Sailing and water sports in Pen Llyn / Lleyn Peninsula
The Llyn has a long maritime history and the good news is you’re never far away from the coastline. With its impressive ancient sea cliffs, sheltered sandy bays, remote caves, calm or wild waters and smaller offshore islands, visitors can enjoy pursuits such as surfing, wind-surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing or sailing, as well as fishing and swimming.
Sailing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with Pwllheli Sailing Club and South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club which both offer some of the most competitive National, European and World Championships. Pwllheli Sailing Club is located in the marina and has a large and active offshore racing section as well as an active Sportsboat fleet. South Caernarvonshire in Abersoch holds the Annual Abersoch Dinghy Week and Abersoch Mirror Week as well as the Abersoch Keelboat Week and the Cardigan Bay Regatta.
The Llyn offers a number of Public Slipways with many requiring a launching fee to be paid. All power boats including jet skis are required to be registered with Gwynedd County Council before using authorised slipways or access points.
Diving
Many ships have met their end around the coast, especially with the black spots of Hell’s Mouth and the Bardsey Sound being some of the most dangerous sailing waters around Britain when it’s stormy. There are diving schools which offer a wide range of services including tuition, equipment hire and servicing, together with boat charter.
RNLI
The Llyn has four RNLI stations – Porth Dinllaen, Pwllheli, Criccieth and Abersoch. Funded entirely through voluntary donations, please visit the stations to learn about the invaluable and often life-saving service they provide.
Want to get on the water?
It’s impossible to list all the local providers of ways to get on the water but here’s a selection;
Enlli Charters/Safaris, Porth Meudwy, Pwllheli
Boat trips to Bardsey Island from Pwllheli and near Aberdaron, plus sea safaris on a high speed RIB. Tel: 0845 811 3655
Shearwater Coastal Cruises, Pwllheli
Morning, afternoon and evening cruises exploring the stunning coastline and wildlife of the Llyn. Tel: 01758 740899
Offaxis, Abersoch
Wakeboarding and surfing academy with a shop supplying your watersports needs. Tel: 01758 713407
First Wave Training School, Morfa Nefyn
Powerboat based training centre. Tel: 07880 550 393
Tanrallt Hovercrafts, Abersoch
Enjoy the thrill of flying a hovercraft – a unique opportunity to test your sense of adventure! Tel: 01758 713527
Judy B Fishing and Pleasure Trips
Sea fishing and pleasure trips. 1.5 hour mackerel fishing trips as well as 4, 8 and 10 hour trips. Tel: 0797 382 3738.
Fishing
The Llyn Peninsula offers year round superb angling opportunities with Flounder, Bass, Black Bream, Dabs, Dogfish, Rays and Mackerel to be found in abundance. Charter boats will take you offshore to try your luck or visit one of the hundreds of inshore fishing marks around the coast.
Top spots include the Pwllheli harbour channel from the beach or the sea wall on the Marina side, Abererch Beach, Black Rock and Dinas Dinlle.
Remember to bring your wetsuit, sailing waterproofs, life-jacket and sun cream. These can all be purchased around the Llyn if needed.
