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Tours & Experiences

Plas Menai

πŸ“ Caernarfon, Wales

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β˜…4.7(358 Google reviews)

Best for families and keen teens wanting to learn on the water, from novice paddleboarding to multi-day powerboat and sailing qualifications on the Menai Strait.

βœ“ Excellent instructorsβœ“ Hands-on learningβœ“ Water sports courses

πŸ† Funzaroo Verdict

The teaching is the draw: instructors come across as experienced, patient and genuinely passionate, from novice paddleboarding to multi-day powerboat qualifications. The catch is boat upkeep - failing lights, radios and leaks have surfaced, so a family booking a longer sailing course should check the vessel's condition first.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Check that onboard electrics, lighting and radios are working before departure on sailing courses
⏰Pack waterproofs you trust rather than relying on centre-supplied kit
🎟️Book ahead, as last-minute spaces and one-to-one sessions can come up
πŸš—Expect hard work alongside the fun on skills courses

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.7
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358 Google reviews

5β˜…
280
4β˜…
54
3β˜…
12
2β˜…
6
1β˜…
6

G Reviews from Google

B

Barney Bear

a month ago

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β€œI have just completed a β€˜Competent Crew’ course on Menai IV under the instruction of skipper Mike. I would just like to say that despite being hard work, I thoroughly enjoyed the training, and working together with the other guys on board as a β€˜crew’. Food was excellent, although I think the β€˜chefs’ that prepare the meals need to spend a bit of time onboard to see the limitations that we have. Mike was an excellent instructor, who did not hold your hand, making you think about your actions, but was there to suggest improvements, which was the main reason for being there. The only issue that I had was that the electrics were not fully functional before we left, which meant that lighting was down to battery powered lights. This should have been sorted beforehand. All in all, I thoroughly recommend this course, and would like to thank Mike and the rest of the guys for a memorable experience.”

E

Elizabeth Cutler

2 months ago

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β€œWe had a fantastic time. We booked to do stand up paddleboarding, as novices. The instructor Milly was great. She explained everything, checked understanding and flexed as needed to accommodate wind and tide as well as skill levels. She was informative about the sport, the area, wildlife etc, was friendly, kept us safe and made the whole experience fun. Heads up to her especially and Oli and Mo. Thank you so much for this experience. Would definitely recommend this centre and the instructors”

T

Toby Williams

2 months ago

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β€œDid the powerboat level 2 course with Louie. Great instructor and so much hands on. Booked last minute and had a 1 on 1 course over 2 days. Got to drive 3 different boats up to 80hp which was great fun. Learnt so much and great value for money. Did some towing with Tom too who was also brilliant and very thorough.”

πŸ“Š Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

Based on Google review tags

Instructor

39 reviews

Sailing

15 reviews

Paddle boarding

12 reviews

Kayaking

6 reviews

Windsurfing

6 reviews

Overview

A proper outdoor-centre set-up on the Welsh coast, where learning happens in small, hands-on groups: paddleboarding for first-timers, Competent Crew sessions aboard the yacht Menai IV, and powerboat courses that put you behind the wheel of several different boats. There's a car park on site and pram access, and the instructors tailor the pace to the wind and your confidence.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday08:30-20:00
Tuesday08:30-20:00
Wednesday08:30-20:00
Thursday08:30-20:00
Friday08:30-20:00
Saturday08:30-17:00
Sunday08:30-17:00

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