Newquay has built a reputation as one of Cornwall’s go to destinations for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re chasing your first wave, testing your nerve with a cliff jump, or paddling out to explore sea caves, there’s something for every age and ability. Newquay Activity Centre is just across from us at Cliff House, and a perfect view of the action out on the water from our breakfast room, we get a front-row seat to it all.
But what’s it really like behind the scenes at such a buzzing centre of activity?
To find out, I caught up with Dan, one of the friendly voices you’re likely to speak to when planning your visit. From unforgettable moments with nervous first timers to his top tips for making the most of your trip, Dan gives us an inside look at what makes Newquay Activity Centre so special and why people keep coming back for more.
The Main Q&A
Hey Dan! Can you tell us what your role is at Newquay Activity Centre?
I’m the bookings manager here at Newquay Activity Centre.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Newquay Activity Centre?
You never know what you’re going to get during the day. It’s such a busy business. We have all walks of life coming through the doors from all over the world. So I’d say it’s meeting all of our wonderful guests.
Which activity would you recommend for complete beginners?
Contrary to popular belief, all of the activities we offer here at Newquay Activity Centre can be done by complete beginners. We encourage everyone to try everything. Whether it’s surfing, coasteering or super SUP, we can start from scratch and get people comfortable. We’ll give a quick brief, get them up to speed, and then they’re out on the session for a couple of hours.
Do you have a favourite activity to either run or take part in?
In my role, I don’t actually run any of the sessions, but I do get to go on them from time to time. For me, the absolute best one is the Coasteer, Snorkel and Super SUP combo. It’s incredible, especially if you’ve never done anything like it before, because there are so many different parts to it.
One minute you’re on top of the water, gliding along and watching fish below. The next, you’re exploring caves, diving off the SUP, and snorkelling underwater with seals. There’s rock climbing and traversing along the cliffs too, and you get to learn about the ecosystem. It’s a pretty special two hours when you book all three together.
Have you had any standout or memorable moments with visitors, like seeing someone overcome a fear while working at Newquay Activity Centre?
Yeah, great question. As the bookings manager, I see this quite a lot. For example, we’ll have a family of four come in, maybe the kids are really up for it, the dad’s been talked into it, and the mum absolutely doesn’t want to do it. My job is to try and get the whole family involved and gently encourage whoever’s unsure to give it a go.
At first, we hear things like, “No way, I can’t do it,” or “I don’t want to get wet, I’m definitely not jumping in.” But after a few minutes explaining what’s involved and reassuring them, we can usually overcome those objections. And what we often hear afterwards, I’ve honestly heard this a thousand times is, “I just want to say thank you. That was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
It’s amazing because you’ve helped change someone’s mindset. And going forward, that person will probably be more likely to try new things and step outside their comfort zone.
How do you help first-timers or nervous guests feel at ease?
It’s actually really common for people to feel nervous, especially if it’s something they’ve never tried before. We take our time to explain everything and break it down clearly. We let them know we’re experts in the field and that we have a perfect safety record.
Our number one position on TripAdvisor for 15 years is a big part of that. If you check out the reviews, you’ll see loads of comments from people who say they were nervous, but that their instructor completely put them at ease and made the session amazing. And now they’re coming back for more.
What makes Newquay such a perfect spot for outdoor adventures?
Newquay has been known as a surf destination since the 60s, and surfing really boomed here in the 80s. The coastline is just perfect for what we do. There’s loads of natural shelter, and so much to see, feel, and experience.
For an organisation like ours, it’s allowed us to create 86 unique activities. We’ve really had to get creative. We’re always open to suggestions too. Our website now shows off a huge variety of options for people to come and try something new.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone visiting for the first time?
Absolutely book early. Try to plan your week as best as you can. We find that people who do a bit of planning tend to have an incredible time. You might get lucky turning up last minute, but Newquay is a popular destination, so it really helps to book your accommodation, restaurants, and activities in advance. Also, have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t go your way. A little flexibility goes a long way.
What’s your favourite month to spend in Newquay?
I think any time of year can be great here, depending on what you’re after. It used to be that we were just a six-week tourist destination. Then that grew into three months. Now we’re open all year and we have visitors every month.
My personal favourite is June. It seems like every year, the water suddenly warms up on the 1st of June. We switch out of our winter wetsuits and boots, and the sea feels great. It’s also just before the peak summer crowds arrive, so you get a month of typically good weather in a quiet, relaxed setting. There’s still a bit of a buzz in the evenings too, if you want to go out.
Quick-Fire Round
To wrap things up, we threw some rapid-fire questions at Dan. Here’s how he answered on the spot:
Sunrise or sunset surf?
Sunset, perfect.
Favourite piece of kit you can’t live without?
Wetsuit!
Favourite beach in Newquay?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I love them all for different reasons. But if I had to pick—Fistral.
Post-session snack of choice?
Granola bar.
Most underrated activity at the centre?
Snorkelling, I think. With the changing weather patterns, which are largely due to the shifting ocean conveyor belt, we’re seeing an influx of incredible wildlife. This year alone we’ve had orcas, different types of whales, loads of dolphins, leatherback turtles, and even bluefin tuna in the bay. Being able to see that kind of marine life up close is pretty special.
A big thanks to Dan for taking the time to chat and give us a behind the scenes glimpse of life at Newquay Activity Centre. It’s clear that what sets this place apart isn’t just the incredible setting or the variety of activities, but the passion and experience of the team who run it.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a total beginner, someone seeking an adrenaline rush or just a new way to connect with nature, there’s something here for everyone. The team goes out of their way to make sure each guest feels welcome, safe, and inspired to try something new.
So if you’re heading to Cornwall and fancy turning your holiday into a proper adventure, Newquay Activity Centre should be high on your list. Get in touch with the team, plan ahead, and get ready to make some unforgettable coastal memories.
And if you’re staying with us, don’t forget to check your in house guide for an exclusive discount code to use when booking. Just a little extra to help you make the most of your stay by the sea.