Have you ever wondered what it would be like to view Dorset’s Jurassic Coast from the water?

Looking through Durdle Door from a kayak on a sunny day from turquoise waters has to be one of my favourite moments this year.

The three-hour Jurassic Coast Kayak Tour, which began in the still waters of Lulworth Cove, proved to be great fun, good exercise and real value for money.

After a short paddling lesson from our experienced instructor Nobby, we headed out onto the ocean waves in two-seater kayaks and headed towards Stair Hole.

The brief lesson included how to properly hold, use and control the paddle.

Our group of eight quickly got to grips with it before we found ourselves meandering into caves, heading through arches and riding choppier waves.

Kayaks are the only suitable craft to enter caves and arches and we were all surprised at how easy to control and stable they were.

As we headed towards Durdle Door, we stopped along the way to look at a recent landslide, fascinating rock formations and even a family of hunting peregrine falcons.

Our guide filled our three-hour session with interesting facts about the Jurassic coastline, marine life and even added in a funny tale or two about his experience as a kayaking instructor.

We were given the option to stay on calmer waters but the whole group proved to be in an adventurous mood and lined up behind Nobby as he headed back to Lulworth Cove through the rocks near Man O’ War cove.

As me and my kayak partner approached a narrow gap in the rocks, we made a common beginners’ mistake and stopped paddling.

Our guide kept telling us throughout the afternoon to ‘always keep paddling’, but we learnt the hard way and capsized.

We quickly jumped back on to the kayak and carried on through the rocks.

My kayak partner said: “It was an incredible afternoon and even capsizing was great fun.

"Seeing the landmarks from the sea was a whole new experience.”

We even stopped for a chocolate and drink break on the beach at Durdle Door after paddling through the archway of the famous landmark.

The tour offers a chance to see marine and wildlife in their natural habitat and peregrine falcons are often seen in the area.

The coast was a hub of activity during our tour, from people coasteering to rock climbers, fishermen and families sunbathing.

When we arrived back in Lulworth Cove, we played a few kayak games and even had time for a refreshing swim.

Our kayaking session took place on a beautiful sunny day, but a Secondwind Jurassic Coast Tour would be fun in any weather.

  • For more information or to book a tour visit second-wind.co.uk 

Jurassic Kayak Tours are priced per person or at group rates. All equipment is supplied including new safe and stable sit-on kayaks. Individual rates: £50 per person. £45 each for groups of 8+