Nestled on the rugged North Devon coast, Ilfracombe is a charming seaside town known for its Victorian architecture, working harbour, and dramatic cliffs. While many visitors come for fish and chips on the quay or to admire Damien Hirst’s Verity statue, seeing this stretch of coastline from the sea is a must.
Sea kayaking around Ilfracombe offers a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty. Paddling just beyond the harbour walls, you’re quickly immersed in a landscape of hidden coves, sea caves, towering headlands, and abundant wildlife.
Ilfracombe’s harbour provides a sheltered launch point, making it slightly easier to get on the water even when conditions are a little lively outside the bay. Sunday’s launch certainly challenged all paddlers, but everyone managed to successfully get out and hold position in a sizeable swell. Outside of the harbour you soon enjoy the dramatic cliffs and a chance to spot seabirds nesting on the rock ledges. Hele Bay itself is a peaceful shingle cove, perfect for a rest stop. During higher tides there is also the opportunity to explore narrow inlets, and sea caves.
One of the joys of kayaking here is the wildlife, seals are seen bobbing curiously near your kayak, porpoises playing the surf and guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars are common.
