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Enjoying a surfing lesson with The Adventure Islands

Water sports in Clew Bay

Westport’s perfect position on the shores of Clew Bay means that there are literally hundreds of options for the water sports enthusiast. Surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and RIB tours are all just minutes away from Westport.

Surfing

Learning to surf is extremely popular in Mayo

The west of Ireland is renowned for having some of the best waves in the world, and County Mayo, with its intricate shorelines jutting into the North Atlantic Ocean along the west coast of Ireland, giving surfers ample opportunities to catch a wave.

Read more about surfing in Mayo

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing, the world’s fastest growing adventure sport and the most exciting development in wind board sports, has seen a dramatic rise in Mayo in recent years. It combines the glide of surfing, the speed of wind surfing, the all-over workout of stand up paddle boarding and more adrenaline-pumping excitement than all three!

Read more about kitesurfing in Mayo

Kayaking

Kayaking with The Adventure Islands.

Mayo has lots of options for kayaking. There are plenty of rivers and lakes to explore around the county for more experienced paddlers, but by far the most popular option is sea kayaking in Clew Bay and beyond. The maneuverability and quietness of the sea kayak means that you can slowly traverse the coastal islands seeing wildlife and birds up close, explore cliffs and caves near Westport and visit places no other boat can reach.

Read more about kayaking in Mayo

Sailing

Clew Bay’s sheltered waters yet easy access to the open Atlantic plus the hundreds of islands dotted around the bay and beyond gives the sailor plenty to do in Westport. Combined that with the consistent winds that Mayo experiences, opportunities for learning to sail in Westport are plentiful.

Read more about sailing in Mayo

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddle boarding is a fast-growing sport which combines a surfboard and a long one-handed paddle. It’s a traditional Hawaiian sport which promotes balance, strength and general fitness. Westport and Clew Bay gives you the chance to enjoy this exhilarating sport in a variety of ways, be it on a lake or in the surf.

Read more about stand-up paddleboarding in Mayo

Swimming

Mayo’s outstanding Blue Flag beaches and other popular bathing areas attract people in their thousands to the waters of Mayo each year especially during the summer months. The beaches, recognised as being among the best in Europe, and each has a comprehensive information panel, giving full details of amenities, flora and fauna. Mayo has an excellent record for the safety of its bathing areas and it’s lifeguarding service ranks among the best in Ireland.

Read more about Blue Flag beaches near Westport

Rib Tours

What’s the best way to experience Clew Bay? On a sea safari! The Adventure Islands provides sea tours that let you get up close and personal with the best sites along the shore of the bay. Their professional guides have spent years exploring Clew Bay, its islands, coves, beaches and watching its wildlife including seals, to ensure that their guests get to experience everything that Clew Bay has to offer.

Find out more about Sea Safari Rib tours

Coasteering with Adventure West.

Coasteering

Explore the rugged West Coast of Ireland like never before. Coasteering is a brand new adventure activity combing adventure swimming, cliff jumping and rock scrambling all into one action packed session. Adventure West’s experienced and qualified instructors will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Find out more at Adventure West 

Snorkelling with Adventure West

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a perfect way to discover the underwater world of Clew Bay, without the expense and training needed to scuba dive. It’s  great fun, easy to learn and an excellent way to build confidence in the water. Adventure West are excited to be offering Snorkelling this year.

Find out more at Adventure West

Clew Bay Eco-tours operates from Old head pier. You can explore the islands and sheltered waters of Clew Bay in an 8-metre all-weather RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). Life jackets and waterproof suits are provided.