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

Thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your trip to the Isles of Scilly? While I haven’t personally tried this coasteering tour, I’ve read plenty of reviews and details that make it sound like a wild but rewarding experience. It’s perfect if you’re craving something active, a little daring, and with scenery that’s hard to beat.

What really catches my eye? First, the gorgeous coastal scenery that you can only access from the water, and second, the variety of activities—from cliff jumps to swims and rocky scrambles—that make this trip feel like a genuine ocean adventure. But, as with any outdoor activity, it’s not for everyone—think about your comfort with open water and physical activity.

If you’re someone who loves a good adrenaline rush but also appreciates nature’s raw beauty, this coasteering trip could be just what you need. It’s especially suited for confident swimmers and those looking to explore parts of the coast that are pretty much off-limits otherwise.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal scenery only accessible from the water, with dramatic cliffs and sea caves.
• Optionally daring: cliff jumps of all sizes are available but never pressured—your comfort comes first.
• All gear included: wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid—just bring trainers and some extra shorts.
• A mix of swimming, scrambling, and jumping makes for a varied, energetic experience.
• Suitable for confident kids, adventurous families, and thrill-seeking adults, with minimum age 9.
• Location at Peninnis Head offers a spectacular and rarely accessed part of the Isles.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Coasteering Experience

Let’s walk through what you can expect from this 3.5-hour adventure on St. Mary’s, one of the main islands in the Isles of Scilly. The whole thing is hosted by Kernow Coasteering, a provider rated 5 stars, which is a good sign they know their stuff.

Starting Point and Setup

Your adventure begins at Peninnis Farm, a short walk from Hugh Town, making it pretty accessible. Once you arrive, the process is straightforward: sign your participation forms, get fitted with your gear, and listen to a thorough safety briefing. This part is crucial because it sets the tone for a safe, fun experience—our guides emphasize safety first but keep it relaxed.

Your kit includes a winter wetsuit (which, considering the UK climate, is a smart choice), helmet, and buoyancy aid. All these are provided, so there’s no need to pack your own. The only things you need to remember are trainers (not sandals or beach shoes—proper grip is necessary) and some extra shorts to wear over your wetsuit.

The Exploration Begins

Once geared up, you’ll venture into the granite playground of Peninnis Head. The guides take you through narrow gullies, cracks, and over stunning rock formations that seem almost otherworldly. The water here is crystal clear, making swimming through gullies or exploring grottoes feel like you’re in a secret world.

What Makes It Special?

The real highlight are the cliff jumps—these are optional but many find them irresistible. The jumps range in size, so whether you’re a cautious jumper or a daring thrill-seeker, there’s likely a leap for you. As one reviewer mentioned, “Jumping was always optional, but the thrill of looking down from the cliffs was hard to resist.”

The guides introduce jumping gradually, starting with smaller jumps and increasing as confidence builds. For those who prefer not to jump, swimming or climbing over rocks still makes for an exhilarating experience.

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The Wild Swims and Rocky Scrambles

Expect to swim through various gullies, float over granite formations, and scramble over rocks—sometimes on all fours—to get the best views and access hidden spots. This isn’t a sit-on-the-boat kind of tour. You’ll be active, engaged, and in the moment with nature.

Some reviews note that the water is often stunningly clear, which enhances the experience of exploring caves and grottoes. It’s like discovering a secret corner of the Atlantic.

Flexibility and Group Dynamics

Every trip is shaped by the tide and the group’s comfort level. Our guides are attentive, adjusting the itinerary to ensure safety and maximum fun. They also tailor the jumps and activities based on your interest. You’ll find that the group sizes tend to be manageable, which means more attention from your guide and a friendlier vibe overall.

Duration and Pacing

The adventure lasts about 3.5 hours, enough time to explore multiple sections of the coastline without feeling rushed. It’s a good length for families or those new to coasteering, as it balances excitement with safety and comfort.

Practical Details and Tips

What to bring:
– Swimsuit (to wear under your wetsuit)
– Towel
– Shorts (to wear over your wetsuit for protection)
– Closed-toe shoes (trainers or lace-up shoes—important, as sandals or beach shoes aren’t permitted)

Who can join?
– Minimum age is 9 years, so older kids and teens can enjoy it too.
– Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
– You should be able to swim at least 25 meters comfortably.
– No previous coasteering experience needed, but you should be comfortable in open water and have a basic level of fitness.

Cost and value:
At $88 per person, the price covers all gear, a guided safety briefing, and the unique chance to explore the islands’ coastline in a way that’s both active and scenic. When you consider how much you’re getting—an adventure, stunning views, and memories—it feels like good value, especially since the gear and safety measures are included.

Timing and reservations:
Tours typically run from Easter to autumn, with flexible booking options allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. It’s a good idea to reserve early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

The Location: Peninnis Head

Peninnis Head is a standout among the Isles of Scilly because it offers access to areas that are otherwise hard to reach. Its steep granite outcrops and deep channels create a rugged, dramatic landscape perfect for coasteering. Being there gives you a genuine sense of discovery—each jump or swim feels more meaningful when you’re exploring a relatively untouched part of the coast.

The meeting point, Peninnis Farm, is easy to find, and the facilities are straightforward—just a shipping container in a small field across from Peninnis Farm Lodges.

Authentic Reviews and Experiences

Multiple reviews praise the stunning scenery as a highlight—many mention that the views are “absolutely breathtaking” and that the water clarity enhances the whole experience. One reviewer described the adventure as “a perfect mix of fun, challenge, and natural beauty.”

Others appreciated the flexibility of jumping options: “They never pressured me to jump, but I still managed to get some great leaps in,” said one customer. This relaxed approach makes it accessible for those who aren’t keen on jumping but still want to enjoy the environment.

The guides’ professionalism and attentiveness reassured many, with comments like “the safety briefing was thorough but friendly,” and “the guides made everyone feel comfortable.”

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This coasteering adventure suits confident swimmers and those comfortable in open water, thanks to the swimming and scrambling involved. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous families with older children (9+), especially if you’re looking for a mix of activity and stunning scenery.

It might not be ideal if you’re not comfortable with heights or open water, but if you’re up for a physical challenge and love exploring nature’s more rugged side, this trip likely will deliver.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a truly memorable way to see the Isles of Scilly, this coasteering tour offers a mix of adventure and spectacular scenery that’s hard to beat. The combination of cliff jumps, swims through caves, and rocky scrambles makes for a full, active day that will leave you with stories to tell.

The fact that all gear is provided, and the guides are experienced, means you can just focus on having fun and enjoying the views. While it’s not a beginner activity—it does require a basic level of fitness and comfort in open water—it’s accessible to most confident swimmers and adventurous souls.

This experience is best suited for those who want more than just sightseeing—they want to feel the coast, get wet, and challenge themselves a little. If that sounds like your kind of day, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is prior coasteering experience necessary? No, you don’t need previous experience. The guides will give a safety briefing, and jumps are always optional.

What is the minimum age? The minimum age is 9 years old, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear? Bring swimwear to wear under your wetsuit, and shorts or similar over your wetsuit for protection. Trainers or lace-up shoes are mandatory—no sandals or beach shoes.

How long does the tour last? The adventure takes about 3.5 hours, giving plenty of time for multiple activities and exploration.

Are all activities in the water? Mostly, yes. You’ll be swimming, jumping, and scrambling along the coast. The water is clear, and safety gear is provided.

Is it suitable for families? It’s suitable for adventurous families with confident older children, but younger kids or those uneasy in open water might find it challenging.

What if I can’t swim well? You’ll need to be able to swim at least 25 meters comfortably to participate safely.

Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re craving an active, scenic, and memorable adventure, this coasteering experience at Peninnis Head offers the perfect mix of thrill and natural beauty. Just make sure you’re comfortable in open water and ready for a day of exploring the rugged Atlantic coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: