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Cruising

Useful Information Accommodation

Kayak and Canoe Rental

Its easy any one can do it!

Book your Canoe or Kayak email us at info@westcorksailing.com

Come and enjoy the amazing feeling of freedom, while you paddle in the sheltered waters of Adrigole Harbour.  The seals will follow your kayak and bob up their heads around you.

Head out to Orthorn Island and look for treasure, explore the little coves.

Our sit on top kayaks are self bailing, so they never fill with water and cannot sink, so you can be assured that you are paddling safely.

If you don't want to wear a wetsuit then rent a Canadian Canoe, which is a dry (relatively!) and you can sit upright, which is more comfortable for people of weak backs. The canoes can take 2 people, 3 or even a family of 4 if children are small.

Single Sit on Top €12 per hour
Double / Triple Sit on Top €20 per hour
Canadian  Canoe €20 per hour

4 single kayaks or more €10 each.

3 hour morning session 10am to 1pm €15 per person

We have a limited number of wetsuits that we can let you borrow for free but if you have your own bring it along.

FAQ's

Is it safe? Yes, The canoes and Kayaks are open cockpit so easy to get in and out. The harbour is very sheltered and virtually enclosed so you will only get blown on to a shore. There are no currents in the harbour and everybody has to wear a floatation device (life jacket or buoyancy aid) so if you do fall in you will bob around. Rescue cover is available should any body get into difficulty.

Do I have to wear a wetsuit? - No, If you take a canoe you should stay dry, maybe a few splashes. If you take a kayak you will get a wet bum as you sit in a puddle of water so it is up to you what you wear.

What should I wear? Loose fitting clothes, shorts tee shirt & light waterproof jacket or a wetsuit . If you are taking one of our wetsuits you will need to have a swimming costume to wear underneath and a towel to dry off.

Are there changing rooms? Yes

Will I capsize? Unlikely unless you are wobbling around. The canoes tend to be a little bit tippyer than the kayaks but if your mindful of the wind and be gentle you will be fine.

Do I get a life jacket? Yes all our clients have to wear a buoyancy aid if you are a swimmer and a full collared life jacket if you are not.

Can i jump into the water if I like? Absolutely, but you need to be mindful of the wind, as craft will blow down wind very quickly giving you a very long swim.

Where can I go? You have the freedom to explore Adrigole harbour with its islands, rocky shores, beaches and coves, but you cannot go out into Bantry Bay.

Are the seals friendly? yes, they can be very curious and the younger pups get a little playful sometimes showing off by jumping out of the water. If you get into the water with them they will admire you from a distance but will never approach you. If the seals are basking on the rocks they get a bit nervous when kayakers come too close so we ask that you keep your distance as females may be pregnant or have pups nearby.

Do dolphins or other creatures come into the harbour? Yes we regularly have dolphins in the harbour and occasionally a few basking sharks in the spring and early summer. There are lots of sea birds including great northern divers, terns, guillemots, razorbills, black guillemots, gannets, cormorants, gulls of all shapes and sizes, oystercatchers, curlews, plovers, turnstones, pippets, many duck species and occasionally a white tailed sea eagle.

Can I fish from my canoe or kayak? Yes, although you do need to be careful as activity from the side of the craft can lead to a capsize. (we do not supply fishing gear)

Can I take the canoe or kayak for longer than an hour? Yes, you can book the craft for as many hours as you like. We do a special in the mornings from 10am to 1pm for €15 for the 3 hours (kayaks and canoes must be back by 1pm but when you start is up to you)

Is the weather a factor? Yes, the rain is no problem and does not deter the experience. However the wind makes kayaking and canoeing harder going up wind. So if it is blowing hard away (any easterly direction) from the shore we may restrict the kayaking area particularly for younger kayakers. in rare cases we have to cancel altogether.

Is there an age limit? No. If you can ride a bicycle then you can paddle a canoe or kayak. Smaller children or those not sure can double up in the double kayaks or canoes with a stronger individual. Smaller children who wish to take their own kayak can be tethered to an adult's.

Is there rescue cover? Yes, but if we have to rescue you then we will take you back to base and your session is finished (we cannot give a refund in these cases)

Do I need to book? It is a good idea to, as the time or craft you want may not be available. If you turn up on spec and we have what you want available then away you go.

Useful Info - Accommodation - The Area - Beara & Bantry - Travel

Sealwatching by
Kayak or Canoe
From €10
Advanced bookings for groups only over the winter months
Please email to reserve.

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