The coastline of Wales has over 50 islands to explore with a few offering some of the best paddle board places in Wales. Here are some of our favourites.
Anglesey
One of the best things to do in Anglesey is to get out on the water to explore the stunning coastline of this Welsh island off the north west tip of Wales, the paddling opportunities here are endless. On the southwest coast our favourite places to paddle include the beaches around Rhosneigr and its inland lake, LLyn Maelog, on rougher days. The coastal paddles at Newborough alongside pine-topped dunes with the distant mountains of Snowdonia as the backdrop are some of the best in Wales. Nearby the sand beaches, ancient rock features and hidden coves of Llanddwyn Island are great to explore and you can generally get some protected water there whatever the wind direction. Benllech Sand and Red Dwarf Bay on the north east coast are perennial favourite SUP spots.
Holy Island
Attached to Anglesey by a road bridge Holy Island has a number of fabulous paddling options. For flat water head to the Inland Sea, a lagoon formed between the main island of Anglesey and Holy Island. Launch from Four Mile Bridge and, on a spring high tide, it is possible to explore the inlets behind Trearddur. The sandy bay of Trearddur, on the east coast, is always a very popular place to SUP. Holyhead Harbour, in the shadow of Holyhead Mountain, offers plenty of choice for paddles, as well as easy parking near the sailing club, access and cafes. Its breakwater generally provides shelter. Rhoscolyn, on the south tip of Holy Island, is a small bay with a carpark that is great for a pootle about on a SUP.
Cei Ballast
Nestled in the Afon Glaslyn Estuary the shallow waters around man-made Cei Ballast make for excellent paddling within easy reach of Porthmadog. Only possible at mid to high tide, launch at nearby Borth-y-Gest where there is parking and some great little cafes.
Ynys Gifftan
Surrounded by vast tidal sands, wild salt marsh and the distant mountains of Snowdonia this paddle on the Dwryrd Estuary to Ynys Gifftan is beautiful. The island sits just offshore from the pastel-coloured domes and spires of Portmeirion. Launch from the slipway at Abegafren on the north coast of the Dwryrd Estuary, only on mid to high tides.
Ynys y Castel
A craggy islet at the mouth of family-friendly Abercastle Bay, the caves, cliffs and clefts of Ynys y Castell are great fun to explore on higher tides. In good conditions you can also SUP beyond the protection of the inlet and head north west beneath beautiful cliffs to reach another islet, Ynys Deullyn.
The Mumbles
One of the best things to do in The Mumbles is explore it’s two craggy islands – Middle Head and Mumbles Head from the water. To circumnavigate the islands leave from Mumbles Beach on higher tides. There are great views back to the characterful village of Mumbles and across the whole of Swansea Bay.
Check out other top places to paddle UK
England
South west
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Top 5 places to paddle in Devon
Top 5 places to paddle in Dorset
Top 5 places to paddle in Somerset, Bristol and Bath
Top 5 islands to circumnavigate
South and east
Top 5 places places to paddle in the Channel Islands
Scotland
Top paddles on Scotland’s Islands
Wales
Top places to paddle on Welsh islands
