Kayaking in the Isles of Scilly

We have a very special offer for up to six people to take part in a kayaking and walking adventure in the Isles of Scilly...

Dates :	19th May 2025
Cost :	£530 pp
Group size :	2-6 people
Included :	Guide/instructor, kayak equipment, campsite fees, the odd cuppa!

Here at Encounters we are always looking to provide new experiences and having been to the Isles of Scilly kayaking and trail running I wanted to open up the opportunity for our community here at Encounters to have a chance to explore the islands by kayak and foot. These really are a special part of the world and this will be a long lasting memory for anyone interested in spending time in this beautiful, unspoilt part of the world. 

The Isles of Scilly, an archipelago located off the southwestern tip of Cornwall in England, offer a pristine paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. With over 140 islands, only five of which are inhabited, there is plenty to explore. The calm waters surrounding the islands are ideal for kayaking, whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler. With a kayak you can reach so much more of the islands. It's relaxed paddling so can be suitable for a range of fitness levels. 

You will be in safe, experienced hands with your guide, Mark. Mark's passion for the outdoors and extensive knowledge of kayaking ensure that every kayaking excursion is not only safe, but also filled with unforgettable moments.

One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to encounter wildlife up close. The islands are home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, razorbills, and gannets. Seals can often be spotted lounging on rocky outcrops, and kayakers have also seen dolphins and basking sharks!

We can look for accommodation, but this is limited, if you are happy to camp you'll enjoy a beautiful campsite and good shower facilities. You will need to bring your own camping equipment, you'll stay on the island of St Martins with its 4 star campsite nestled in the dunes, a minutes walk to the beach.

I’m a runner so really enjoyed waking up and running around each island at sunrise before taking to the water. Generally, you can run around an island on beautiful paths, the average is about 4 miles.

My advice to anyone taking on this trip would be to take a warm sleeping bag and a decent roll mat (for warmth and comfort), a line to hang your wet stuff on and sun cream. It’s also good to make sure you have some cash on you: there are honesty boxes and we had to use cash sometimes in bars etc. Food shopping is limited but there is a shop on all of the inhabited islands and usually a pub - the food was excellent. We did find it difficult to connect to wifi/data sometimes, which was an added bonus!

Heres a sample of what you'll enjoy : 

-Arrive Monday, set up tents, if camping, and then head out for a short kayaking session to learn the basics and visit Tean where we can walk up the hill and get a great view of the islands we will be exploring for the week.

One of the days will be a self guided walking day on St Martins or you can catch a ferry to St Marys to walk around or get an additional ferry to a different island to explore.  (The inter-island ferries are an extra cost for participants to cover but we can help organise them)

Kayaking days could include (it will be weather dependant): 

- Kayak to Tresco stopping at the uninhabited island of St Helen's on the way.  St Helen's holds the isolation hospital also known as the Pest House which served as a quarantine station built in 1764.  There is also a great path to the top and views of Round Island Lighthouse.  Once arriving at Tresco you can walk around the wild North end visiting the two castles, Cromwells and King Charles Castle.

- Kayak to the largest uninhabited island of Samson with its twin hills.  In the 19th century around 40 residents eecked a living from potatoes and limpets here.  Before the last remaining occupants were evicted by Augustus Smith in 1855 after he had persuaded most of them to move to St Mary's.  Paths will take you to ruined cottages and much older entrance graves.

- Paddle to the Eastern Isles stopping at Nornour with its Iron Age settlement and a walk up the hill to enjoy the views.  Then on to Great Arthur where two passage graves have been discovered.  As we kayak around the islands this is also where we often find many seals lying on rocks or following behind us. 

- Kayak to the South of Tresco to enjoy the long white sandy beaches and the famous Abbey Gardens (the garden is an extra cost for the participants to cover).

The cost for this trip is £530 for the five days (based on camping option) - this does not include getting to the islands or ferries accessing the islands.

Keen to book?

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