Our nearby beaches provide the perfect place for youngsters to play and build confidence in and on the water. From dipping their toes in to throwing themselves headlong into a whole range of water sports, there’s a way for kids of every age and ability to enjoy the sea. And the best way to ensure they’re in the safest hands is to go through one of the many local professional organisations that specialise in water-based activities for kids. Here’s a directory of the ones we trust.

Designed for beginners, Lizard Adventure (in partnership with the National Trust) offers two-hour paddleboard or sea kayaking trips from Hayle harbour. It’s more sheltered here than in other locations, so it’s the best place to learn.

How far? 10-minute drive.

How old? 8+

When? All year round. Three trips a day around high water times.

Carbis Bay is a sheltered Blue Flag beach with calmer waters than Gwithian and Godrevy. It’s the ideal place to introduce kids to these activities, and the Ocean Sports Centre Club runs a morning Kids Club during the summer. This beach also has a great selection of places for the adults to eat and relax while the youngsters have fun out on the water in the care of the tutors.

How old? 10 to 15.

How far? 25-minute drive.

When? 9am to 11 am, three mornings a week during peak season.

If you haven’t heard of it, Coasteering is an adrenaline-pumping combination of traversing rocks, floating through gullies, sea swimming, exploring caves and negotiating rock jumps.

And it all takes place in a safe environment, under the guidance of fully qualified beach lifeguards and coasteering instructors. Full gear is provided.

We teamed up with our neighbours, Global Boarders, to offer excellent coasteering adventures on the south coast.

How old? 8+

How far? 30 minute drive to Praa Sands on the south Cornwall coast.

If you and your kids are interested in getting better acquainted with Cornwall’s marine life, head over to Penzance, where you’ll find several companies offering boat trips and sea safaris. We recommend Marine Discovery, who offer a selection of tours. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but it’s possible to see Risso, Common and Bottlenose dolphins, Minke whales, basking sharks, grey seals, Atlantic bluefin tuna and all kinds of seabirds. Plus, you get to explore the beautiful coastline around The Minack Theatre and Porthcurno.

How old? From 4+ but varies depending on the tour.

How far? 20-minute drive to Penzance.

When? Trips run between March and November on most days (every day between May half term and mid-September).

It seems that seals love our coastline as much as we do, and sightings are common in local waters. Of course, the best way to see them is to get yourself out to sea. St Ives Boats run a one-hour tour on the ‘Dolly P’ around the coast to Seal Island, home to a colony of grey seals. They also do a one-hour trip to Godrevy Lighthouse for a chance to spot dolphins and even whales.

St Ives Boats are the only operator accredited by WiSe, a national scheme dedicated minimising disturbance to marine wildlife.

How old? All ages. Little ones under 12 months go free.

How far? 25-minute drive or take the train from St Erth Park and Ride station.

When? Daily from April to the end of October.