Leap from cliffs, swim through sea caves, and scramble along some of the most dramatic coastline in Britain. This is where coasteering was born.
Coasteering is the original Pembrokeshire adventure activity — a unique combination of cliff jumping, scrambling across rocks, swimming through sea caves and gullies, and riding ocean swells, all while exploring the wild coastline at water level. There's nothing else quite like it. You'll be wearing a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet, guided by experienced instructors who know every rock, cave and jumping spot along their stretch of coast.
Pembrokeshire is widely recognised as the birthplace of coasteering. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers over 180 miles of coastline with sea caves, natural arches, blowholes and sheltered coves that make it arguably the finest coasteering location in the world. The water is clean, the geology is varied — from the ancient volcanic rocks around St David's to the limestone cliffs of the south coast — and the marine wildlife is spectacular. Seals, porpoises and seabirds are regular companions.
No previous experience is needed. Sessions are fully guided and instructors adapt the route to the group's ability and confidence. Nervous jumpers can take smaller leaps or bypass the big drops entirely — there's no pressure. That said, you do need to be a reasonably confident swimmer and comfortable in open water. Children as young as eight can take part on most sessions, making coasteering one of the best family adventure activities in Wales.
Everything you need to know before your coasteering session.
Sessions typically last 2–3 hours, including safety briefing and getting kitted up.
Small groups of up to 12, with a qualified instructor guiding every session.
Moderate fitness needed. You'll be swimming, climbing and scrambling — but at your own pace.
Wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet all included. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and trainers with a good sole.
April through to October. Peak season is June–September when the water's warmest.
Children aged 8 and over are welcome. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Two trusted providers operating along the Pembrokeshire coast. Click a pin to book.
Hand-picked providers with years of experience on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Yes — you need to be a reasonably confident swimmer and comfortable in open water. You'll be wearing a buoyancy aid throughout, but you will be swimming in the sea, sometimes in moving water. If you can swim 50 metres unaided, you'll be fine.
Absolutely not. Jumping is always optional — your instructor will offer alternative routes past any jumps you'd rather skip. Many people start with small ledges (1–2 metres) and work their way up as confidence builds. There's never any pressure.
Wear a swimsuit or tight-fitting shorts underneath, and bring a towel and warm clothes for afterwards. You'll also need footwear — trainers with a good sole that are secure on your feet are ideal (not sandals or flip-flops). All specialist equipment — wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and neoprene gloves — is provided. Leave valuables in the car.
Most providers accept children from age 8 upwards, provided they're confident swimmers. Under-18s must have a participating adult in the group. Some providers offer dedicated family sessions with smaller jumps and a gentler route — check with the provider when booking.
Coasteering runs in most conditions — you're getting wet anyway. High winds and large swells can sometimes mean a change of location to a more sheltered spot rather than a cancellation. Your provider will contact you in advance if conditions require any changes. Full refunds or rescheduling are offered if sessions are cancelled due to weather.
The season runs from April to October. June through September offers the warmest water (14–17°C) and generally the calmest conditions. August school holidays are the busiest period, so booking in advance is essential. May and September offer quieter sessions and often beautiful conditions.