Totnes: Canoe the River Dart

Exploring the River Dart by Canoe: A Practical Guide

If you’re looking for a relaxed way to experience the natural charm of Devon, a guided canoe trip on the River Dart might just be what you need. This tour, run by Rock The Boat Activities, promises a chance to glide through peaceful waters, spot local wildlife like kingfishers and seals, and enjoy the scenic beauty of one of England’s most picturesque rivers. While I haven’t done this exact trip myself, I’ve looked into what makes it appealing — and where it might fall short.

What really caught my eye are the friendly, professional guides who bring local knowledge and safety expertise to the journey, and the fact that photos and videos are included. That means you can focus on soaking in the views and wildlife without worrying about capturing every moment yourself. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the trip isn’t suitable for kids under 6 or people over 331 lbs, so it’s important to check your group’s suitability.

This experience seems ideal for anyone craving a gentle adventure, whether you’re a newbie paddler or someone more comfortable on the water. It offers a balanced mix of wildlife spotting, scenic views, and easy paddling — making it accessible and enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Suitable for all skill levels; guides teach paddling skills if needed.
• Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting kingfishers, seals, and other creatures.
• Photos and videos of your trip are included, making memories easy to keep.
• Weather and tides influence the route, which could mean some variation in your experience.
• Comfortable equipment provided, with easy-to-stay-upright canoes designed for dry paddling.
• Ideal for families or groups looking for a relaxed, scenic outing without strenuous activity.

What to Expect from Your Canoe Trip on the River Dart

This tour offers a well-structured, 3-hour experience that’s perfect for a half-day escape. From the moment you arrive at Longmarsh Car Park, the activity begins with a safety briefing and equipment distribution. The guides are there to ensure everyone feels confident, teaching basic paddling skills if needed, which makes this suitable even for first-timers.

The tour unfolds in two main parts. First, you’ll paddle from the starting point in Totnes, heading towards Stoke Gabriel, a journey that usually takes about 1.5 hours. The guides will lead the way, show you secret spots, and point out wildlife along the way. You can expect to see some stunning views of the river, especially as the tide helps with paddling out and returning smoothly.

The second part of the tour is a slightly shorter 80-minute paddle, focusing on further exploration and wildlife spotting. The guides are happy to help capture moments, so expect plenty of opportunities for photos. The route is weather-dependent, with the final destination often being Stoke Gabriel, a charming village that adds a splash of local flavor to the scenery.

The tour concludes back at the Longmarsh Car Park, where you’ll unload the equipment and pack up your memories. Keep in mind that part of the fun is being outdoors and on the water, so expect a bit of splashing and possibly wet feet unless you bring water shoes or old trainers.

The Details Make a Difference

The equipment provided is straightforward — a canoe, paddle, buoyancy aid, and qualified guide—everything you need for a safe, enjoyable trip. The group size is manageable, with 2 or 3 people per canoe, which keeps the experience intimate and easier to manage.

Since the tour is weather and tide-dependent, it’s worth checking the schedule and availability closer to your trip. The flexibility of reserving now and paying later is helpful if your plans aren’t set in stone. The price includes not just the canoe rental but also the photos and videos taken during your journey — a nice bonus that adds value when you think about the memories you’ll create.

Parking costs are modest, about £2 for three hours, which is a fair price given the location. And with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, there’s flexibility if weather or plans change.

What Travelers Are Saying

From reviews, people generally appreciate the friendly guides and the opportunity to photograph wildlife, often mentioning how “lots of opportunities for photos and wildlife” made the trip special. Many also highlight the scenic views along the river, describing the experience as peaceful and picturesque.

Some reviews note that the trip is suitable for beginners or those who haven’t paddled before, emphasizing that the canoes are easy to stay upright and dry, which is great for those wary of getting wet. However, a handful of comments mention the weather can influence the route and overall experience, so it’s wise to be prepared for changing conditions.

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Is It Right for You?

If you’re someone who enjoys quiet outdoor activities, appreciates nature, and doesn’t mind a bit of water splashing around, you’ll likely enjoy this trip. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed, guided experience rather than an intense adventure. Families with children over 6 might find it a manageable outing, but younger kids or those with mobility issues might want to consider other options.

For solo travelers or small groups wanting a balanced mix of activity, scenery, and wildlife, this tour hits a lot of the right notes. It’s a way to see parts of the River Dart you’d probably miss if just walking along the bank, and the guides’ local insights add an extra layer of connection to the landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are there to teach you any paddling skills needed, and the canoes are designed to be stable and easy to stay upright, making it accessible even if it’s your first time.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, snacks, water, and water shoes or old trainers. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, especially if rain is forecast. Items that can get dirty or wet are best, and avoid bare feet or alcohol.

How long does the trip last?
The actual paddling tour is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, spread over two segments, with some additional time for briefing and equipment setup. The total experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if weather or other factors come into play.

Is parking included?
No, parking fees are not included but are quite modest (~£2 for 3 hours). The meeting point is at Longmarsh Car Park.

Are children allowed?
Children under 6 are not suitable for this activity, but older kids who can follow safety instructions and are comfortable on the water should find it a fun experience.

Wrapping Up

This canoe tour on the River Dart offers a relaxing way to enjoy Devon’s natural beauty. With friendly guides, wildlife spotting, and scenic views, it’s a trip that balances adventure with accessibility. The inclusion of photos and videos means you’ll come away with memories to share, and the manageable situation makes it a good choice for a gentle outdoor outing.

If you’re craving a peaceful paddle, want to learn more about local wildlife, or simply enjoy being on the water, this tour gives you a solid, enjoyable experience with a local touch. Keep an eye on weather conditions and availability, but overall, it’s a charming way to see a quieter side of Devon and make some lovely memories along the River Dart.

You can check availability for your dates here: