9 watery adventures to have this summer
14th May 2025
Poppy by Blakeney Point © Alban Donohoe
From surfing in the open sea to sailing trips amongst hidden creeks, there are an abundance of water-based activities and experiences on offer along the North Norfolk coast. Harriet Cooper seeks out some of the local companies who are making waves
Coastal Exploration Co.
How better to experience the wild beauty of the North Norfolk coast than on a mussel flat? The beautifully restored boat belongs to Henry Chamberlain, who runs Coastal Exploration Co. (CEC) in Wells-next-the-Sea. Along with his professional crew, Henry skippers and hosts unique seafaring adventures amongst the hidden creeks and open sea aboard traditional wooden sailing vessels. Each seafaring trip is bespoke, whether you simply want to float on the tide or fancy wild swimming, fishing for mackerel or foraging for samphire.
This season, CEC is offering a new exploration: a full day on the mussel flat, which goes by sail and scull only. They’ll use the tide to take you to a remote beach, where you can spend blissful hours exploring, picnicking and snoozing in the dunes, before the evening tide brings you back to base. This restorative experience costs £645 for the day, including locally sourced food, and is for a maximum of four people.
coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk
Hunstanton Kayaks
There are many reasons why kayaking is a joy: as you glide along the surface of the water, you’re close to the sights and sounds of the natural world, plus of course, it’s great exercise. Hunstanton Kayaks offers kayak hire from Brancaster Staithe Harbour, when the tides are right. You can rent a single or a double, the latter a great opportunity for families, couples and friends to paddle out together. Or you can join Creek Safari Brancaster Staithe for a two-hour guided tour to spot the flora and fauna which flourishes in this waterscape.
The North Norfolk Wheelyboat
The North Norfolk Wheelyboat Poppy has launched for her third summer, offering tailor-made excursions out to sea from Blakeney Quay for people with disabilities. The county’s first ever wheelchair-accessible powerboat has roll-on, roll-off access, as well as an open and spacious cockpit and a drive-from-wheelchair console. With more than 130 trips planned this summer, an ever-expanding team and a passionate volunteer group, it promises to be the biggest season yet. Run and administered by The Norfolk Charitable Trust, the charity plans to extend its offering by providing accessible accommodation, too.
Faire Sailing School
Faire Sailing is an RYA training centre for sailing and powerboating in Burnham Overy Staithe, established by Ash Faire-Ring in 2022. Now in its third year, it’s going from strength to strength – you can book in for sailing tuition for adults and children (seven years and over), including taster lessons in Norfolk Oysters and harbour familiarisation sessions. Standard RYA courses last between three and five days, but they can be tailored according to requirements. Sailing and motorboat tuition is also available by the hour.
North Norfolk Paddleboards
For stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) every which way, North Norfolk Paddleboards in Burnham Overy Staithe is the answer. If you’re new to SUP, they run two-hour Taster Sessions amongst the creeks (12 years and over), with instructors taking you through the basics. The more experienced might want to sign up to a three-hour Guided Tour (14 years and over) in Burnham Overy Staithe Harbour and around the nature reserve of Scolt Head Island. Too windy for paddleboarding on the coast? Then they will run the lesson on a nearby lake.
www.northnorfolkpaddleboards.co.uk
Wherry Yacht Charter
Can there be anything more thrilling than navigating the waterways of the Broads National Park on a traditional wherry? Wherry Yachts Charter Charitable Trust maintains and operates five of the remaining eight wherries in the world and from May to September, it runs a programme of scheduled sailings on the Norfolk Broads. Highlights include Cake & Sail trips, combining a three-hour sail with coffee, tea and homemade cakes served onboard; and Nature Trail & Sails, which include a guided tour around Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail. You can also join a day sail and can even charter your own wherry.
Temple Seal Trips & Blakeney Point
If you fancy seeing some of North Norfolk’s remarkable wildlife up close, then book a seal trip. The Temple family have been operating boats out of Morston Quay for more than nine decades and they have a fleet of boats, which regularly take people to Blakeney Point, a nature reserve run by the National Trust, which is home to common and grey seals. En route, the knowledgeable skippers can tell you all about Blakeney Harbour, including the history of the iconic Lifeboat House.
Hunstanton Watersports
Hunstanton beach and the nearby shoreline offer excellent kitesurfing conditions, thanks to the large tidal range and the wide, open swathes of sand – and Hunstanton Watersports has been leading kitesurfing courses and lessons here since 2006. The long-standing school, based on the North Promenade, offers specialist coaching and high-quality tuition with fully qualified instructors for everything from one-to-one sessions to two-day courses for beginners upwards. You can also do stand-up paddle boarding and power kiting.
Glide Surf School
Head to the East Promenade in Cromer this summer and it’ll likely be a buzz of activity. For this is where you’ll find Glide Surf School, which was set up by Ben Kewell in 2007 (they also have an outpost in Mundesley). The school provides surf and stand-up paddleboarding open-group lessons for all abilities or you can book in for a private session – and they do holiday camps for kids. As well as learning to ride the waves of the North Sea, with the iconic Cromer pier as your backdrop, you can also hire equipment and buy wetsuits, boards and all things surfing in their shop.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, follow safety advice at all times. Always wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket and check the tides, weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off. Get regular updates if you’re planning to be out for any length of time.
Check websites for prices and booking requirements.
