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  1. Why kayak or canoe on the IOW?
  2. What's it like to kayak around the Isle of Wight?
  3. Top kayaking and canoeing spots
  4. Equipment hire and guided tours
  5. Safety and seasonal advice
  6. Getting there

Quiet waters, big adventures

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  2. Things to do on the Isle of Wight
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  4. Canoeing and kayaking on the Isle of Wight

Canoeing and kayaking on the Isle of Wight

There’s something special about discovering the Isle of Wight by canoe or kayak.

Uncover a more quiet, intimate side of the Island as you glide through peaceful estuaries, explore hidden sea caves or paddle alongside dramatic cliffs.

With its varied coastline, sheltered inlets and thriving marine life, the Island is one of the UK’s best destinations for getting out on the water.

And with Wightlink, bringing your own kit is easy on one of our three ferry routes – book today and start your canoeing or kayaking adventure.

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A person wearing a helmet and life jacket paddles a bright orange kayak through small breaking waves off the shores of the Isle of Wight, with white water splashing around them.

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Why kayak or canoe on the IOW?What's it like to kayak around the Isle of Wight?Top kayaking and canoeing spotsEquipment hire and guided toursSafety and seasonal adviceGetting there

Why kayak or canoe on the IOW?

The Isle of Wight is made for paddling. With a coastline that changes from golden beaches to soaring cliffs, plus sheltered estuaries and winding creeks, there’s something new to discover around every bend.

The water here is often calm and slightly warmer than elsewhere in the UK, making it ideal for both relaxed exploration and longer adventures. Explore quietly and you might spot herons, egrets or even a seal popping up to say hello.

Whether you’re skimming past historic harbours or drifting through peaceful marshes, the Island’s natural beauty is best appreciated from the water.

What's it like to kayak around the Isle of Wight?

After paddling non-stop around the Island on his charity challenge a few years ago, regular Wightlink Blog contributor Tim Wiggins put together the highlights from his journey around the coast.

Read Tim's story

Top kayaking and canoeing spots

From serene inland waterways to dramatic sea cliffs, the Isle of Wight offers some truly unforgettable paddling routes.

Whether you’re after a peaceful potter through nature or a more adventurous coastal challenge, these are some of the best places to launch your kayak or canoe.

An aerial shot of a coastal nature reserve - Newtown Nature Reserve Isle of Wight

Newtown Creek

Difficulty: Beginners welcome

A National Nature Reserve and one of the quietest corners of the Island, Newtown Creek is perfect for a slow, scenic paddle.

Drift past saltmarshes, spot wading birds and enjoy the stillness – just remember to check tide times before you go.

Two people wearing life jackets paddle a green and yellow tandem kayak on calm water, each using a double-bladed paddle with bright orange blades.

River Yar (Yarmouth to Freshwater)

Difficulty: Beginners welcome

This gentle estuary route winds through meadows and wetlands, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the Island’s inland beauty.

It’s tidal, so time your trip carefully, but it’s ideal for beginners and nature lovers alike.

Sailboats and small motorboats rest on calm waters in Bembridge Harbour at sunset, with vibrant orange and red hues lighting up the sky behind scattered dark clouds.

Bembridge Harbour

Difficulty: Moderate

Sheltered and scenic, Bembridge Harbour is great for building confidence on the water.

Paddle alongside sailing boats and sandbanks, with views of St Helens and the nearby beach huts. Best at high tide, when there’s more water to explore.

Two kayakers in bright yellow boats paddle through clear turquoise water at the base of a rocky cliff in Freshwater Bay, seen from an elevated viewpoint.

Freshwater Bay

Difficulty: Best suited to experienced adventurers

This is one for the more experienced paddler. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Freshwater Bay offers exciting sea conditions and access to hidden caves but you’ll need to be confident handling swell and navigating rockier sections of coast.

Alum Bay Beach, overlooking the Needles

Alum Bay and The Needles

Difficulty: Best suited to experienced adventurers

A truly iconic paddle, but not for the faint-hearted.

Expect strong tides, open water and exposed conditions – best tackled with local knowledge or as part of a guided tour. If you get the right day, though, it’s unforgettable.

A sweeping view of Ventnor seafront, with sandy beaches and aqua seas, a hilltop of buildings behind it. It looks it could be in the Mediterranean

Ventnor to Bonchurch Coast

Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic stretch offers a blend of sheltered coves and towering cliffs. The water here can be choppy depending on the wind, but it’s a rewarding route with dramatic views and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.

Equipment hire and guided tours

You don’t need to bring your own kayak or canoe to enjoy the Island’s waters – there are plenty of local providers offering equipment hire and guided trips at some of the best paddling spots.

From family-friendly outings on the River Yar to adventures through sea caves and along the coast, there’s something for every level of experience. Tours are a great option if you’re unfamiliar with the area or want to learn more about the Island’s history, wildlife or geology as you go.

Most hire packages include everything you need – your canoe or kayak, paddle, life jack and, in many cases, a dry bag for your valuable belongings. Some providers even off mobile hire or will meet you at the launch point.

Take a look below at some popular IOW providers.

Safety and seasonal advice

Kayaking and canoeing around the Isle of Wight can be peaceful, scenic and great fun but the sea (and estuaries) can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan ahead and paddle responsibly.

Check the RNLI’s kayaking and canoeing safety advice before you travel and take note of our top tips below. With a little preparation, you’ll be free to enjoy the Island’s waters safely and confidently.

🌊 Check tides and weather

Tides and wind conditions can vary a lot around the Island, especially at spots like Freshwater Bay or Alum Bay.

Always check a reliable forecast and tide times before setting off and adjust your plans if the conditions aren’t right. Surfline, Windguru and BBC Weather are good places to start.

☀️ Spring to autumn is best

The main paddling season runs from April to October, when the water is warmer and the weather more settled.

Summer is ideal for beginners and families, but spring and early autumn often bring quieter conditions with fewer people on the water.

👔 Dress for immersion

Even on warm days, the water can be colder than you expect.

Wear suitable clothing, like a wetsuit or quick-drying layers, and always take a buoyancy aid with you  – even on inland routes.

❌ Know your limits

Stick to sheltered spots if you’re just starting out and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

If you’re heading to unfamiliar areas, especially open sea or exposed coastlines, it’s wise to join a guided tour or go with someone experienced.

Getting there

With Wightlink, getting to the Isle of Wight is easy. Pick from three convenient ferry routes linking the south coast with the Island, with crossing times from just 22 minutes.

Our foot-passenger-only FastCat service links Portsmouth with Ryde. As a transport hub, from Ryde you can travel right across the Island, so reaching the beaches on the south and east coasts is straightforward.

If you’re bringing the car, you can cross the Solent on our Portsmouth – Fishbourne route or our Lymington – Yarmouth route, the gateway to the west of the Island. This is a great route to choose if you’re heading to Newtown Creek, the River Yar or Freshwater Bay.

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