To hire MAÏA, at least one member of your party must hold a valid RYA Powerboat Level 2 licence and have relevant recent experience operating similar craft. This ensures both your safety and the proper care of the boat while navigating the Salcombe estuary and surrounding waters.

From Salcombe, MAÏA opens up the full sweep of the estuary, with calm waters perfect for relaxed exploration. Head east toward East Portlemouth for sheltered coves and clear-water swims before looping back across the harbour. In settled conditions, you can cruise out past the bar towards Bolt Head, keeping a respectful eye on tide and swell, for a sense of open sea and dramatic coastline. For a classic estuary lunch, follow the channel upriver to The Millbrook Inn in South Pool, a beautiful waterside spot tucked into the creek and well worth timing with the tide. Continue further toward Kingsbridge and you’ll reach The Crabshell, a lively waterfront pub with a large terrace overlooking the water — ideal for a casual drink or relaxed lunch. Always check tide times before setting off, as the upper reaches of the estuary are shallow at low water and part of the adventure is planning around the rhythm of the river.