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

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $88 per person and lasts 3.5 hours.
• Location and Focus: It explores Peninnis Head on St. Mary’s Island, showcasing Scilly’s dramatic granite coastline.
• Activities Included: Highlights include cliff jumps, wild swimming, and rocky scrambling, all optional but many tempting.
• Equipment Provided: All necessary gear, including a winter wetsuit, helmet, and buoyancy aid, is included.
• Who Can Join: Suitable for confident swimmers aged 9 and up, with no prior coasteering experience needed.
• Provider: This activity is offered by Kernow Coasteering, rated 5 stars.

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Discovering St. Mary’s Wild Coastline Through Coasteering

The Isles of Scilly host a coasteering adventure that takes you along the spectacular cliffs of Peninnis Head on St. Mary’s Island. Priced at $88 per person and lasting 3.5 hours, this activity offers a dynamic way to see the islands’ rugged edges from the water level. The trip is perfect for adventurous families, confident kids, and thrill-seekers, all eager to explore Scilly’s Atlantic coast in an active, hands-on manner.

Notably, this tour is all about flexibility and safety. The cliff jumps are always optional, ensuring everyone can participate at their comfort level. The guides are experienced and adapt the session to current conditions and the group’s abilities. The activity includes all gear, so participants only need to bring trainers and some shorts for over the wetsuit.

Meeting Point and Logistics at Peninnis Farm

The adventure begins at Peninnis Farm, which is just a short walk from Hugh Town. The exact location is a blue shipping container situated in a small field, directly opposite Peninnis Farm Lodges. Visitors approach from the main town and pass the Health Centre to reach the meeting spot.

Once there, the crew completes participation forms, fits everyone with their wetsuit, helmet, and buoyancy aid, and provides a detailed safety briefing. The meeting point’s convenient location makes it easy to access, and the activity takes place at Peninnis Head, one of the most dramatic and accessible coastal spots on the island.

Essential Items to Bring for the Coasteering Trip

Participants should remember to bring athletic footwear, specifically trainers or lace-up shoes—sandals or beach shoes are not allowed. They will also need swimwear to wear underneath their wetsuit, a towel, and dry clothes for after the activity. A pair of shorts to wear over the wetsuit can help protect against scrapes during rocky scrambles.

The activity is designed for those aged 9 and above, with children under 14 required to be accompanied by an adult. A minimum swimming ability of 25 meters is needed, but no prior coasteering experience is necessary. The session expects a basic level of fitness and comfort in open water.

What the Coasteering Experience Looks Like at Peninnis Head

The coasteering route covers the dramatic granite cliffs, narrow gullies, and sea caves that are rarely accessible by foot. Participants are introduced to movement techniques after a safety briefing, then set off into the water to explore this rocky playground.

Expect to swim through gullies, climb over granite ledges, and float through sea caves with crystal-clear waters and otherworldly rock formations all around. The guides introduce jumps gradually, starting with smaller jumps to build confidence, then offering more daring options. Each session adapts to tide conditions and the group’s interests, but many find themselves drawn to the larger jumps and exciting rocky sections.

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The Location and Features of Peninnis Head

Peninnis Head on St. Mary’s offers an impressive coastline with steep granite outcrops and deep channels. This area provides a dramatic backdrop for the coasteering adventure, with hidden grottoes and striking rock formations that are only accessible by sea. The location’s rugged terrain is what makes the trip so special, showcasing the raw beauty of the Atlantic coast.

The steep cliffs and rocky coves create a landscape that is perfect for hands-on exploration, cliff jumping, and wild swimming. The crystal-clear waters allow for excellent visibility, making the experience even more memorable.

Safety and Guidance During the Coasteering Tour

Safety is a top priority for Kernow Coasteering, rated 5 stars. All participants are fitted with winter wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids, which are included in the tour price. The experienced guides lead the session, providing clear instructions and safety tips throughout.

The guides are skilled at tailoring the experience to each group’s ability and comfort level. They emphasize that cliff jumps are always optional, so no one feels pressured into doing anything they’re not happy with. The safety briefing ensures everyone understands how to navigate the rocky terrain and water responsibly.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour requires a basic level of fitness and comfort in open water, as you will be swimming, climbing, and scrambling. The minimum age is 9 years, with children under 14 needing adult supervision.

Participants must be able to swim 25 meters unaided, but prior coasteering experience is not necessary. The activity is not suitable for children under 9. The gear and guidance help to make the experience accessible to those with a reasonable fitness level.

The Unique Aspects of This Coasteering Trip

What sets this tour apart is its location at Peninnis Head, a rarely accessed part of the Isles of Scilly with spectacular rock formations and cliffs. The all-inclusive gear and flexible jump options make it accessible and fun for a wide range of participants.

The guides’ adaptability ensures that even those new to coasteering or nervous about jumping can enjoy the adventure. The stunning views, combined with the hands-on exploration and rocky scenery, make this a truly memorable way to experience Scilly’s wild coastline.

Final Thoughts on the Isles of Scilly Coasteering Adventure

This 3.5-hour coasteering tour at Peninnis Head provides a thrilling, scenic exploration of St. Mary’s rugged coast. For $88, participants gain access to an exciting mix of swimming, scrambling, and jumping, all led by experienced guides in a safe, controlled environment.

While the activity requires a basic swimming ability and a reasonable level of fitness, it offers a unique perspective on the coastal landscape that’s difficult to see from land. The option to skip jumps ensures that everyone can participate comfortably.

This tour is best suited for confident swimmers and adventure lovers who want to experience the raw beauty of the Isles of Scilly from the water. The stunning scenery and hands-on activities make it an unforgettable addition to any trip to the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior coasteering experience necessary?
No, prior experience is not needed. The guides provide a safety briefing and technical guidance.

What age can participate in this tour?
The minimum age is 9 years. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring swimwear, towel, shorts to wear over the wetsuit, and closed-toe shoes like trainers.

Are cliff jumps compulsory?
No, all jumps are optional, and participants can choose their comfort level.

What gear is included?
All necessary safety equipment, including a winter wetsuit, helmet, and buoyancy aid, is provided.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is Peninnis Farm on St. Mary’s, in a blue shipping container opposite Peninnis Farm Lodges.

How long does the activity last?
The coasteering adventure lasts 3.5 hours in total.

Is the activity suitable in all weather conditions?
The guides adjust the session based on current conditions, but activity is scheduled from Easter to autumn.

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

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $88 per person.

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