Take to the water
The clear waters of south Cornwall make it an ideal place for swimming, kayaking, boating and – yes – even surfing. Whatever your skill level, get ready to dive into your next adventure.
Learn to surf
South Cornwall isn’t known for its big swells, but the four-mile beach at Whitsand Bay is a popular destination for surfers. This southwest-facing beach, about half an hour’s drive from The Bay Talland, is a good place to find your feet on a surf board. Book a lesson with Adventure Bay, which offers both group sessions and private tuition. After a gentle warm up, you’ll be shown how to catch waves and get to your feet on the sand before taking to the water to carve up the waves under the supervision of a trained instructor. Adventure Bay provides wetsuits and surf boards for lessons.
Hire a kayak
For a unique way to explore the turquoise waters of south Cornwall, rent a kayak and set off at your own pace. Sit-on kayaks are available to rent from the Talland Bay Beach Cafe on an hourly basis. They are single seaters but can hold an adult and small child. Buoyancy aids are also provided. Talland is a really sheltered bay, making it the perfect place for all the family to get out on the water. Glide around the bay, gazing down at the world below.
Explore by boat
If you feel like a change of scenery and want to explore the river under your own steam, hire a boat to drive yourself on the Looe River. Looe Self Drive Boat Hire, which is located near the RNLI station on the Looe seafront, has boats that are designed to be simple to drive even for beginners. Each boat carries up to five passengers, plus dogs. Take a leisurely cruise and explore hidden corners of the river.
Crabbing
Crabbing is one of those simple seaside pleasures that everyone can enjoy, from little ones to grown-ups. The harbours and rocky edges around Looe and Polperro are perfect spots to drop a line, wait patiently, and see what you can catch. All you need is a bucket, a bit of bait, and a gentle hand to release your catch safely back into the water. It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon by the sea, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Cornish coast.
Fishing
Cornwall offers some of the best sea fishing in the UK, and the waters near Talland are ideal for both beginners and seasoned anglers. Try your luck casting from the beach, join a local fishing charter from Looe, or simply enjoy the peace of an early-morning session as the sun rises over the bay. Mackerel, bass, and pollock are commonly caught along this stretch of coastline, and there’s always the chance of a surprise catch.
Rockpooling
When the tide slips away, the coastline reveals a fascinating underwater world waiting to be explored. The rockpools near Looe are full of life, from tiny crabs and darting fish to starfish and colourful sea anemones. It’s a gentle, family friendly activity that combines fun with discovery, perfect for inspiring a love of the sea in younger visitors while offering peaceful moments for adults too.