Things to do

Make the most out of your visit at Salcombe by exploring the coast on one of our boat hire excursions

Things to do on the water

Embark on a maritime escapade in the scenic waters of Salcombe with our boat rentals, featuring an array of family-friendly activities. Whether you're seeking the excitement of water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding or opting for a leisurely fishing expedition, our fleet caters to diverse interests. Sail along the picturesque British coastline, reveling in the stunning vistas, and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Salcombe's serene waters offer an idyllic setting for an unforgettable nautical adventure.

Looking for places to eat?

  • Millbrook Inn

    Very popular by boat at high tide only is the Millbrook Inn. Sail up the Southpool channel, moor up and walk five minutes to a beautiful little pub for lunch, dinner or just evening drinks. You can also enjoy a delicious BBQ in the summer.

  • Crabshell Inn

    Another great place for food at high tide only is the Crabshell Inn at the end of the estuary in Kingsbridge. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we love their pizzas and fish and chips! They have a fabulous outdoor seating area right on the water, and a gorgeous sun deck with a view.

  • South Sands Hotel & Restaurant

    Situated on South Sands beach, the beautiful South Sands Hotel is open all year round. Take the boat to the beach (best to anchor far off shore, the tide moves pretty quick here!), and wonder up for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or cocktails on the terrace.

  • Bo's Beach Cafe

    Bo’s Beach Cafe operates out of the old lifeboat station. They serve delicious hot and cold food from breakfast to supper as well as coffee, tea, cake and ice cream.

Visit the beautiful sandy beaches in Salcombe

  • Ditch End & Fishermans

    Often sheltered from the prevailing wind, this loses the sun earlier than some of the others. At high tide, there is not a lot left, but when the tide is out, this is a beautiful spot with a great view of the town. The East Portlemouth ferry drops off right by these beaches.

    The Venus Cafe is also accessible here for ice creams, drinks and sandwiches. Public toilets available here.

  • Smalls Cove

    It is what it says, a small cove with a great beach for lounging out in the sun. One of the calmer beaches as far as the water is concerned, this is one of our favourites.

    ​Walking access is only possible at low tide, but with a boat it is accessible all the time. There are some unmarked rocks to watch out for, if in doubt, visit at low tide first to get a feel for it.

    ​At low tide, the Venus Cafe is also accessible here for ice creams, drinks and sandwiches.

  • Mill Bay

    The largest beach on the East Portlemouth side, this is very popular in the peak of the season. Large space for kids and adults wishing to play some beach games and a stream running down the south side, which is also great fun to play in.

    Accessible at any tide by boat or on foot, the tide moves here very quickly, so best to anchor far off shore and keep a constant eye on your boat.

    There are public toilets and in the high season an ice cream van for refreshments.

  • Sunny Cove

    An extremely popular beach with the locals, this gets the last rays of the sun in Salcombe.

    However, hire boats are not permitted to anchor anywhere in the cove or land on the beaches.

    There is a tricky break and many boats capsize here each year. ​Can be accessed by foot from Mill Bay.

  • South Sands

    A beautiful beach facing the morning and midday sun. With views out to sea, an award winning hotel, a beach cafe, public toilets and sea tractor, its not difficult to see why this is a popular spot.

    ​Parking facilities are currently non-existent, so best to park at North Sands and walk.

    ​Accessible at any tide by boat or on foot, the tide moves here very quickly, so best to anchor far offshore and keep a constant eye on your boat.

    ​From April to October dogs are not allowed to play on this beach.

  • North Sands

    Set in a beautiful, but treacherous cove, North Sands is good for surfing. With firm sand ideal for games and activities, public toilets, the Winking Prawn for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and a reasonable public car park, this is a busy beach all year round. It is a popular beach for those with dogs.

    ​However, hire boats are not permitted to anchor in the cove or land on the beach. At high tide, the beach completely disappears and the swell can be difficult for anyone not on a surfboard.