Canoe Adventures
Canoe Adventures
5
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Full view
About
Guided river adventures on the River Dart Estuary, one of England's most beautiful rivers, located between the historic towns of Dartmouth and Totnes. Bring your own crew (min 5 people, max 69), or join a 'by-the-seat' scheduled trip. All ages, abilities and generations. No prior experience necessary. Dogs welcome! We get you straight into the most spectacular sections of the estuary, best accessed from Stoke Gabriel or our exclusive access from the Maltsters Arms pub in the beautiful village of Tuckenhay. Start or end at other locations by request. A proper paddling adventure with pubs, wildlife, secret spots, campfires, shipwrecks, fun and stories along the way. Ideal for groups of all ages and abilities - birthday parties; family reunions; club trips; team-building; hens & stags; school trips; pub-to-pub; evening paddles and overnight wild camping. Trips are scheduled round the tide so times change daily and booking is essential. Beautiful River. Big Canoes. Great Fun.
Totnes, Devon, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
179 reviews
Excellent
178
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
mpijk
Banbury, UK6 contributions
Feb 2020
Booked for my 70th birthday afternoon in February half-term with the family, aged from 6 to 70. We hired a ten person canoe, skippered by Hugh, and then wondered if we had done the right thing when the weather forecast was for 40mph+ winds, rain and hail storms! We were assured that we would only go if it was safe to do so.
The afternoon adventure was brilliant. The wind blew, we had the odd sharp shower, and the promised hail arrived whilst we were on shore in the woods. It was there that Hugh enthralled the youngsters by lighting a fire with wet twigs and sticks, then brewed up hot chocolate on a tripod over the open fire as we enjoyed toasted marshmallows. It was such a good experience and the canoe ride itself was very special - rainbows, lots of bird life, deer running on the hillside, etc - all viewed as we were paddling in unison.It all felt very safe, yet exciting. A lovely family activity for a special occasion.
The afternoon adventure was brilliant. The wind blew, we had the odd sharp shower, and the promised hail arrived whilst we were on shore in the woods. It was there that Hugh enthralled the youngsters by lighting a fire with wet twigs and sticks, then brewed up hot chocolate on a tripod over the open fire as we enjoyed toasted marshmallows. It was such a good experience and the canoe ride itself was very special - rainbows, lots of bird life, deer running on the hillside, etc - all viewed as we were paddling in unison.It all felt very safe, yet exciting. A lovely family activity for a special occasion.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michael. Thanks for the review and delighted the weather gave you a little window to get out there. Happy Birthday! Hal
Written February 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire C
3 contributions
Aug 2020
WOW what a day, A family group made up of fit and not so fit members spent a fantastic afternoon in the water, the quality of the guide to adjust to not only the weather and our flagging spirits but understand of the kids limits was excellent. Best part of the holiday. I would recommend this to any one of any physical ability. It's not just for the super fit...
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Thank you so much for your review! Delighted you had a great time. 'Best part of the holiday'! Thanks. Hal
Written September 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Inspire818356
6 contributions
Aug 2020
I cannot speak highly enough about our trip with Canoe Adventures. We were a family of 6 and were not quite sure what to expect, especially because we were worried the kids (age 8 - 10) wouldn't add much paddle power and get bored quickly. We needn't have worried.
Hugh has the most natural way with kids and they took to him straight away, absorbing his instructions and listening carefully to him. To our surprise the kids quickly got stuck into the paddling and we had a wonderful, peaceful trip up the Dart. Hugh is a great guide and hugely knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife, and managed to pitch everything perfectly to keep the adults interested and the kids entertained. The highlight was pulling up on the shore, where we padded and had a picnic. He then taught our kids to build and light a fire, and even let them light it themselves, which obviously they loved. It was like being out for the day with mild-mannered Bear Grylls, and I'm not sure who loved him more - the adults or the kids!
Our trip was magical in every way and Hugh was reliable, friendly, and a pleasure to spend the day with. We're going back for a return trip next year, for sure.
Hugh has the most natural way with kids and they took to him straight away, absorbing his instructions and listening carefully to him. To our surprise the kids quickly got stuck into the paddling and we had a wonderful, peaceful trip up the Dart. Hugh is a great guide and hugely knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife, and managed to pitch everything perfectly to keep the adults interested and the kids entertained. The highlight was pulling up on the shore, where we padded and had a picnic. He then taught our kids to build and light a fire, and even let them light it themselves, which obviously they loved. It was like being out for the day with mild-mannered Bear Grylls, and I'm not sure who loved him more - the adults or the kids!
Our trip was magical in every way and Hugh was reliable, friendly, and a pleasure to spend the day with. We're going back for a return trip next year, for sure.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Thanks so much for taking the time to make such a review. Very much appreciated. I will make sure Hugh reads it. Best wishes and see you next year.
Written September 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seb L
7 contributions
Jul 2021
Absolutely fantastic and totally outdid our expectations. Hugh was brilliant with the kids (and adults) and got them comfortable and confident in the boat and also on land, learning to find wood and make a camp fire for toasting marshmallows and making tea.
We saw seals, cormorants, herons.. really can't recommend this enough, it is more than just a trip down the Dart. Even had time for a beer and ice creams in Stoke Gabriel.
We saw seals, cormorants, herons.. really can't recommend this enough, it is more than just a trip down the Dart. Even had time for a beer and ice creams in Stoke Gabriel.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Seb, Thanks so much for the review. Delighted you had such a good time. best wishes
Hal
Written August 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
booth966
Doncaster, UK2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Enjoyed a fabulous afternoon on the magical River Dart under the supervision of our very knowledgeable Skipper Adrian who expertly steered us from Tuckenhay to Dittisham and back. Everything went according to plan, the equipment provided was first rate and despite some erratic paddling from the crew of 9 retirees and a small dog we made our lunch stop with time to spare. Would recommend this activity to any group of friends wanting to explore this beautiful part of Devon.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaheen S
Exeter, UK19 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
We booked a 'Paddle to the Pub' evening trip for a small group of family and friends and it was amazing! We paddled to Dittisham pub and back on a warm summer's evening. What made this trip stand out ( from others that I have been on) was the friendly team who organised and accompanied us. They went out of their way to make us have an unforgettable evening. Not only was Hal extremely knowledgeable but he was also friendly and managed everything from start to finish. From helping us out at the booking stage, to giving us a history of the area and information about the local wildlife, the whole trip was a right mix of everything. Despite our lack of experience with canoeing, Hal and his nephew guided us throughout so that it was easily manageable. After a stop at the pub, we also stopped off to enjoy the sunset over a cup of freshly brewed tea and roasted marshmallows. It was a perfect evening and one I won't forget in a hurry. If you are looking for something to do in Devon with a group of friends which is enjoyable, restorative and fun then I would highly recommend booking your trip with Canoe adventures.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tillysteatimetreats
Berkhamsted, UK6 contributions
May 2022
We were a mottley crew of 7, aged 21-64, fitness levels very variable/questionable. And we ALL had the best afternoon messing around in a boat on the river. We felt safe and stable in the canoe, Hugh and Ian were incredibly kind and patient and very interesting to listen and talk to. We learnt lots about river wildlife and plants, about the ocean and atmospherics prompting one crew member to comment "that's some pretty trippy stuff". We rigged a make shift sail which was fun and even managed some synchronized paddling. But it didn't matter that we were rubbish, it was a joy to see the countryside from the river rather than a car.
Our stop at Stoke Gabriel was a real treat, the cafe there serves a great crab sandwich and spot on coffee.
But the brew over the open fire was pretty cool too. Toasted marshmallows and complete tranquility (apart from the lambs). Bliss.
A great afternoon and definately fun for all ages and abilities. A wonderful way to spend quality time with people you love. Kids of all ages will have a ball
Our stop at Stoke Gabriel was a real treat, the cafe there serves a great crab sandwich and spot on coffee.
But the brew over the open fire was pretty cool too. Toasted marshmallows and complete tranquility (apart from the lambs). Bliss.
A great afternoon and definately fun for all ages and abilities. A wonderful way to spend quality time with people you love. Kids of all ages will have a ball
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Thanks so much for the great review. Will defintely make sure to pass it on to Hugh and Ian. "that's some pretty trippy stuff" reckon we'll put that front and centre of our marketing from now on. Thank you for taking the time to write. We really do appreciate it. Many thanks Hal
Written May 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hayley C
Newton Abbot, UK189 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We had our Canoe Adventure on a beautiful sunny day.
We had 2 boats between us as 21 of us were going.
It was exceptionally well organised by the team.
We had a paddle from Tuckenhay to Stoke Gabriel for an ice cream stop then carried on to what became our private beach.
The skippers were knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
Nearly all of us went for a swim, even someone who had never swum before! Getting back was hilarious, a mixture of swimming, being pulled along by the canoe and wading through mud.
Everyone enjoyed themselves and said how much fun it was.
I would definitely recommend spending a day doing this, just remember to wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty.
Thanks for a great day.
We had 2 boats between us as 21 of us were going.
It was exceptionally well organised by the team.
We had a paddle from Tuckenhay to Stoke Gabriel for an ice cream stop then carried on to what became our private beach.
The skippers were knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
Nearly all of us went for a swim, even someone who had never swum before! Getting back was hilarious, a mixture of swimming, being pulled along by the canoe and wading through mud.
Everyone enjoyed themselves and said how much fun it was.
I would definitely recommend spending a day doing this, just remember to wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty.
Thanks for a great day.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penelope
3 contributions
Jun 2022
My "crew" of 9 booked an evening private booking from Tuckenhay to Dittisham where we had booked in for a pizza. My phone calls and emails with Canoe Adventures were clear and prompt and they were excellent and fitting in with what we wanted.
We had an absolute blast of an evening! It was absolutely brilliant! Hugh, our skipper, was so knowledgeable about the river and wildlife as well as having a great sense of humour and ensuring we all had a good time.
The weather was perfect and the river beautiful. One of my particularly memorable parts is of us paddling rhythmically (finally!!) on the last stretch back in the dark, all content, the quiet and all just enjoying the moment without the need to speak. Very special. We had such a laugh and even my sister who was terrified at first thoroughly enjoyed it! We will be back!
We had an absolute blast of an evening! It was absolutely brilliant! Hugh, our skipper, was so knowledgeable about the river and wildlife as well as having a great sense of humour and ensuring we all had a good time.
The weather was perfect and the river beautiful. One of my particularly memorable parts is of us paddling rhythmically (finally!!) on the last stretch back in the dark, all content, the quiet and all just enjoying the moment without the need to speak. Very special. We had such a laugh and even my sister who was terrified at first thoroughly enjoyed it! We will be back!
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie D
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Friends
Our whole experience was fantastic from beginning to end. Fab communication, and willingness to think creatively, about how to manage the needs of a large diverse group, with a wide range of ages & abilities. The time out on the water was great, we all had so much fun, and were reassured by the support given by your team. Despite dire weather warnings the sun shone, and our paddle was enjoyed by all on such a beautiful stretch of water. Thank you Mark, Will, and everyone else who worked so hard to make our canoe adventure an absolute blast.
South Hams Hash House Harriers
South Hams Hash House Harriers
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have a trip to the area planned for late July. In our group there are children aged 8,4 and 2. Would this be ok for them please? Thanjs
Kay
Written May 3, 2018
HalGillmore
Totnes, United Kingdom
Hi Kay.Sorry the delay in reply. Yes, these Canoe Adventures are suitable for all ages. The youngest we've had is two weeks old! Best wishes Hal
Written May 17, 2018
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