Guided Trips

Creeks and Backwaters

Kayak from Golant on the high tide for 2 - 3 hrs and explore the Fowey River’s hidden gems, including "Wind in the Willows" Creek and the charming village of Lerryn. Some trips may take you to the salt marshes at St Winnow or Penpol Creek’s shipwrecks and ancient woodlands.

Expect plenty of wildlife along the way—herons, kingfishers, cormorants, and even shoals of grey mullet! We’ll stop for a 30-minute break in Lerryn or St Winnow for a quick refresh and a well-earned rest before looping back to Golant.

Award-winning experience—get ready for an unforgettable paddle!

Wildlife and Waterfronts

Hop on our 2–3-hour low tide paddle, where the adventure is split into two exciting halves! Start by gliding through the Golant to Fowey Docks stretch, a wildlife hotspot where herons, egrets, and kingfishers are regulars, plus the chance to spot our friendly harbour seal or, if you're lucky, a migrating osprey hunting dinner.

Next, soak up the history of Fowey, a port for over 1,000 years. From 14th-century blockhouses and Daphne du Maurier’s riverside home to the historic towers of Place, it’s a place steeped in stories. And when it's time for a break, treat yourself to delicious local bites in Fowey or Polruan before we paddle on.

Evening Sundowner Paddles

(April to September)

In the spring and summer months we offer our shorter Taster and popular Sundowner tours.
 

The River Fowey is particularly beautiful in the evenings. Shoals of mullet swim up from the sea, birds return to their evening roosts, and peace and stillness surrounds you as the calm of the day's end envelops the river and the sun begins to set.

Both tours last 2 hours, and on high tides usually paddle up the quiet and secluded Penpoll Creek which we usually have to ourselves. On low tides, we kayak down river from Golant skirting sandbanks as we paddle down to Fowey.

Both trips are largely free of other boat traffic and we can immerse ourselves in the estuary environment. Then maybe enjoy a post-paddle drink or bite to eat nearby on the terrace of Golant’s Fisherman’s Arms which overlooks the Estuary.

Early Bird Paddles

Our 2-hour Early Bird tours get you out before the busy summer road and river traffic at a time when the estuary’s wildlife is most active and the river at its most peaceful.

The river is often quiet and calm before the morning sea breezes start and the temperatures cooler. Spot Kingfishers, Herons, Little Egrets, Cormorants or Shags enjoying a morning fishy snack – or our various estuary waders feeding on the foreshore.

On high tides, we paddle up the estuaries Backwaters and Creeks which we often have to ourselves. On low tides, we kayak down river from Golant skirting sandbanks as we paddle down to Fowey.

Enjoy a post paddle drink and a snack in our Boatshed Café (seasonal opening, but we will always have tea and coffee!)

Bespoke Tours / Private Groups

Subject to availability, we can offer Bespoke itineraries to friends or groups wanting their own private experience. Most will choose a three or two hour trip similar to those above, but longer trips are possible to allow time for more exploration or a lazy lunch. Prices per person are the same as above but there is a £120 minimum charge for a 3 hour trip.

Whether you’re a group of friends, Corporate, Stag, Hen or Kids Parties, email us with your ideas, dates and plans and we will get back to you with suggestions for a great day out on the river.

SUP Starter - Beginner

Always wanted to give Stand Up Paddleboarding a go? This is your chance!

Join us for a fun, 90-minute beginner session designed for first timers.

We’ll kick things off with a land-based induction and safety briefing, followed by a hands-on water session where you’ll learn the basics—all under the expert guidance of our fully qualified, insured coaches and instructors.

The session includes paddleboard hire and buoyancy aids, so you’re all set for adventure.

A wetsuit is recommended as you may well get wet! If you’ve got your own, bring it along. If not, we have a selection of C-Skins/Sola wetsuits available to hire for £5 per adult and £3 per child—just be sure to reserve them when booking. We also have wetsuit shoes available (size 4 and up) for hire. Wet shoes are a must!

Minimum age for SUP is 8 years, and this session is open to all ages and fitness levels—whether you’re new to the sport or just looking to brush up on your skills.

Instructor-to-participant ratio is 6:1, so you’ll get plenty of attention.

A couple of things to note:

• No dogs on the SUP boards (sorry, pups!)
• Parking: There’s been a price increase for the pay-and-display bays at the Slipway, and the machines now only accept card payments.

Ready to give it a go? We can’t wait to see you on the water!

SUP Skills - Intermediate (the next step…)

Level up your SUP skills with the next step in your paddleboarding adventure!

After mastering the basics in our 'SUP Starter' session, our 'SUP Skills' course takes you further, boosting both your confidence and technique. Set against the stunning Fowey estuary in Golant, this 2-hour session is all about progress – and fun!

Led by fully qualified L3 Paddle UK SUP Coaches and L2 BSUPA instructors, you'll dive into a range of paddle stroke techniques, board control, safety essentials, plus expert tips on gear and clothing. Whether you’re refining your strokes or learning new skills, it’s your time to shine on the water!

Adventure SUP - Intermediate to Advanced - Adult

Adventure SUP: Expert Paddle Sessions on the Fowey Estuary!

Ready to take your SUP skills to the next level? Join us for a 2-hour adventure on the stunning Fowey Estuary! Perfect for experienced paddlers who want to explore with a qualified, fully insured instructor.

Our instructors know the river like the back of their paddles, offering insider insights into its rich history, wildlife, and ever-changing landscape.

What's included?

1. Board hire & buoyancy aid (or bring your own) – buoyancy aids are a must!

2. Optional wetsuit hire (£5 adult, £3 child – pre-booking essential).

3. 6:1 instructor-to-paddler ratio.

For ages 16+ only, this session is all about distance paddling, so be sure you're confident on the water for at least an hour. If you're unsure about your abilities, contact us before booking to find the right fit.

Note: Instructors may refuse entry to beginners for safety reasons.

No dogs on boards, please.
Private sessions only between Nov-Mar. Email [email protected] to book.

1-2-1 Tuition - Beginner to Advanced

Ready to master Stand-Up Paddleboarding with your own Paddle UK L3 coach? A 121 session could be just what you need!

Enjoy 2 hours on the beautiful Fowey estuary, guided by a fully qualified, insured, and experienced coach. You'll start with a water safety briefing and land-based induction, then hit the water to learn kneeling, standing, and paddling techniques. For seasoned paddlers, your coach can also focus on advanced skills, board tech, and gear.

Your private session includes board hire and buoyancy aid, and we recommend a wetsuit). If you don't have one, we offer C-Skins/Sola wetsuits to hire for £5 (adult) or £3 (child). Just reserve when booking.

Minimum age 10, all skill levels welcome.
Note: No dogs on SUP boards.
Private sessions only from Nov–March. Email [email protected] to book.

Adult OR Junior SUP Party - 1.5hrs

You can arrange both adult and child-only sessions by emailing [email protected].

Encounter Cornwall offers a fun, skill-building experience on the stunning Fowey estuary. Whether you're with friends, family, or celebrating a special occasion, enjoy 90 minutes of Stand Up Paddleboarding after a land-based induction.

Sessions include board hire, buoyancy aids, and wetsuits if required:

• Adult Session: Minimum group size 5+, minimum age 16. £35pp
• Children's Session: Minimum age 10, minimum group size 5+, must be able to swim unaided. £25pp

Afterwards, join us at The Boatshed Cafe for refreshments! Sessions include water safety, skill-based training, and fun activities like SUP dodgems. Getting wet is guaranteed!

Encounter Cornwall holds an AALA license, so parental supervision isn’t required on the water. All instructors have enhanced DBS and safeguarding certificates.

To book, email [email protected]!

MEGA SUP SESSION

Supervised MEGA SUP Session: Head out onto the stunning River Fowey Estuary for what has to be the most fun you can have in a wetsuit!!

You will need team work and co-ordination and we can guarantee NO ONE is staying dry!

Your instructor will be there to guide and advise you to ensure you get the most out of your 2 hour session.

Group Sizes - Minimum 4 and Maximum 8, your lead paddler must be 18 years of age or over, and agree to wearing the leash.

Please call the office to book your date and launch time, and if you prefer "Hire" only, this can be arranged 👍 Special family rates avaliable, children minimum age 5 years, must be at least two adults in the group.

 

Paddle UK - Paddle Start Award

Ready to make a splash? Join us for a fun-filled 3-4 hour paddlesport session where you’ll get hands-on with both SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) and kayaking (or just choose one!). Whether you’re new to the water or looking to build confidence, you’ll learn essential skills to safely get in and out of your boat or board, paddle effectively, and navigate back to your start point.

At the end, you'll earn your Paddle UK Paddle Start Award, a perfect introduction to paddlesport!

For ages 8+, the price includes your vessel, buoyancy aid, and expert instruction. Wetsuit hire is available for just £5. Ready to paddle? Let's go!

For booking please email [email protected].

Encounter Paddle Club - Adults Only

What is the Encounter Paddle Club?

The Encounter Paddle Club is an exclusive community limited to just 20 members, designed for those passionate about Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. Whether you're an experienced paddler or new to the sport, our club offers a unique mix of guided adventures, expert-led tours, training sessions, and social events. As a member, you'll have access to exclusive paddles, wildlife expert tours, and the chance to connect with fellow paddle enthusiasts.

Our Paddle Club Membership also gives you access to special tours of the stunning Fowey Estuary and beyond. These member-only tours typically last around 2 hours, with the option to choose between SUP or kayak, depending on your preference. Don’t forget to enter your exclusive code when booking and specify your equipment requirements if you're not bringing your own.

Interested in becoming a member? Reach out to us at [email protected] for any questions or to sign up. Please feel free to ask about anything before making a booking!