning landscapes, and a good dose of excitement. It’s especially appealing if you want a genuine feel for the Isles’ Atlantic coast’s raw beauty—something you’ll talk about long after the tide has rolled out.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: You’ll explore rugged granite cliffs and hidden sea caves only accessible at water level.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids are included, making the experience straightforward.
• Optional Cliff Jumps: Many jumps are available but never forced, allowing for a comfortable thrill level.
• Suitable for Confident Swimmers: Participants should be comfortable in open water with a basic swimming ability.
• Family Friendly: Designed for adventurous families with kids over 9 and adults.
• Flexible Experience: The itinerary adjusts based on tide and group, ensuring a fresh and safe adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Coasteering Experience

Location and Setting

The tour takes place at Peninnis Head on St. Mary’s, a location that offers some of the most dramatic and less-accessible scenery in the Isles. Known for its steep granite outcrops and deep channels, this spot is a true playground for water-based exploration. The ruggedness of the coastline—craggy cliffs, sea caves, and narrow gullies—sets the stage for an adventure that feels like stepping into a hidden world.

Meeting Point and Logistics

You’ll meet at Peninnis Farm, just a short walk from Hugh Town, the main hub. The meeting point is easy to find—situated in a small field in front of the main farm buildings, opposite Peninnis Farm Lodges. The guides, who you might find are friendly and experienced, will greet you there, help you with your gear, and run through safety instructions.

Gear and Preparation

All the gear needed—wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids—is provided, ensuring everyone is well-protected before entering the water. For clothing, the only essentials are trainers or lace-up shoes (no sandals or beach shoes, as they don’t offer enough grip and protection) and a pair of shorts to wear over your wetsuit. Bring your swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes for after the adventure.

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What the Adventure Looks Like

Once suited up, your guide will give a thorough safety briefing and demonstrate best movement techniques. The fun begins as you venture into the granite playground, swimming through narrow gullies, climbing over rock ledges, and floating through sea caves. The crystal-clear waters reveal interesting rock formations beneath, and the experience is as much about discovery as it is about adrenaline.

The cliff jumps are a highlight—ranging from small, manageable drops to more daring heights, but always optional. According to reviews, many participants find themselves eager to try the jumps once they see how much fun others are having. Guides are attentive to comfort levels, ensuring no one feels pressured.

The Scenic and Physical Balance

While the activity is physically engaging, it’s designed to be accessible for those with a basic level of fitness and confidence in open water. Participants will be swimming, climbing, and scrambling, so a decent level of comfort in water is necessary. The experience is as much about adventure as it is about scenic appreciation—the rugged coastline and the crystalline waters create a stunning backdrop.

The Tides and Group Dynamics

Each session is tailored to the conditions of the day, which keeps the adventure fresh and ensures safety. The guides are skilled at adjusting the route and activities based on group ability and tide levels. This flexibility means no two trips are exactly alike, adding to the sense of discovery.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Many reviews praise the stunning scenery and the friendly, professional guides. One traveler noted, “We loved the way the guides made everyone feel comfortable while still keeping the excitement high.” Another appreciated the optional jumps, saying, “It was great to have the choice to jump or just enjoy swimming.”

Some mention that the rock formations and sea caves are “otherworldly,” emphasizing that this is a unique way to see parts of St. Mary’s coastline you can’t access otherwise. The gear is praised as well—”The wetsuits kept us warm, and the helmets felt reassuring.”

A few caution that it’s a physically demanding activity—so good fitness and confidence in water are recommended. But most agree that the sense of achievement and the spectacular scenery make it well worth the effort.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: The activity lasts a few hours, including safety briefing, gear fitting, and the coasteering route.
• Price: $88 per person, which covers all equipment and guide services—considered good value given the experience and scenery.
• Minimum Age: 9 years old; those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Booking: It’s advisable to reserve in advance, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, shorts, and closed-toe shoes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is perfect for travelers who are not afraid of getting their feet wet and enjoy a bit of physical activity. It suits adventurous families, solo thrill-seekers, or groups of friends wanting to create memorable stories. Because the jumps are always optional, even less confident swimmers can still enjoy much of the scenery and exploration.

It’s not suitable for very young children or those with limited mobility, but if you’re generally comfortable in open water and crave an authentic, active experience, this coasteering tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

The Sum Up

The Isles of Scilly coasteering adventure offers an exhilarating way to see one of the UK’s most striking coastlines. The combination of stunning granite formations, crystal waters, and adrenaline-inducing jumps creates a memorable experience that’s as scenic as it is exciting. The guides’ professionalism and emphasis on safety make it accessible for confident swimmers and families with teenagers eager for adventure.

If you love outdoor activities that lean into the natural beauty of the coast—and you don’t mind getting a little wet—this tour provides great value and authentic fun. It’s a chance to connect with Scilly’s wild Atlantic edge in a way few visitors get to experience, leaving you with stories and photos you’ll cherish for years.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 9 years old can participate, but those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Confidence in water and a basic swimming ability are required.

What should I wear?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, shorts to wear over your wetsuit, and closed-toe shoes like trainers. No sandals or beach shoes, as they don’t provide enough grip.

Are jumps mandatory?
No, all jumps are optional. Many participants choose to watch others or just enjoy swimming and exploring the grottoes.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers guided coasteering, safety briefing, wetsuit, helmet, and buoyancy aid.

Where do we meet?
At Peninnis Farm, just a short walk from Hugh Town, in a small field opposite Peninnis Farm Lodges.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience takes a few hours, including gear fitting, safety instructions, and the coasteering route.

Is this activity weather-dependent?
Yes, the schedule can be adjusted based on tide and weather conditions to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This coasteering journey on St. Mary’s offers more than just a splash—it’s a chance to see the Isles of Scilly from a fresh, exhilarating perspective. Whether you’re seeking adventure, scenic beauty, or both, it’s an experience that will likely leave you with a new appreciation for this stunning part of the UK.

You can check availability for your dates here: