Experience the charm of England’s coastlines in Devon.
Have you ever imagined discovering hidden coves and encountering marine life as you glide along?
The best places to paddle board in Devon offer these adventures and more.
Join us as we delve into Devon’s enchanting waters. Are you set to embark?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Devon
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs clear 15 °C from May through September. July is the warmest month, averaging 20 °C, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
- Rules and licences: Access in England and Wales depends on who controls the water. The Canal & River Trust requires a valid waterways licence for a paddleboard on its canals and rivers, either short term or through Paddle UK membership, and that licence expressly does not cover the Trust’s reservoirs. Lakes and reservoirs in other hands set their own conditions, so check the individual spot before you load the car. There is no statutory kit list, but official guidance after a fatal accident is blunt: wear a buoyancy aid, and a quick release waist leash in moving water.
Where to Paddle Board in Devon
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Exmouth Estuary
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Exe Estuary (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm estuary waters, gentle currents, mild wind conditions
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, dolphins, seals
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Powderham Castle, Exe Estuary Trail
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local wildlife
Exmouth Estuary, located on the southern coast of Devon, offers a picturesque and relaxed environment for paddle boarders.
Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this estuary provides a unique opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of the region while cruising on calm waters.
#2 Salcombe Harbor
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Mill Bay (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered, calm harbor waters, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, seabirds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Salcombe Castle, East Portlemouth Beach
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, respect local rules
Salcombe Harbor is nestled along the Devon coast and offers paddle boarders a serene experience in calm, tranquil waters.
With charming seaside views and rich marine life, it’s a perfect location for both novice and experienced paddlers looking to explore the picturesque coastline.
#3 River Dart
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Totnes Riverside (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle river currents, mild winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Otters, kingfishers, herons
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling countryside, picturesque villages
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules and protect wildlife
The River Dart, meandering through the heart of the Devon countryside, offers a peaceful and scenic paddle boarding experience.
Glide along the river, taking in the sights of charming villages and lush landscapes, while observing the abundant wildlife on either side.
#4 Torquay
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Oddicombe Beach (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, protected bay
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals, dolphins
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Babbacombe Downs, Torbay coastline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Always consider local sea conditions, respect marine life
Torquay, known as the English Riviera, offers a stunning backdrop for paddle boarding. Explore the Torbay coastline while enjoying the calm waters of sheltered bays and harbors.
With an abundance of marine life, you might be joined by seals or dolphins on your adventure.
#5 Woolacombe Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Woolacombe Beach (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, seasonal swells
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional porpoises
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Morte Point, Baggy Point
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local guidelines, always consider sea conditions
Woolacombe Beach, a beautiful stretch of golden sand along the North Devon coast, is a perfect location for paddle boarders seeking an oceanfront adventure.
Offering stunning views and a variety of conditions, it caters to both beginners and experienced paddlers alike. A great spot to ride the waves or explore the coastline’s diverse marine life.
#6 Teignmouth
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Teignmouth Beach (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected bay, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, dolphins, seals
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Teignmouth Pier, Ness Beach
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Always consider sea conditions, respect local rules
Teignmouth, a charming coastal town in Devon, offers a picturesque paddle boarding spot with its protected bay and calm waters.
With stunning views of the surrounding coast, you may encounter dolphins or seals as you explore the area. Teignmouth is a great location for all skill levels, promising a memorable paddle boarding experience.
#7 Bantham Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Bantham Beach (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, mild currents, ideal for beginners
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seals, various seabirds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Burgh Island, picturesque sandy beach
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Consider sea conditions, respect local guidelines
Bantham Beach, located on the beautiful South Devon coast, is well known as a beginner-friendly spot for paddleboarding.
The nearby Burgh Island adds to the stunning view while you paddle and explore the local marine life. The relatively mild conditions make it a perfect destination for paddle lovers of all abilities.
Two coasts again, with the south the sheltered one and the estuaries the reason to come. Following that coast east, the River Brit, Weymouth and inland Salisbury are the next stops.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typemanual inflatable belt pack
- ApprovalUSCG Type V with Type III performance
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20, 30 or 45 L
- Materialdual layer PVC over polyester mesh
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Devon?
Some popular spots for paddle boarding in Devon include Salcombe, Dartmouth, Torquay, and Woolacombe.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Devon?
No, you do not need to register paddle boards in Devon.
When is the best time to paddle board in Devon?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Devon is between late spring and early autumn, when temperatures are milder.
Paddle Boarding Near Devon
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Devon.
- Exmouth (15 miles northeast)
- River Brit (45 miles east)
- Weymouth (55 miles east)
- Cornwall (63 miles west)
