About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Drakes Island
This fortress island sits 500 metres away from the city of Plymouth in the Plymouth Sound and is open to the public as part of a tour. Named after Sir Francis Drake, who sailed from Plymouth in 1577 to circumnavigate the world and became the island’s governor on his return. Fortification began in 1549 as a defence against the French and Spanish and continued through to World War II. In the 1980s it was run as an adventure centre but today it is privately owned with tours of the derelict Napoleonic-era military buildings and tunnels available along with seasonal events.
Where to find Drake’s Island
Drake’s Island is located in Plymouth Sound
How to get to Drake’s Island
Drake’s Island can be reached by ferry from Mount Batten pier, Plymouth booking here at £23 per adult
Getting around Drake’s Island
Upon arrival at the island there are guided walks that take in most of the island and its buildings
Best time to go to Drake’s Island
Drake’s Island is open from March to October for general visits and also offers seasonal events for Halloween, Bonfire Night, Remembrance, Winter Solstice, Christmas and even Ghost Hunting
Is Drake Island dog friendly
Yes, well-behaved dogs kept on a lead are welcome
Food and drink on Drake’s Island
There is no food and drink available for general tours on Drake’s Island. The nearest pitstops are in Mount Batten, Plymouth on the mainland (where the Drake’s Island ferry leaves).
The Galley Kitchen at Mount Batten in Plymouth is a step above a Greasy Spoon cafe serving up great breakfasts to boatyard workers, beach goers, and coast path walkers. The small breakfast is very adequate, the medium breakfast is huge (sausage, egg, mushroom, bacon, tomatoes, fried potato, beans and bread). If you are brave go for the doorstep lunch sandwich! Clovelly Bay Inn is an authentic and traditional waterside pub in the quaint fishing village of Turnchapel just a short walk from the Mount Batten Ferry. Great portions and a large range of ales located on the South West Coast Path.
Where to stay near Drake’s Island
We love Drakes View Camping, Staddon Heights Golf Club, The White House, Plymouth PL9 9SP; tel. 07831 225440
What to do near Drake’s Island
Wild swim from Firestone Bay where bouys mark the safe swim zone
SUP in Plymouth Sound – see Paddle Boarding South West England for routes
Paddle board around Drake’s Island
What to do on Drakes Island
We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on our Routes Map.
About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Fact
- Location: Plymouth Sound
- Terrain: Estuary
- Access: Paddleboarding
- Height gain: 0
- Map: OS Explorer Map: 108: Lower Tamar Valley & Plymouth
- Starting point: Firestone Bay, PL1 3RS. Grid ref. SX 4623 5337 (50.3610,-4.1623).
- Access restrictions: No beach on island at high tide. Public access only below high-tide line; no furtheraccess onto island.
- Parking: Royal William Yard (charges), Stonehouse, PL1 3RS or nearby Devil’s Point car park (chargesafter 3 hours), PL1 3RW.
Paddle boarding around Drake’s Island
Historic ocean-city paddle with a circumnavigation of a fortified island – the ‘jewel of Plymouth Sound’. The sheltered waters of Firestone Bay make a fabulous place to paddle and a good jumping-off point for the more advanced trip to Drake’s Island within the UK’s first National Marine Park.
Look out for:
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- Great views of Plymouth’s iconic buildings
- Unique views of Drake’s Island fortifications
- Kelp beds off the island’s south side
Paddle boarding route around Drake’s Island
Launch by historic Firestone Arch, leading from Royal William Yard, take in one of the best views of Drake’s Island as you head to the water. The foreshore is steep, rocky and uneven but once launched, it’s possible to paddle safely within the yellow buoys and watch naval and commercial vessels slide in and out of the Tamar or a huge Brittany Ferries ship manoeuvre into Millbay Dock. For the island trip, head directly towards the beach on its northwest shore, crossing perpendicular to the shipping lane so you can easily see approaching boats. The ivy-clad stone battlements tower above the sand and rock shore and there are fabulous views of Plymouth’s historic cityscape back across the water. Continue clockwise past the pier, below the fortifications and buildings, to reach the south shore. The water here is shallower, and there is often more chop, but the kelp forests are wonderful. Their dedication to Queen Elizabeth II during the Platinum Jubilee, 2022, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, is testament to the significance of this vital ecosystem. Paddle around the island and return to Firestone Bay for excellent vegan bakes and coffee at the Shack next to the arch.
Safety tips for paddling around Drake’s Island
Best paddled during neap slack tide, ideally starting 1–1.5hrs before high tide to allow sufficient time before ebb current strengthens. Firestone Bay is generally protected by the island from S winds, but island’s S shore is exposed. If paddling during slack low water island’s size almost doubles. Check shipping movements to avoid traffic https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ports/429?name=PLYMOUTH&country=United-Kingdom#LiveMap gives live updates to shipping in and around Plymouth Sound. Offshore wind: South.
Paddling Pitstops near Drake’s Island
You can’t beat the paddleboard and cake heaven at, the Shack, next to Firestone Arch, tel. 01752 600533 (seasonal).
Paddle board lessons and tours near Drake’s Island
The excellent South West SUPs, based at The Shack, offer great SUP lessons, tours, and seasonal events in Firestone Bay, tel. 07888 488499.
