Coasteering has developed from sea level traversing and gives you the chance to explore the wonderful Pembrokeshire coastline at sea level by combining swimming, rock climbing, jumping and scrambling. This exhilarating activity gives you the opportunity to explore sea caves, get a glimpse of the marine wildlife in its natural habitat whilst hurling yourself off vertical cliffs.

We would always recommend only venturing out with a qualified, experienced instructor that knows the local environment well.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

The Pembrokeshire coastline is as stunning under water as above. There are dives to suit all abilities with over 350 wrecks to explore and an abundance of marine life with regular sightings of porpoise, dolphins and seals.

The Milford Haven Waterway has 16 established dive sites along with 10 wrecks. The main launch sites are at Dale and Gelliswick however it should be noted that there may be access restrictions at Dale due to activity or flood risk. Dale Yacht Club is responsible for its slipway use.

Divers should also be aware that there have been alterations in the navigable channel in the area of the South Hook LNG Terminal. This means that the Landing Craft dive site is now much closer to the boundary of the channel than before. Anyone wishing to dive this site should first contact Milford Haven VTS (VHF Ch12 or 01646 696137).

Dive boats are also required to fly the Code Flag ‘A' whilst divers are in the water. As the area is busy with both commercial and recreational traffic it is important that these flags are clearly visible in all conditions. In calm conditions cloth flags will drop which presents a danger to divers and other users. Consideration should be given to the use of solid panel flags (which can be made or bought) to ensure the flag is visible at all times. Alternatively cloth flags can be rigged so that they do not drop in calm conditions. This can be achieved by fixing hard wire to the leading and upper edges of the flag.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

Fishing on the Milford Haven Waterway easily matches top venues in the UK and opportunities for shore or boat fishing are abundant. It is a busy place with a mix of commercial and leisure users so please choose your fishing spot with care and be considerate to other users - especially around the piers, pontoons, slipways and moorings.

Possible species you may encounter include Bass, Flatties, Conger, Dogfish, Pollack and Wrasse, with ragworm, mackerel and squid as the best bait. Try float fishing for Grey Mullet or Garfish, and for Mackerel with spinners or feathers in the summer. Winter months have seen catches of Cod in deeper waters within the waterway.

SHORE FISHING
Some of the shore locations worth trying are the sea wall at Milford Marina at the east end of the Docks, Gelliswick Bay under Hubberston Fort, the long sea wall at Brunel Quay in Neyland, and, for a deep water spot, you could try Hobbs Point Slipway with at Pembroke Dock. All fishing here is free and is best undertaken on the flood. All these locations have the advantage of being ideal for anglers with accessibility issues.

BOAT FISHING
A number of charter boats are available for hire around the Waterway with a range of fishing opportunities - from shorter Mackerel trips to full 12 hour wreck fishing expeditions. Off St. Ann’s Head there is an abundance of species, with 22 recorded on one trip alone.

If you have your own boat there are launch sites available throughout the waterway giving a range of tidal access (details available at www.boatlaunch.co.uk). Common catches from boats in addition to those already mentioned include, Black Bream Rays, Coalie, Smoothhound and sharks. If you do use your own boat please ensure that you abide by the guidance on this site and in the Leisure Guide. Do not anchor in main channels or in such a manner that you will cause an obstruction or danger to other vessels and users. 

CASTING AND RETRIEVING LINES
Care should also be taken when casting and retrieving lines in proximity to other users. We also ask that you discard of any unused bait and redundant tackle properly. Tackle losses are common in exposed rocky marks and in other popular areas such as Hobbs Point. Rotten bottom rigs will help to reduce losses and ghost fishing while taking any rubbish home will reduce the effect of litter. A local group of divers, Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners (NARC), set up a group to help address the problem of lost tackle and general rubbish and carry out underwater cleanups around Pembrokeshire. On a single trip to one site 235kg of lead weights were recovered along with the associated traces.

LEGISLATION
When fishing within the waterway you should ensure that you are fully aware of local legislation and restriction before taking fish. The Welsh Government (WG) Fisheries office is responsible for managing the welsh fisheries. As such they have a number of Statutory Instruments and restrictions in place within the limits of the waterway. These instruments set minimum size limits, denote restricted areas and the periods the restrictions apply as well as detailing regulations on the methods used for catching fish including netting and potting. For more information visit the Welsh Government's website.

The Bass (specified areas) (Prohibition of Fishing) Order 1999 also places restrictions on fishing for Bass in the area enclosed south of a line drawn from the eastern end of the Valero jetties to the foreshore at Llanreath and above the Cleddau Bridge. The restrictions apply to fishing from a boat and prohibits the use of sandeels as bait during within these areas between 31 April and 1st November.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

Jet-skiing is an increasingly popular activity and the Milford Haven Waterway is an excellent place to enjoy them in a relatively safe environment.

Before you launch, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Port’s Leisure User Guide and check out the Personal Watercraft Partnership’s website (www.pwp.org.uk) where you can find plenty of information on training sessions and useful check lists.

While out on the water locally you should keep a good eye out for other users of the Haven, and when approaching or leaving the shore do so at ‘dead slow minimum wake’ to ensure the safety of any swimmers or small craft in the area. Likewise, avoid entering mooring areas as there could be someone trying to access or repair their boat.

The Waterway is home to a wonderful array of wildlife so it’s important to minimise any disturbance to marine animals such as seals or porpoises. If you do come across any, please keep your distance, never drive head-on to move, scatter or separate animals, maintain a steady direction and never swim too close for their safety and yours.

The safest way to go to sea is with another craft so there is always someone to assist you in an emergency. Other pieces of equipment that will help you if you get into difficulty are VHF radios, flares, a mobile phone, kill cord, waterproof torch and a bag anchor.

Water Ranger at the Port, Brian Macfarlane, said “We encourage people to get out and enjoy the Waterway but we’re also very keen to promote responsible riding. I would definitely recommend a personal flotation device (PFD) or buoyancy aid that is specifically designed for jet-ski use as they offer impact protection as well as buoyancy. Jet-skis have really grown in popularity in recent years but there are still very real risks associated with high speed watercraft, so please take the time to make sure you’re ready to take to the water.”

ZONING AND BYELAWS
When using the Waterway you must ensure that you are considerate towards all other users. Please abide by the zoning scheme and byelaws as detailed in the Leisure User Guide. This can also be found in the Port of Milford Haven's printed Tide Tables. To check tides online please use our searchable tide times or download the printed version. As a user of a powered craft you should be aware of commercial traffic and other recreational users in the haven, and moderate your passage accordingly.

You should take particular care near training and teaching areas, moorings, waterski zones, marina entrances, launch sites and slipways, other craft at anchor, divers, pontoons, beaches where bathing is taking place and in the Dead Slow Minimum Wake areas.

DEAD SLOW MINIMUM WAKE ZONES
These areas contain navigational hazards such as shallow water, sandbars and mud flats. They are also of international importance for wildlife and most fall within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. As such we ask that you keep to a dead slow minimum wake to support the quiet and relaxed enjoyments of these areas.

You are also encouraged to follow the Pembrokeshire Marine Code to minimise any disturbance to wildlife and to enable you to have the best experience possible.

Also consider that both your speed and your wake can create a hazard. Wash created by your vessel travels; the impact might affect users some distance away - and even on the shoreline. We ask for your consideration in travelling at the designated speed and always being mindful of other users.

TRAINING
We recommend that if you are participating in activates involving powered craft in the haven you should receive appropriate training. For further details on training centres near you and around the waterway including the courses they offer are available on the RYA website.

GENERAL SAFETY ON THE WATER
It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

The Milford Haven Waterway offers superb opportunities for canoeing and kayaking surrounded by extremely beautiful scenery. The upper reaches of the Daugleddau estuary are particularly stunning; with steep, wooded banks alternating with gently sloping farmland. The numerous pills and creeks, and the foreshore of the main channel, are nationally important for the thousands of wintering waders and wildfowl which feed on the mudflats at low tide, and roost on the banks and fringing marsh at high tide. In the summer, breeding shelduck and mallard are common, and the broods of small ducklings are especially vulnerable to disturbance.

Tributary rivers and bays in the Waterway below the Cleddau Bridge are equally important for wildfowl and waders, and just as vulnerable. They are all Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the inclusion of the estuarine system as part of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) denotes its international importance.

Do not underestimate this beautiful expanse of water; there are areas of strong tidal flow, and tricky currents in the estuary can easily trap the inexperienced or unwary. That said, it offers superb sheltered touring water for kayaks as well as open Canadian canoes and, working with the tides, leaves time and energy spare to enjoy this very special part of Pembrokeshire.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

The use of powered craft on the Milford Haven Waterway is a popular activity with many new users starting out from the various launch sites around the waterway include two marinas.

Powered craft range in size speed and manoeuvrability. Small to medium RIBs, sport boats and fishing boats are in the majority on the Waterway although larger vessels make regular appearances in the summer months.

ZONING AND BYELAWS

When using the Waterway you must ensure that you are considerate towards all other users. Please abide by the zoning scheme and byelaws as detailed in the Leisure User Guide. This can also be found in the Port of Milford Haven's printed Tide Tables. To check tides online please use our searchable tide times or download the printed version.  As a user of a powered craft you should be aware of commercial traffic and other recreational users in the haven, and moderate your passage accordingly.

You should take particular care near training and teaching areas, moorings, waterski zones, marina entrances, launch sites and slipways, other craft at anchor, divers, pontoons, beaches where bathing is taking place and in the Dead Slow Minimum Wake areas.

DEAD SLOW MINIMUM WAKE ZONES

These areas contain navigational hazards such as shallow water, sandbars and mud flats. They are also of international importance for wildlife and most fall within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. As such we ask that you keep to a dead slow minimum wake to support the quiet and relaxed enjoyments of these areas.

You are also encouraged to follow the Pembrokeshire Marine Code to minimise any disturbance to wildlife and to enable you to have the best experience possible.

Also consider that both your speed and your wake can create a hazard. Wash created by your vessel travels; the impact might affect users some distance away - and even on the shoreline. We ask for your consideration in travelling at the designated speed and always being mindful of other users.

TRAINING

We recommend that if you are participating in activates involving powered craft in the haven you should receive appropriate training. If you wish to learn how to use a powerboat safely there are a wide variety of options available in the Haven. From basic Powerboat Level 1 up to Instructor and Commercial qualifications, all abilities and aspirations can be catered for. For further details on training centres near you and around the waterway including the courses they offer are available on the RYA website.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

The Milford Haven Waterway is a diverse place with superb sailing to be enjoyed. Tranquil corners are as easy to find as open water adventures.

We recommended that if you are participating in activates involving sailing craft in the haven you should receive appropriate training. If you wish to learn how to use a sailing vessel safely there are a wide variety of options available in the Haven. From dinghy and competent crew courses up to Instructor and Commercial qualifications, all abilities and aspirations can be catered for. 

Please take particular care around commercial traffic (see Lower Reaches below), training and teaching areas, moorings, waterski zones, marina entrances, launch sites and slipways, other craft at anchor, divers, pontoons and beaches with swimmers.

LOWER REACHES
Yachting activity is more concentrated between the Cleddau Bridge and the lower reaches of the Waterway, with some yachts going out to the wildlife rich islands and beyond.

This section of the Waterway is particularly busy and does see significant commercial traffic. You should be aware that many of these larger commercial vessels have limited visibility and manoeuvrability and you should be vigilant in watching for this traffic and navigate accordingly - there is plenty of space outside the main deep water channel.

In some of the bays and tributaries you will find shallows and it is easy to get caught out so check your charts or seek local advice when planning your passage.

THE UPPER REACHES
A smaller number of vessels explore the upper reaches of the Daugleddau and its tributaries. This area has a dead slow minimal wake and is a great place for a tranquil sail. It is not without its dangers - the upper reaches are probably best suited to the smaller dinghies or those yachts with bilge keels. The navigable channel in parts can be difficult to follow and the mud flats and saltmarsh on a falling tide can prolong your day’s adventures. If you choose to navigate the tributaries and upper reaches beyond Llangwm you will need to keep an eye on the tide and depth gauge.

Travelling at 6 knots in virtual silence and with minimal wake minimises any disturbance and following the Pembrokeshire Marine Code of Conduct will ensure you and those after you get the best experience possible.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day's sail can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariner's pages which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a fantastic way to explore the Milford Haven Waterway. 

If you are not familiar with paddle boarding, we'd recommend having lessons from a local specialist. Pembrokeshire's Outdoor Charter Group has a list of companies that offer paddle board lessons.

The Milford Haven Waterway is busy in places and you must remain aware of other users - especially of the commercial ships in the lower reaches. Remember that commercial shipping is usually in a designated deep water channel with limited manoeuvrability and visibility (if you can't see the ship's bridge they are unlikely to see you). Keep yourself safe and adjust your choices accordingly. The Port will always advise Paddle Boarders not to cross the main shipping channel unless they can see clearly that there is no commercial traffic moving.

Like other waterway users, we would always recommend carrying a VHF radio and keeping a listening watch on Channel 12 so that you are aware of possible movements. If you get into trouble you can use it to call for assistance.

To seek solitude and quieter paddling, the Carew and Cresswell Rivers are ideal, as is the area above Lawrenny which is a designated “Dead Slow Minimum Wake” zone. In the area immediately above the Cleddau Bridge you are likely to experience fast moving craft, especially water-skiers with associated wake. This is also an area of strong tidal flow so caution should be exercised.

The Waterway has a big tidal range so you should take account of this in your planning. It's usually best to start your travels going against the tide.

Give careful consideration to your clothing, a warm sunny day out of the water is fine, however should you fall off your board, the temperature of the water will have a major debilitating effect on your ability to self rescue.

The Port always recommends wearing a Personal Flotation Device (Buoyancy Aid) as not only do they keep you afloat should you fall in, but they also give valuable protection from the wind. We would also recommend paddling with at least one other person.

Share your intended start time and locations with someone on land and agree a report back time. You should also discuss what action should be taken if you do not report in as agreed.

If you are on the water at night you should take every precaution to ensure you are visible to other users. Night paddling in the lower reaches is not recommended.

For more information about paddle boarding please visit the British Stand Up Paddle Association. 

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

Taking in most of the coastline of Pembrokeshire plus the Preseli Hills and the upper reaches of the Milford Haven Waterway, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers some of the best coastal views and is one of the reasons for it being the only coastal National Park in Britain.

One of the best ways to explore the National Park is on the 186 mile coast path, which also runs through Milford Haven. From an hour to a full day, walks are available with varying degrees of difficulty.

A coastal walker’s bus service is also available.

At the moment, there are no clubs registered with the British Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (BWSF) in the Milford Haven area, the nearest being the Penarth Waterski Club in Cardiff. The only official ski school approved by the BWSF in Wales is the Offaxis Wakeboard Academy, near the Lleyn Peninsula.

Waterskiers are welcome on the Milford Haven Waterway providing they keep within the rules and zoning system as set out in the Milford Haven Waterway Leisure User Guide.

There are five designated areas for waterskiing and towing inflatables within the Haven. The area above the Cleddau Bridge is perhaps the most popular of the five. It should be noted that this area can become congested with towing vessels as well as through traffic so care should be taken. A few simple steps should be followed when skiing or towing inflatables within the waterway. All towing vessels should have a driver and a spotter. Also the use of recognised hand signals is recommended as well as raising a RED flag if the skier drops the tow.

Visit the British Waterski and Wakeboard for Safety Recommendations and Codes of Practice.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing have experienced a drop in popularity within the Waterway in recent years. Many of the surfers prefer the conditions of local beaches. However you will still find a core of activity at Dale as the mile wide bay lends itself to all levels of ability. The shelter provided by the land from the prevailing south-westerly winds creates an area suitable for the beginner inshore. The north-eastern side of the bay is more exposed and benefits the more experienced.

We recommended that if you are participating in wind or kitesurfing in the haven you should receive appropriate training. If you wish to learn how to windsurf or kitesurf there are a wide variety of options available locally. All abilities and aspirations can be catered for. For further details on training centres near you and around the waterway including the courses they offer are available on the RYA website for windsurfing and British Kitesurfing Association site for Kite surfing opportunities.

It's easy to get caught out on the water and a pleasant day out can quickly deteriorate into a serious situation. Our Safety pages have some helpful information on keeping safe throughout the season. We would also recommend subscribing to our Notice to Mariners which will keep you up to date with key waterway news. It would also be worth following the Port of Milford Haven's Twitter and Facebook accounts for news and updates.

For details of launch sites within the Waterway visit Boat Launch.