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Canoeing and Kayaking in Dorset

Open Canoeing and Sea Kayaking in Dorset is a great way to take to the waters, whilst also enjoying the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast! Both Canoeing and kayaking in Dorset are a very popular activity amongst watersports enthusiasts. We have found all the best spots and ways for you to engage in these spots and run them down for you below ...

The Jurassic coastline is jam-packed with so many beautiful and beloved beaches, you can view our guide to the best beaches in Dorset, here

With Dorset being home to such a popular and large coastline, it is no shock that watersports, including canoeing and kayaking, have a host of active fans coming to the area! During the Summer months you'll find it the perfect time to take a kayaking tour or go canoeing around beaches such as Branksome Dene and Old Harry Rocks.

If you are a canoeing or kayaking fan, or looking to get into the sports, then check below for the best spots to go canoenig and kayaking in Dorset...

Canoeing Spots in Poole

Rockley

Rockley Point, Poole

Location: Rockley Point, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4RW

About: Rockley Point is based in the beautiful Poole Harbour - Europe's largest natural harbour! Rockley offer a variety of watersports classes and hires, but for canoes and kayaks, at Rockley you will just be able to rent! Either take off in the harbour for 30 minutes or 55 minutes.

Price:

To hire

  • Kayaks - £12 - 30 mins / £20 - 55 mins
  • Canoes - £12 - 30 mins / £20 - 55 mins

Companies: Rockley Point Activity Centre

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Poole Park

Poole Park, Poole

Location: Poole Park Lake, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2SF

About: Poole Park Activity Centre nestled in the heart of Poole, along the tranquil shores of the UK's largest inland saltwater lake is home to some great watersports classes and activities. This is a great spot for kayaking for those looking either for a little more help and guidance, or to those wanting to participate in a course. The Kayak Taster Session on offer is run in sit-on-top kayaks and is available for youths and adults.

Price: 1 hour class for £27

Companies: Poole Park Activity Centre

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Canoeing Spots in Branksome

Shaka Surf

Branksome Dene Chine, Branksome

Location: Branksome Dene, Chine, Poole, BH13 6JP

About: Based on one of the UK’s most beautiful sandy beaches at Branksome Dene in Poole Bay, Shaka Surf is perfectly located for all ages and abilities to have fun in the water. Shaka Surf offer Kayak hire, to both please lovers of kayaking, and to also ease new waterspots fans into the water. 

Companies: Shaka Surf

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Canoeing Spots in Wareham

Kayaking

Bere Regis, Wareham

Location: Puddletown Road, Bere Regis, Wareham, BH20 7NU

About: Buddens Activity Centre is situated in the heart of the historic and beautiful Isle of Purbeck and Jurassic Coast. 

Buddens offer a British Canoe PSRC course at their activity centre. The course takes place on flat water and you will have the opportunity to try out, and practice rescuing, a wide range of paddling crafts. This course is invaluable for all paddlers, and is a prerequisite for those going on to become a Paddle Sport Instructor.

Price: British Canoe PSRC - 1 Day course for £80

Companies: Buddens Activity Centre

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River Frome

River Frome, Wareham

Location: Abbot's Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LW

About: Wareham Boat Hire, situated on a beautiful stretch of the River Frome serves as an ideal spot to rent a canoe or kayak. Travel down the scenic river, stretching all the way from Wareham, traveling through the town and then down towards Poole Harbour. 

Price:

  • Single Kayaks, from £12.50 - £70 depending on length of time. 
  • Double Kayaks from £20 - £90
  • Canoes (fitting 3 people) from £20 - £90

Companies: Wareham Boat Hire

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Canoeing Spots in Hamworthy

Canoeing

Hamworthy, Poole

Location: Hamworthy Park, Lulworth Avenue, Poole, BH15 4DH

About: South Coast Adventures in Hamworthy offer a variety of different Kayaking related courses and classes. From Pay & Play kayak hire, to their beginner class Introduction to Kayaking, Discover Sea Kayaking, to the more advanced Sea Kayak Adventure course. For those wanting to get more in touch with their kayak and develop more niche skills, South Coast Adventures even offer a Kayak Rolling class - for those wanting to lean how to better control their kayak and the process of rolling.

Price: Various

Companies: South Coast Adventures

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Canoeing Spots in Swanage

Swanage Bay

Swanage Bay, Swanage

Locaiton: Broad Rd, Swanage, BH19 2AP

About: Enjoy a beautiful 2 hour experience of kayaking around Swanage Bay, in either a group or private tour! Your kayaking session begins with a coaching session on how to paddle like a pro, followed by a mini journey with games and challenges to put your skills into practice. It’s a fantastic way to explore the local Dorset area and see the incredible coastline from a new watery perspective.

Price: £35pp for a group session or £160 for private.

Companies: Land & Wave

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Canoeing Spots in Studland

Old Harry Rock

Old Harry Rocks, Studland

Locaiton: Middle Beach Car Park, Beach Rd, Studland, Swanage, BH19 3AP

About: Soak in one of the UKs most spectacular tourist attractions from the sea - Old Harry Rocks! Join an Old Harry Rocks kayaking tour, explore the coves and cliffs, and let experienced guides clue you in on all the local legends as you paddle through this playground! You can go for either 2 to 3 hours!

Price: £45 to £60

Companies: Fore Adventures

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FAQs

Can I canoe on River Stour Dorset? - The River Stour is largely free of locks and retains its natural flow. Powered boats are permitted only on the 4km stretch between Ballingdon Bridge and Henny Street Weir. Beyond this section, the river becomes quite shallow. While navigation is still possible, you'll need a boat with a shallow draft, like a canoe or rowing boat.

Do you need permission to canoe on a river? - This varies depending on the river and council.

Is it illegal to kayak without a life jacket in the UK? - For those in canoes or kayaks, it's essential to always wear a life jacket, including outrigger canoes.

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