Guided Trips

Creeks & Backwaters

Kayaking from Golant on the high tide, we will normally take you up the Fowey River and into "Wind in the Willows" Creek to picturesque Lerryn village. On some trips we may vary the route and paddle up to St Winnows to visit its salt marshes or to Penpol Creek to view its shipwrecks and ancient woodland.

These are good trips for spotting wildlife in some of the hidden creeks en route, with herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, various waders and shoals of grey mullet seen on most trip. We normally stop for a 30-minute break in Lerryn or St Winnow for refreshments and to give our arms a rest before heading back to Golant on a circular loop through the estuary…

Wildlife & Waterfronts

Our 2–3-hour low tide paddle is a trip of two halves. With the foreshores exposed, the Golant to Fowey Docks section is one of the best places to observe estuary wildlife. Herons, egrets, cormorants and shags are usually seen as are kingfishers, sandpipers and oystercatchers most months of the year. It’s also the place to see our resident harbour seal who often makes an appearance – or if you’re really lucky a migrating osprey hunting for fish.

Fowey has been a port for over 1000 years and its waterfronts are layered in history: the 14th century blockhouses that protected the harbour; Daphne du Maurier’s Ferry side home; and the towers of Place – the county seat of the Treffry family for over 400 years. It’s also home to many marine industries from traditional wooden boat builders to Tom’s Boatyard where modern fishing boats are made and repaired. There's also plenty to tempt your tastebuds when we beach in Fowey or Polruan for our 30-minute break.

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.