Amazing opportunities for your family to join in on a gentle - and safe - paddle on the exquisite River Dart.
We'll explore the waterway in two 12-seater Canadian canoes, travelling at a gentle pace, relaxing and taking in the wonderful natural beauty and wildlife of the tidal, downriver section.
Fabulous stories about the Dart's history, geography and inhabitants will be revealed throughout the trip by the experienced and knowledgeable skippers in each vessel. They'll also be steering the canoes and keeping everyone safe on the journey. We are partnering with Canoe Adventures on these trips - experienced navigators on the River Dart.
Thanks to South West Water Better Futures Project, ticket prices are heavily subsidised and children go free.
Proper, timeless, quality, healthy fun for friends and family to enjoy together, on the water and on the shore. Paddling, seals, laughter & chat, hauling up on the river bank for refreshments, tea & biscuits and more. All rolled up in one great adventure paddling through the magnificent landscape that is our River Dart estuary.
- Canoe Adventures
Clothing
Everyone should dress for a day outdoors. Please note it is often cooler and/or brighter out on the water than you may be accustomed. Check the day’s weather forecast and, in any instance, bring waterproofs and a warm layer. Sun cream and hats are important when it is sunny, and shades / sun glasses are useful if you have them. We advise against jeans; they are not good in the heat or cold, and can be dangerous when wet and cold. Canoe Adventures skippers provide a 'dry bag' to keep your waterproofs and warm layers dry when you are not wearing them.
Footwear
Wear shoes that stay on and that you don't mind getting a bit muddy. Old trainers are ideal. In summer, sandals with straps over the heel are great too. Flip-flops can get very slippery. Walking boots are fine.
Canoe Adventures' skippers are entitled to refuse people if they are not, in their opinion, sufficiently dressed for the day's conditions. Given their canoes require a minimum number of people and a specific adult-to-child ratio, turning away one or two people could cost the whole trip.
What else to bring
Canoe Adventures provide a 'dry bag' for your warm layers, waterproofs and precious things. There is some space elsewhere in the canoe for bags of food and provisions which we advise you put in plastic bags or small backpacks that don't mind splashes or light mud. You don't need to bring much more gear than that.
There is no reason to go in the water if you don't want to! Nor should your camera or phone get wet, so long as you have suitable cases, good pockets in your waterproofs, or use the on board 'dry bag'.
Food
Bring snacks for the children. We will provide a drink and a biscuit when we stop on the shore.
Water
Bring a bottle of drinking water each. At least a litre per person is recommended. You may be surprised how dehydrated you can get on the water.
Health & Safety
By joining this activity you are presenting yourself as medically fit to do so. Please advise us in advance when you or anyone in your group has any health or fitness condition that may affect safety or ability to participate in canoeing.
Non-swimmers should make themselves known to their skipper/guide on the day. Advice given on 'dress' is part of our health and safety policy and risk assessment.
Punctuality
This is on a very tidal estuary so we cannot be flexible over start times, especially on low water trips. The tide never waits! One or two no shows or late arrivals could cost the whole trip.
These Family Canoe events take place on the followings dates and times:
We'll meet at the car park near North Quay on the Sharpham Estate, which will be signposted on the day. Details on how to get here will be sent out to participants ahead of each event.
We're a 550-acre estate on the banks of the River Dart, set within a National Landscape Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We've been designated organic and we're rewilding parts of the estate, helping to restore nature and to connect people to the land and themselves through our programme of retreats, courses and events.
Get Directions View VenuePrices have been subsidised by South West Water's Better Futures Fund:
Adults: £15
Children aged 5-17: FREE
The total number of places on each date is 24, with no exceptions.
There is a maximum of two children to every one adult, for example one child to one adult or one child to two adults.
Adults cannot book without a child or children. A whole family is allowed to book on, with a maximum of two adults with up to four children.
NB: This event has been carefully planned and numbers are limited - please tell us immediately if you've booked but can't make it so we can give others the chance to come.
Please click here to see our booking and cancellations policy



