Cruising Guide Salcombe

Salcombe / Kingsbridge Estuary

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Salcombe-Kingsbridge is a Ria estuary which means it has little freshwater, high salinity levels and a large tidal range. As a result, its intertidal rocky foreshores, seagrass beds, mudflats, and salt marshes are home to many marine plants and animals, which are rarely seen in estuaries elsewhere. This makes it an incredibly beautiful and interesting area to explore both onshore and by boat.

A few choice spots to visit include:

The Bag

Salcombe doesn't have a marina, so many visiting yachts head further up the river in an area known as The Bag. Tucked behind Snapes Point, it’s a peaceful spot compared to the busy harbour where you can pick up one of the many Harbour Authority moorings, or book a spot on the deepwater visitors' pontoons. It’s ideal for exploring the Kingsbridge Estuary.

Frogmore Creek

A trip up the northeast tributary of Kingsbridge Estuary will lead you to the tranquil village of Frogmore. This hidden little nook in the South Hams countryside is very sheltered, and anchoring is possible for shallow draft boats. Stretch your legs with a wander along the water's edge towards West Charleton before grabbing a refreshing pint in the local Globe Inn.

Southpool Creek

At the top of this peaceful tidal creek is the idyllic village of South Pool. At high tide, it’s just a short cruise from Salcombe. While you’re there, a visit to the Millbrook Inn is highly recommended; it’s a hidden gem for enjoying delicious pub grub and local ale in the sunshine or in front of the fire in the cooler months.

Sunny Cove

Located close to the entrance of Salcombe Harbour, Sunny Cove boasts a glistening golden sand beach lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s easy to spend an afternoon unwinding in this charming bay; diving in for a refreshing swim or jumping in the tender to enjoy a sunset BBQ ashore.

South West Coast Path

By following the undulating South West Coast Path from East Portlemouth you’ll discover spectacular views over Mill Bay Beach and across the water to Salcombe. Continue to the mouth of the estuary and you’ll pass Sunny Cove where vistas towards North Sands and South Sands can be enjoyed before ascending to the top of the cliffs near Gara Rock.

Kingsbridge

If your vessel has a shallow draft, a trip to Kingsbridge is possible on a high tide. Alternatively, you can catch the passenger ferry and enjoy a relaxing 35-minute cruise along the estuary before whiling away the afternoon browsing the local shops or savouring a delicious lunch on the sunny quayside terrace of the Crabshell Inn.

Near to Salcombe

Hope Cove

Heading west and following the headland along Bolberry Down you’ll reach the sandy nook of Hope Cove where you can swim in beautifully clear water or explore the rugged coastline, enjoying views of the anchorage below. The Lobster Pod is on hand to indulge in fresh seafood platters, or delicious pub grub is abundant in the nearby Hope & Anchor.

South Milton Beach

Discover soft sandy beaches, stunning scenery, and rare wildlife at Milton Sands. Set within another AONB, the nearby wetlands are also an area of Special Scientific Interest and this wildlife rich landscape accommodates migrating birds, rare butterflies and much more.

Bantham Beach

At low tide, the vast expanse of sand at Bantham Beach provides plenty of space for seaside fun, and rock pools will keep young crew entertained all afternoon. If the swell is up, this is a good surf spot or, on a calm day, ideal for paddleboarding up the River Avon. Further inland, scenic footpaths will lead you along the craggy coastline, and the Sloop Inn will welcome you in for some hearty pub grub.

Erme Estuary

Mothecombe Beach, Coastguards Beach and Wonwell Beach at the entrance to Erme Estuary certainly have the wow factor. Privately owned and maintained by the Flete Estate, these idyllic stretches of sand are a hotspot for wildlife, including cormorants, herons, and kingfishers.