Being in such a perfect waterside location the main activities for locals and visitors are watersports. There is however no need to own a boat or to bring down your own kayaks and wind surfers. There is now a variety of craft available for hire within St Mawes and on the Percuil river.
Percuil boatyard has a number of different boats available for hire including sailing dinghy's such as Toppers, Lazers and Picos, Motorboats including Ribs of various sizes with outboards from 4hp up to 75hp, Canoes and windsurfers are also on offer.
Should you be a complete novice on the water, there are available RYA courses that cover motorboats and small craft fom St Mawes Powerboating.
2007 saw the first operating season for St Mawes Sit On Kayaks. Operating from the St Mawes Quay slipway they have a number of easy to use comfortable Kayaks suitable for either one or two persons. All equipment and brief training is provided on the beach. A perfect way to explore up the Percuil River and Roe Creek or further up the Carrick Roads. Very reasonable rates.
At the other end of the scale is a 39ft power cruiser on hand to take you for a variety of different excursions including lunches, half-day charters, full day charters and other bespoke trips. The cruiser, Fossils Venture, is able to take up to 10 adults comfortably and is fully insured and MCA endorsed.
Freshwater Boatyard also has a couple of small motorboats available for hire, ideal for fishing out in the bay.