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

Imagine exploring a coastline so dramatic and wild that it feels like stepping into another world. That’s exactly what this coasteering experience on St. Mary’s offers—an adrenaline-fueled, up-close encounter with the Isles of Scilly’s rugged Atlantic beauty. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family looking for an active day, or someone keen to see parts of the coast inaccessible by foot, this activity promises unforgettable moments.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning scenery—craggy granite cliffs, secret grottoes, and crystal-clear waters. Second, the variety of activities—from cliff jumps to wild swims—that keep the adventure exciting and fresh. Third, the flexibility of the experience, with all jumps always optional, so you can choose your own level of daring. But, a potential consideration is the need for a basic level of fitness and comfort in open water, which might not suit absolute beginners.

This coasteering adventure is best suited for confident kids, adventurous families, and adults who want to experience the coast from a truly unique perspective. It’s perfect if you’re craving a day of fun, exploration, and some ocean-side adrenaline.

Good To Know

• Spectacular Scenery: The tour showcases some of the Isles of Scilly’s most dramatic coastal features.
• All Activities Optional: Many jumps and swims can be skipped, making it accessible for varying comfort levels.
• Full Equipment Provided: Wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids are included for safety and comfort.
• Expert Guides: Local guides tailor the experience based on conditions and group ability.
• Suitable for Confident Swimmers: A minimum age of 9, with children under 14 needing adult supervision.
• Great Value for the Duration: At $88 for approximately 3.5 hours, it offers a comprehensive way to explore the coastline actively.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Up-Close Look at the Coasteering Experience

The Location: Peninnis Head, St. Mary’s

The adventure takes place at Peninnis Head, a stunning stretch of coast known for its steep granite cliffs and hidden sea caves. This spot is especially revered for its natural beauty and relative inaccessibility by land, making it an ideal playground for adventurous coasteering. From the moment you arrive at Peninnis Farm, the setting feels remote and wild—exactly what you want when seeking a true escape from town.

What the Tour Includes

The tour is guided by Kernow Coasteering, rated a perfect 5, which speaks to their professionalism and safety standards. They meet at Peninnis Farm, just a short walk from Hugh Town, making it an easy starting point. Once there, you’ll be fitted with a winter wetsuit, helmet, and buoyancy aid—gear that ensures safety and warmth in the Atlantic waters.

The Safety and Preparation Briefing

Before getting into the water, guides provide a thorough safety briefing and teach movement techniques. This gives confidence, especially for those who haven’t tried coasteering before. The guides’ friendly approach and clear instructions mean even nervous participants often find themselves eager to jump in.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Route: Exploring the Granite Coastline

Once suited up, the adventure begins. You’ll start swimming and scrambling through narrow gullies, cracks, and around impressive rock formations. The guides are adept at shaping the experience based on conditions, so each trip feels personalized. According to reviews, the focus remains on safety, but there’s plenty of room to push your boundaries if you feel comfortable.

Cliff-Jumping: Optional but Irresistible

One of the major draws is the opportunity for cliff jumps of all sizes. From small, beginner-friendly jumps to higher, more daring leaps—yet all are entirely optional. Reviewers note that many find the jumps “irresistible,” and guides are quick to encourage, but never pressure. If jumping isn’t your thing, swimming, climbing, and exploring the grottoes still make for a fantastic experience.

Wild Swimming and Rock Scrambling

Expect wild swims through clear, cold waters and plenty of rock scrambling—climbing over granite formations that offer stunning views and photo opportunities. This hands-on approach to coast exploration makes you feel like a genuine adventurer, connecting deeply with the rugged environment.

The Experience Duration and Group Dynamics

At 3.5 hours, this tour strikes a balance between being thorough and not exhausting. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing guides to give personalized attention and adapt to the group’s pace and skill levels. The experience is designed to keep everyone engaged without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

What to Bring and Wear

• Trainers or lace-up shoes (mandatory—no sandals or beach shoes)
• A pair of shorts to wear over the wetsuit for comfort
• Swimwear underneath
• A towel and dry clothes for after

The guides recommend bringing extra shorts, which can help protect your wetsuit and make changing more comfortable.

Who Can Join?

The minimum age is 9 years, with children under 14 needing adult supervision. You should be able to swim at least 25 meters, and no previous coasteering experience is needed. A basic level of fitness and comfort with open water is expected, so if you’re active and comfortable in the sea, you’ll likely enjoy it.

Why It’s Worth the Price

At $88 per person, this activity offers a well-rounded adventure that combines physical activity, stunning scenery, and expert guidance. Given the inclusion of all necessary gear and safety briefings, it provides excellent value for travelers looking to add a memorable, active element to their Isles of Scilly trip. For many, the cost is justified by the quality of the experience and the breathtaking landscape you’ll explore.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Participants consistently mention the stunning views and the thrill of exploring parts of the coast that are otherwise inaccessible. One reviewer appreciated the “crystal-clear waters and otherworldly rock formations,” emphasizing how close they felt to nature. Others highlighted the friendly guidance of the team, especially the detailed safety instructions that made even nervous participants feel confident.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

This coasteering adventure is ideal for adventurous families, active travelers, and those eager to see the Isles of Scilly from a fresh perspective. It offers a unique blend of excitement and natural beauty, with a strong safety focus that makes it suitable for confident swimmers aged 9 and up.

If you’re craving a day of thrilling cliff jumps, wild swims, and rocky explorations, this tour delivers all that with the added bonus of professional guidance. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the coastline and create shared memories amid some of the UK’s most rugged scenery.

While it requires a modest level of fitness and basic swimming skills, the experience is accessible enough for most active travelers willing to suit up and dive in. For those who love outdoor adventures and breathtaking views, this coasteering trip on St. Mary’s offers genuine value and unforgettable moments.

FAQ

What is coasteering?
It’s a mix of swimming, climbing, and jumping along the coast, often through caves, gullies, and over rocks.

Is previous experience necessary?
No, no prior coasteering experience is needed. Guides will give instructions and ensure everyone is comfortable.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, a pair of trainers or lace-up shoes (no sandals), shorts for over your wetsuit, and a towel.

How old do you have to be?
The minimum age is 9 years old, and children under 14 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Can I skip jumps I’m uncomfortable with?
Absolutely. All jumps are optional, so you can choose to swim or scramble instead.

What’s included in the price?
All safety gear—wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid—and the guided tour.

Where do we meet?
At Peninnis Farm, on St. Mary’s, just opposite Peninnis Farm Lodges, a short walk from Hugh Town.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3.5 hours, which gives enough time to explore and enjoy the different features.

What’s the best time to do this?
From Easter to autumn, when conditions are most suitable, but check availability for your preferred dates.

Is transportation to the islands included?
No, you need to arrange travel to and from the Isles of Scilly separately.

This coasteering adventure on St. Mary’s Island offers a lively and scenic alternative to more conventional sightseeing. It’s a chance to see the coast from a new angle—an excursion that combines adrenaline, nature, and a splash of fun. Perfect for those eager to push their boundaries and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic coast in a truly active way.

You can check if your dates are available here: