Coasteering in South West Cornwall: Hidden Coves, Smuggler Caves & Wild Jumps

If you’re the kind of person who looks at a rugged coastline and thinks, “I want to jump off that” then coasteering might just be your new favourite thing.

Down here in South West Cornwall, the coast isn’t just for sunbathing. It’s for scrambling over barnacled rocks, swimming through sea caves, and leaping into turquoise plunge pools you can’t see from the beach. Whether you’re completely new to it or have a few cliff jumps under your belt, there are some epic spots to explore.

Our Favourite Coasteering Locations:

🌊 St Ives – Porthmeor Beach

Just west of the town, Porthmeor is the gateway to some brilliant coastal adventures. Expect a good mix of rock-hopping and swimming, with the occasional adrenaline-pumping jump. The views are unreal, especially at sunset, and you’re never far from a pasty and a hot chocolate when you’re done.

🕳️ Mousehole – Smuggler’s Secrets

Mousehole isn’t just postcard-pretty, it’s also packed with history. Coasteering here takes you through old smuggler routes, hidden caves, and narrow gullies carved out over centuries. The vibe’s a bit more mystical, and a great option if you’re after a slightly gentler but still adventurous session.

⛰️ Praa Sands – The Wild One

Looking for something more full-on? Praa’s the place. The routes start up on the cliffs and take you down through boulder scrambles, deep-water jumps and powerful sea channels. It’s wild, exposed and properly exciting, perfect if you're up for a challenge.

What to Bring (Trust Us on These)

• Old trainers – Not your favourite pair. You’ll be climbing and swimming in them.

• No jewellery – Waves and earrings don’t mix. Best to leave them at your base.

• Sunscreen – Even if it’s cloudy. The sea reflects the sun more than you’d think.

• Warm clothes for after – Think fluffy hoodie, dry socks, and maybe a flask of tea.

• A sense of adventure – Cheesy, but true. You'll get wet, you'll get cold – and you’ll love it.

  
  

Ready to get booked in?

We work closely with trusted local providers across the coast – the kind of people who know the tides like the back of their hands and genuinely love sharing this part of Cornwall with others. If you’d like help finding and booking a session (or just want to know which spot is best for your group), our friendly team is here.

We’ll send you helpful reminders, geo-tagged meeting points, and all the local tips you need to make the most of your stay.

So go on, take the leap. Cornwall’s coast is waiting!