Why Choose Backwater Adventures?

We provide an exciting and unique experience, with perhaps the greatest number of activities and the best staff in the area. We want you to enjoy your time with us, making sure you gain as much as possible from your Backwater Adventure - That's why we ensure every activity meets your needs and requirements, whether you are a school, family, group of friends or just wanting a fun weekend. We are passionate about the outdoors, the natural environment and enjoy the excitement, opportunities and experiences it gives for everyone. It provides a positive impact on health, motivation, is fun and helps overcome fears and anxiety, stimulating personal and professional development and it is our pleasure to help share those experiences with our customers. Our goal is to open up outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy and to share in new and exciting experiences.

Adventure and the environment

The quality of life for everyone, now and in the future, depends largely on protecting and where possible enhancing the natural environment. Outdoor recreation, both organised and ad-hoc provides valuable life experiences, which rely on cared for and protected countryside landscapes. In Devon, we are fortunate enough to have at our disposal, some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. To ensure these areas can be enjoyed by future generations, we insist that all our activities are delivered with minimal environmental impact. Quite simply, we never leave any trace of our visits behind.

Our staff

All of our instructors are highly experienced and qualified individuals, maintaining the highest levels of safety. They will bring out the best in everyone, whilst providing a challenging and fun experience. Our staff are also experienced in all areas of group management, first aid and rescue in all environments.

Qualifications are gained from the leading body in each of the main outdoor pursuits organisations and national governing bodies in the UK and all staff have passed a CRB check. Main award bodies are BCU, MLT and MIAS.

Adventure Activities Licensing Authority

All courses are run by Essential Adventure is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority who have undertaken a risk assessment and audit of our activities and licensed all our activities, including:

Kayaking and Canoeing
Climbing and Abseiling
Caving
Coasteering


We are of course substantially covered by Public Employers Liability Insurance. Details provided on request.