Things to do in Cardiff, Wales: The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

November 4, 2021 Leonarda Pillsbury

The Welsh capital may have begun its life as a Roman fort, but it's since become a bustling city. Where the fort once stood, Cardiff Castle has held court since the 11th century. It remains a central presence in the city, now full of lively art and music venues, hip boutiques, fun bars and modern hotels. Even with so many new and exciting things to see, the National History Museum is still the most visited attraction in Wales. Don't be the only visitor who plays hooky!
Restaurants in Cardiff

1. Cardiff Sailing Centre

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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Cardiff Sailing Centre

The Centre is a specialist RYA Training Centre located on Cardiff Bay Barrage in Cardiff Bay. The Centre was originally located in at Llanishen Reservoir on the northern outskirts of Cardiff. The centre offers Sailing, Windsurfing, Powerboat and shorebased (i.e. First Aid & VHF) courses. Cardiff Sailing Centre has been teaching people to sail for over 40 years and has established a strong reputation for its water sports activities. Originally set in the beautiful surroundings of Llanishen Reservoir, the centre currently operates in Cardiff Bay. The centre is the ideal learning venue for all abilities of sailors, from the beginner to more advanced water sport enthusiasts. Certified by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), Cardiff Sailing Centre is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre an RYA Sailability Centre and an RYA OnBoard Centre. The centre also has a Team15 club (The Welsh Windwackers). In recognition to its services to sailing in Wales the centre is also a RYA Volvo Champion Club. Managed by Cardiff Harbour Authority, we offer a full range of courses, from complete novice to fully qualified instructor in dinghy sailing, windsurfing & powerboating. All ages are catered for in the comprehensive year round programme. Over the years the Centre has taught many schools, families and other organisations to sail, including the Olympic Gold & Silver Medallist Hannah Mills, with many participants coming back on subsequent courses to further their skills in sailing. Those who have already participated are coming back again and again to experience sailing with us.

2. Blue Ocean Activities & Adventure

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5.0 based on 279 reviews

Blue Ocean Activities & Adventure

We have a large range of exciting outdoor adventure activities to choose from including Canyoning in the Brecon Beacons, Gorge Walking in Wales, Gorge Scrambling in South Wales, White Water Rafting in Wales, Surf Kayaking, Coasteering, River Kayaking, Quad Biking and many more.

3. TrysailCardiff

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5.0 based on 24 reviews

TrysailCardiff

Yacht charter business offering sailing trips around the idyllic waters of Cardiff Bay. Trips depart and return to Mermaid Quay.

4. Cardiff Baytrippers

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5.0 based on 95 reviews

Cardiff Baytrippers

We offer a frequent, 20 minute trip around Cardiff Bay, there is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere onboard, with some snippets of commentary about the bay. no need to book - just turn up at our kiosk on Mermaid Quay and wait for the next trip, ideal for children. Private trips can be booked in advance. You can pay on the boat, card or cash. We are practicing social distancing on our boat, so you always feel safe. Also all our reviews are genuine.

5. Adventures Un Ltd

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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Adventures Un Ltd

Adventures Un Ltd are a professional mountain bike and whitewater kayak guiding service, based in Cardiff. We also offer skills courses, and bespoke adventure holidays.

6. Cardiff Yacht Company

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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Cardiff Yacht Company

We offer introductory experiences on our 12m cruiser-racer sail yacht, X Beat II from Cardiff Marina (Free Car Park for guests). Your trip would subject to tide and weather see you going through Cardiff Barrage Locks and usually allows time to go around the island of Flatholm. Waterproofs and Lifejackets are provided. See website for more information on cruising and skill development.

7. The Open Boat

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5.0 based on 510 reviews

The Open Boat

The Open Boat 'Daffodil' sails from the Cardiff Waterfront throughout the year weather permitting. Carrying up to a maximum of 11 passengers per trip it's the best way to see Cardiff bay. An informative commentary is given, and there is a lively, fun and friendly atmosphere on board as Daffodil cruises Cardiff Bay out in the fresh air! Warm blankets are provided on cooler days, but remember that Daffodil is an OPEN BOAT so dress accordingly. Each trip lasts approx 20 mins and is ideal if you're on a tight schedule or have small children with you. Pay by CARD ONLY on board Daffodil the little GREEN boat, NO NEED TO BOOK in advance, just turn up! Check the first post on the Facebook Page "The Open Boat" daily for the latest operating news.

8. Big Blue Adventures

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5.0 based on 68 reviews

Big Blue Adventures

Big Blue Adventures is an adventure travel & team building company, running trips Across Wales & Portugal. Our vision is 'Adventure = Happiness'! We have a love for exploring, with outdoor activities at the core of what we do. Adventure holidays & day trips are available in Wales; Pembrokeshire, Gower Peninsula, Brecon Beacons, Cardiff - Portugal; West-Algarve, Lisbon/Cascais. Activities: Surf - SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding) - Coasteering - Canyoning (gorge walking) - Beach Yoga - Sea Kayaking - Rafting - Hiking - Rock Climbing & More! From fully organised adventure holidays including accommodation, activities, transport and exploring, to the activity only... anything is possible with Big Blue! Dan & Heleen are happy to help putting your personal package together - we want to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime! Your adventure awaits! Join BBA

9. Outdoor Explore Wales

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Outdoor Explore Wales

Outdoor Explore Wales offers stand up paddleboarding experiences. Guided tours, tuition and kit hire across South Wales.

10. Cardiff Jet

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4.5 based on 178 reviews

Cardiff Jet

If you’re looking for more fun and excitement than your average boat trip then this is the fast speed boat for you! Starting at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay we warm you up with a tiny taster of what’s to come crossing the bay to exit through the £220 million Barrage into the Bristol Channel. Experience the amazing capabilities of our fast and versatile boats handled by the most experienced fast boat coxswains in the area as we provide a thrilling ride over, around and through any waves that we find.

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