TORQUAY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Stones: An Evening Sea‑Kayak Forage Along the English Riviera
A three‑hour evening paddle from Torquay through the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark that combines wildlife watching, fossil hunting and hot‑stone cooking of line‑caught mackerel.
Sunset Stones: An Evening Sea‑Kayak Forage Along the English Riviera.
Set out from Torquay at dusk and paddle through the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, visiting several sites of specific scientific interest before landing on a secluded beach to hunt for fossils, forage a local marine herb and cook fresh line‑caught mackerel (or another white fish) on hot stones, accompanied by local breads, salads and a glass of Prosecco while watching seals and resident cetaceans.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seals and Cetaceans in the Dusk
Active seal populations and resident cetaceans move around South Devon and can be observed on many sunset tours; seals fish and bask at favourite haul‑outs that the route passes and are viewed from the kayaks.
SSSIs and Fossil Hunts
The paddle visits several sights of specific scientific interest (SSSIs) and includes a landing on a wild, secluded beach where participants search for fossils—an elemental, hands‑on connection to this stretch of coastline.
Hot‑Stone Mackerel and Foraged Flavours
Onshore the group forages a special marine herb to flavour fresh line‑caught mackerel (or other white fish) fillets cooked on hot stones, served with local breads, salads and a glass of Prosecco.
What the day feels like
Evening Flow: Paddle, Forage, Cook
Over a compact three‑hour window you paddle out as the sun falls, pass designated scientific interest sites, watch for seals and cetaceans from your boat, land on a secluded beach to hunt fossils and forage a flavouring herb, then prepare and eat freshly caught mackerel (or another white fish) cooked on hot stones alongside local breads and salads with a glass of Prosecco.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear layered clothing on top and active walking clothes—gym leggings or waterproof trousers are recommended. If it’s warm you may prefer beach clothes but bring a layer for sitting on the beach by the fire. The operator provides waterproof oil‑skinned thermal jackets with spray decks and hoods when required.
The trip includes your guide and required technical clothing and equipment; fresh line‑caught mackerel (or other white fish) fillets plus local breads and salads are provided as part of the shore meal.
Guests should bring any personal refreshments and snacks they require, as these are excluded from the trip inclusions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is three hours.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes a guide, all technical clothing and equipment, and fresh line‑caught mackerel (or another white fish) fillets served with local breads and salads.
Are refreshments provided?
A glass of Prosecco accompanies the shore meal, but guests should bring any additional refreshments and snacks they want as these are excluded.
What should I wear?
Layered clothing on top and active walking clothes are recommended; gym leggings or waterproof trousers are suitable. The operator provides waterproof oil‑skinned thermal jackets with spray decks and hoods when required.
Will we see wildlife?
Active seal populations and resident cetaceans move around South Devon and can be observed on many sunset tours; seals are often seen fishing and basking at haul‑outs passed by the route.
What happens on the beach landing?
Participants hunt for fossils, forage a marine herb used to flavour the fish, and help prepare fresh line‑caught mackerel (or another white fish) fillets cooked on hot stones, served with breads and salads.