CARBIS BAY CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Paddle the Outrigger Line: Wildlife and Hidden Beaches of Carbis Bay
A guided, two-hour outing in stable six-man Hawaiian outrigger canoes that explores Carbis Bay and can extend toward St. Ives harbour to view marine life and secluded shorelines.
Paddle the Outrigger Line: Wildlife and Hidden Beaches of Carbis Bay.
Launched from Carbis Bay, the Hawaiian Canoe Explorer Guided Tour uses stable six-man outrigger canoes to thread a low, intimate route along the St. Ives coastline, offering close-up views of local marine life and access to small beaches that are otherwise only visible from the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Stable Hawaiian Outriggers
The tour runs in six-man outrigger canoes—Hawaiian canoes built for stability—giving paddlers a reassuring platform for coastal exploration and wildlife viewing along the bay.
From Sunfish to Dolphins
Guides routinely point out a diverse cast: schools of Mola mola (sunfish), pods of common and bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, pipe fish, spider crabs—and on the rareer occasions, bluefin and yellowfin tuna.
Hidden Beaches and Harbour Views
Depending on conditions, the route can stay within Carbis Bay or extend toward St. Ives harbour to visit pocket beaches such as Bamaluz, Porthgwidden and even Porthmeor, offering perspectives of the coastline few visitors see.
What the day feels like
What the Two Hours Feel Like
The outing is a guided, two-hour paddle in a team boat: short bursts of coordinated paddling, the hush of being low to the water, and long stretches of scanning the sea for wildlife while the guide navigates close to beaches or out toward St. Ives harbour depending on the conditions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and when it may need flexibility.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
An experienced guide, an outrigger paddle and a buoyancy aid are included; there are changing facilities on the beach.
The outing lasts two hours and is a guided coastal exploration of Carbis Bay with potential extensions toward St. Ives harbour depending on conditions.
The suggested minimum age is eight years (flexible depending on conditions and the child); confirm any age or group questions with the operator before arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The guided outing is two hours in duration.
How much does it cost?
The rate is £35 per person for participants aged eight and over.
What age can take part?
The suggested age is eight years and above; this can be flexible depending on conditions and the child’s adventurous nature.
What equipment is provided?
The tour includes an experienced guide, an outrigger paddle and a buoyancy aid; changing facilities are available on the beach.
Will we definitely see dolphins or sunfish?
The area regularly produces sightings of species such as sunfish, common and bottlenose dolphins and grey seals, but sightings depend on season and conditions and cannot be guaranteed.