The Best Places To Try Water Sports In Snowdonia Wales

Snowdonia in North Wales is not just about dramatic mountains; visitors here can enjoy a full range of water sports, be it on lakes, rivers or even against the backdrop of the wild Gwynedd coastline. Whether you seek adrenaline-fuelled extreme sports, or a rather more sedate option, Snowdonia is a safe bet to get wet and a little wild.

Looking for a real adventure? Join us on a thrilling five-day trip to North Wales in which you’ll be led by a local guide along mountain trails, down rocky cliffs and into cavernous chambers.

The National Whitewater Centre

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Whitewater rafting is a truly exhilarating experience and where better to try it than the National Whitewater Centre near Bala in the heart of the Snowdonia mountains? With amazing rapids and stunning views, it’s a great starting point for those who enjoy testing themselves to the max.

Llynnau Mymbyr

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For those with their own canoeing equipment, there are some breathtaking trips to be had across the famous lakes of North Wales. Llynnau Mymbar, in the heart of Snowdonia, is a great lake to paddle on. With outstanding scenery, majestic mountains and blue-green waters, even the most experienced canoeist will slow down, relax and take in the unbeatable surroundings.

Vivian Diving Centre

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Vivian Slate Quarry, part of the Dinorwig Slate Quarry, the second largest in the world. Vivian Slate Quarry was last worked in

Close to the shores of Lake Padern, in the shadow of Mount Snowden, the Vivian Diving Centre is located within a disused quarry. You can enjoy scuba diving (after on-site training) in a centre billed as ‘one of the most picturesque sites you’ll find.’ This centre is also suitable for novices, as the maximum depth is only 22m (72ft).

Green Dragon Activities

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Young people learning kayaking in kayaks on Lake in Snowdonia National Park. Llanberis, Gwynedd, North Wales, UK.

On the shores of Lake Bala, Green Dragon Activities offer a whole range of water sports for all ages. Surrounded by exceptionally beautiful scenery, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and, once confident, why not take part in a SUP polo match?

Plas y Brenin – The National Mountain Sports Centre

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Plas y Brenin National Mountain Sports Centre by Llynnau Mymbyr with Snowdon Mountain Range in background Snowdonia National Park North Wales UK March

One of the more sedate water sports, canoeing is a perfect all-age activity. Plas y Brenin offers two-day courses to teach visitors all about canoeing and kayaking. And with the instructor’s 20 years of experience, you’ll be in safe hands.

Snowdonia Adventures, Beaumaris, Anglesey

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A couple of rather more unusual choices are available through Snowdonia Adventures: coasteering and gorge scrambling. The former takes visitors on a journey between the sea and land, climbing cliffs and jumping into the sea, while the latter follows a similar pattern inland, wading through mountain streams, scrambling under waterfalls and over rocks. Both are fun, tiring, and well worth a go.

Bodyboating in Llangollen, North Wales

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A relatively new extreme water sport in the UK, bodyboating combines, canoeing, surfing and swimming. The instructors learned about this new combi-sport in Slovakia and brought it to Wales. It’s an accessible starting point for those who wish to try extreme water sports and you’ll be guided through some of the most beautiful waterways in Britain

Pro-Kitesurfing

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Another on-trend water sport is kitesurfing. Combining power kiting with surfing, this exhilarating sport can be enjoyed on the northern coastline of Snowdonia in the seaside town of Rhyl. Experts in this extreme sports throw some pretty awesome moves as they go with the flow, embracing the elements and putting on a cool show, but for beginners, they also offer excellent courses.

Porth Neigwl

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This beach is definitely for the more experienced surfer, but what a beach. Located on the Llyn Peninsula, the name translates (rather ominously) to Hell’s Mouth and providesthe perfect place for surfers to blow away those cobwebs and hit some serious waves. A beautiful open expanse of beach with a nearby car park and panoramic sea views, this is a real contender for the best surf beach in Wales.