6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Exmouth, UK

Welcome to Exmouth, a stunning coastal town in the UK.

Have you ever imagined gliding through crystal-clear waters on a paddle board?

Discover the best places to paddle board in Exmouth and create unforgettable memories.

Embark on your Exmouth adventure and let the tranquil waters amaze you. Are you up for it?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Exmouth

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 October. August 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 Exmouth

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 Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Exmouth Beachfront (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents, Windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, dolphins (occasional)
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Exmouth coastline, distant views of Jurassic Coast
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe lifeguard flags, avoid strong currents

Exmouth Beach is a popular paddleboarding destination with stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Its sandy shore and moderate waves make it an inviting spot for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike. Keep an eye out for dolphins, often spotted frolicking in the waters nearby.

#2 Exe Estuary

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: Exmouth Marina (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild river currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Wading birds, seals, occasionally dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Quays and marinas, rolling hills
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect speed limits and other water users, watch for boat traffic

Exe Estuary offers a serene paddleboarding experience along a tidal river. Paddle alongside nature reserves with abundant wildlife, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers. The calm waters and picturesque views make this an ideal location for a relaxing paddle.

#3 Orcombe Point

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Town end of Exmouth Beach, near Orcombe Point (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional marine life
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Orcombe Point’s iconic geoneedle, sandstone cliffs
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay clear of cliff edges, be aware of tide changes

Orcombe Point provides a scenic oceanfront paddleboarding experience. Explore the striking sandstone cliffs, including the famous Geoneedle, while cruising the shoreline.

Be prepared for moderate waves and currents, offering an enjoyable challenge for both beginners and seasoned paddleboarders.

#4 Dawlish Warren

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Dawlish Warren Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals (occasional)
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Exe Estuary, reserve and sand dunes
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of rip currents, respect wildlife sanctuary areas

Just a short distance from Exmouth, Dawlish Warren offers tranquil bay waters perfect for paddleboarding.

The scenic Exe Estuary and sand dunes make this a serene destination. Look out for seals often spotted along the shoreline, but be mindful of protected wildlife areas.

#5 River Exe Adventure

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: Exeter Quay (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild river currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Wading birds, occasional marine life
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Exeter Quay, historic buildings
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Look out for river traffic, adhere to Exeter Canal navigation rules

For those willing to venture further up the River Exe, the Exeter Quay area offers a delightful paddleboarding experience combined with historic charm.

Explore the picturesque quayside and canal, weaving past historic buildings and enjoying calm waters suitable for all skill levels.

#6 Budleigh Salterton

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Budleigh Salterton Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents, potentially windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional marine life
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Otter Estuary, Jurassic Coastline, red cliffs
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay clear of cliff edges, be aware of tide changes, avoid strong currents

A short drive from Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton offers paddleboarders beautiful oceanfront scenery along the Jurassic Coast.

Paddle along the Otter Estuary and marvel at the red cliffs, creating a truly picturesque setting. Be prepared for ocean currents and changing weather conditions, and always stay safe.

Exmouth sits at the mouth of the Exe, which is superb at slack water and hard work on a spring ebb. Along the coast, Poole, Bournemouth and inland the Avon are the next places to try.