Get ready to explore the Dorset coast...
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If you want to be out and about on Dorset's spectacular coast doing your favourite sport or trying out something new then you can find everything you need to plan your day here.

Play with the map

The map is interactive. You can zoom in, with your mouse's scroll wheel or the + and - buttons on the left, and move around the map by dragging anywhere on the map with your mouse to explore the Dorset coast in more detail.

Tides, live weather & more

Plan your day with detailed weather forecasts, tide and current predictions, web cams, car parks, slipways, transport information and facilities.

Find your activities

Discover more about an activity by clicking on an icon. Click on an icon that appears on the map to find out more information.

Kit bag

Once you have planned your day then save it and share it with friends and family using the kit bag.

Remember, whatever you do on the Dorset coast, do it safely and responsibly.

Your friend has shared a coastal activity suggestion with you on iCoast using the kitbag. Check out your kitbag now to see the activity they have suggested.

iCoast has everything you need to plan your Dorset coastal adventure including an interactive map, real-time weather, photos, transport and tide times.

Once you have checked out the kitbag, why not explore the other activities on iCoast and suggest activities to other friends and family members via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Measure a line on the map

To start measuring, click on the map. Then keep clicking to mark out a route to measure.

To stop measuring, double-click on the map at the end of your line.

Click the measure tool to de-activate it when you're finished.

Tidal currents

Use these controls to see tidal currents over the next seven days.

You can go forward or back by one hour or 24 hours.

You may need to zoom in to see the current arrows.

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The small coloured icons here give you a key to the pins which appear on the map above.

You can turn these pins on or off by clicking the tick-boxes.

Look at photos along the coast

Drag this marker on the map to view photos of any point along the green lines.

You can slide left or right on the photo to move along the coast.

Drag the map marker on to a different green line to explore another area!

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Beach Activities
Boat trips
Coasteering
Cruising (motor & sail)
Cycling
Diving
Fossil Hunting / Geology
Gig Racing / Rowing
Horse Riding
Kitesurfing
Paragliding and Hang Gliding
Personal Watercraft
Powerboating
Rock Climbing
Rockpooling
Kayaking
Sailing
Sea Angling
Snorkelling
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Surfing
Swimming
Walking
Water Skiing / Wake Boarding
Wildlife Watching
Windsurfing

Sailing

Dorset is a world class sailing location and is host to the Sailing events during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Weymouth and Portland. The stunning views and world heritage coastline makes sailing in Dorset an unforgettable experience.  There is a  wealth of facilities for sailors at the many marinas situated along the coast.  Learning to sail is easy with lots of locations and courses to choose from.

More info on sailing

Cruising

Motor or sail cruising is a great way to explore new places along the Dorset coast, from sheltered bays to bustling ports and harbour towns. Cruising in Dorset gives you the opportunity to view wildlife and the outstanding coastal geology that this area is so famous for. If you are planning to cruise along the along the South coast or even across to France then stopping off in Dorset is a must because there are 15 marinas to choose from with facilities and locations to suit all. 
More info on cruising

Sea Angling

The Dorset coast offers some excellent locations for both shore and boat angling.  There are over 50 beaches to choose from, including the famous Chesil beach, which is over 17 miles (28 km) long and the harbours offering charter boats and trips to take you offshore.  With excellent water quality and a large range of fish, angling along the Dorset coast is hugely popular and is host to many competitions.

More info on sea angling

Kitesurfing/boarding

Dorset is one of the best places to kite surf on the South Coast ,with its clean waters and diverse coastline meaning that there are lots of spots for kite surfers of all abilities and experience to get on the water. If you fancy trying out the sport or if you already have some experience but want to learn how to do those amazing kite surfing tricks safely then there are over ten kite surfing schools along the coast.

More info on kite surfing

Beach Activities

Dogs allowed at all times.
Seasonal restrictions to dogs on beaches.
Dogs not allowed at any time.

Dorset is the perfect location for a day at the beach as it has over 50 beaches, many of which are sandy and/or dog friendly. Beaches are great if you want to relax on your own with a book, or have fun with friends and family by making sand sculptures, playing beach cricket or even enjoying a beach BBQ at one of Dorset’s many BBQ friendly beaches.

More info on beach activities

Kayaking

Kayaking on the Dorset coast is an unforgettable experience. With over 285 km of stunning coastline it is the perfect way to explore isolated bays, view wildlife and get unique views of the outstanding coastal geology that this area is so famous for. The variety of conditions along the Dorset coast, from sheltered bays to strong current areas, means that it is the ideal place for trying out kayaking for the first time or for the more experienced looking for new adventures. There are 25 slipways along the length of the Dorset coast so finding a place to launch and try out different areas is easy and there are a wide range of providers offering guided tours and tuition.
More info on kayaking

Boat trips

Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for a white knuckle ride in a RHIB around Weymouth Bay or you are just looking for a ferry ride or sightseeing trip along the World Heritage Jurassic Coast line, going on a boat trip is always a great way to spend a day, or evening, on the Dorset coast.
More info on boat trips

Coasteering

Coasteering is an exciting outdoor adventure activity which combines rock climbing, swimming, jumping, scrambling and abseiling. The rocky, challenging terrain of Dorset’s coast will make your coasteering adventure a memorable and enjoyable experience. There are a variety of coasteering activities available to suit various ages and experiences. Find out which provider is best suited to your requirements. Check out the providers and different adventure packages on the iCoast map.

More info on coasteering

Cycling

Cycling is a great form of exercise, an environmentally friendly mode of transport and a fantastic way to explore Dorset’s coast and countryside. There are many cycle paths throughout Dorset that connect geological highlights and other points of interest together.

More info on cycling

Diving

The Dorset coast is one of the most popular diving locations in the UK, with its wealth of wrecks and scenic reef dives to explore. In Dorset there is a wide choice of modern charter boats for hire, diving schools and dive shops, as well as plenty of diver-friendly accommodation. If you have your own boat there are lots of slipways to launch from (check them out on the iCoast  map).  There are also many locations where shore diving is possible. 

More info on diving

Fossil hunting

The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is England's first natural World Heritage Site - it is known as The Jurassic Coast. It covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East Devon to Dorset, with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth's history.   The Jurassic coast offers a unique insight into the Earth Sciences as it clearly depicts a geological ‘walk through time' spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. 

More info on fossil-hunting

Rowing / gig racing

Rowing is one of the oldest Olympic sports, and Dorset’s magnificent coastline and rivers are a great place to do it. Rowing is a team sport where athletes face backwards while sat in a boat using oars to propel them forward.

More info on rowing

Horse riding

With 1,700 bridleways and 37 byways, horse riding in Dorset is a widely appreciated and established activity. There are many local riding schools and stables available to be enjoyed by horse riders of all abilities.  The bridleways and byways can be found on the iCoast map.

More info on horse-riding

Paragliding and hang gliding

See Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast and great countryside from the sky by paragliding or hang gliding. Take off from one of Dorset’s many hills and glide hundreds of feet above the ground and miles across it.

More info on paragliding and hang gliding

Personal Watercraft

If operated responsibly, using PWC (personal watercraft or jet skis) can be an exciting activity. Along the Dorset coast there are specific areas where PWCs can be launched, areas where they are not allowed and speed and other restrictions. In most harbours, permits are required for their use. The iCoast map gives you all of this information.

At all times it is necessary to be considerate as the safety of others and wildlife is important and also many people on the Dorset coast want to enjoy the tranquillity while they are out on the water, on the beach or walking the coast path. Before venturing out take a look at the PWC code of conduct.

More info on personal watercraft

Powerboating

Speed boats, motor cruisers, and RHIB are all different types of power boat but they all have two things in common; they go fast and they are lots of fun. Whilst speeding about in your powerboat along the Dorset coast you can stop off and enjoy sheltered bays, see the different  wildlife and view the outstanding coastal geology that this area is so famous for.

More info on powerboating

Rock climbing

Some routes restricted 1 March to 31 July due to nesting birds. Check Rockfax, BMC or UKC websites for latest situation.
Currently has serious access problems, no climbing allowed.

Dorset has some excellent venues for climbing with many areas with good quality limestone rock.   The cliffs of Dorset provide a dramatic setting with fantastic views. Portland is best known amongst climbers as one of the most popular sport rock climbing areas in the South West of England. It has over 1000 routes, of varying grades, in many different areas on the Island.  Near Swanage there is both traditional and sport climbing.

More info on rock climbing

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a leisurely, non competitive activity that anyone able to swim can participate in. In shallow waters it can provide a glimpse of the underwater world with the many species that are there and the different types of habitats.  In Dorset there are some really beautiful places to snorkel  with colourful marine life to see.

More info on snorkelling

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand up paddle boarding (abbreviated to SUP and sometimes known as Stand up paddle surfing) originates from Hawaii but has become very popular in Dorset in recent years. SUP can be done out in the waves in various location off the Dorset coast. Dorset’s sheltered harbours at Poole, Portland and Christchurch are great for flat water SUP while more exposed locations such as Bournemouth and Weymouth can offer more waves.  There are three local SUP clubs in Dorset and plenty of places to hire your paddle and board and get some tuition.

More info on stand up paddle boarding

Surfing

Being located on the sheltered south coast means Dorset is a great place to learn to surf with five surfing schools and lots of places to hire boards dotted along the coast.   Dorset’s natural reef offshore means that waves form well even though they don’t get a lot of groundswell so places like Kimmeridge Bay, on the right day, can be great surf spots for more experienced surfers.   Other popular surf spots include Bournemouth Beach by the pier and at Southbourne. Europe’s first artificial surf reef can be found at Boscombe, however this is currently closed for repairs. You can learn more about how the surf reef was built, how it works and any updates on the surf reef repairs by visiting The Surf Reef website

More info on surfing

Walking

Easy
Moderate
Difficult

Dogs allowed at all times.
Seasonal restrictions to dogs on beaches.
Dogs not allowed at any time.

With breathtaking views walking along the Dorset coast is extremely popular with locals and visitors.   It is a great way to experience the local wildlife and see the geological features of the famous Jurassic coast.  There are many circular walks, with detailed descriptions and maps, marked on the iCoast website. Walks range from short and easy to long and hilly, and everything in between. Choose a walk that you feel is within your limits with scenery you’ll enjoy.

More info on walking

Rockpooling

The Dorset coast is indisputably a great place to discover marine life, and this can be done easily by exploring the many rock pools that become accessible when the tide goes out.   Looking in rock pools can be really fun as they are natural aquariums where you can discover anemones, crabs, limpets, winkles and an array of seaweeds.

More info on rockpooling

Swimming

Dorset’s beautiful coastline is studded with hidden places to swim,  snorkel and sunbathe, and its waters are cleaner and more accessible than ever before. 
More info on swimming

Water Skiing & Wake Boarding

The Dorset coastline, with its sweeping bays and outstanding coastal geology, provides the perfect setting for an exhilarating day out waterskiing and wakeboarding. Dorset has a couple of dedicated areas for water skiing and wakeboarding where you can enjoy the sport without the need to worry so much about other water users. There are lots of places to get tuition if you fancy having a go.

More info on water skiing and wakeboarding

Wildlife watching

This is a gentle activity that involves watching and enjoying wildlife in their natural habitat. Taking the time to appreciate the wildlife can be done at anytime both on the coast and out in the sea. On or near the coast there are many nature reserves that provide a great place for visitors to observe and enjoy the wildlife.

More info on wildlife watching

Windsurfing

The Dorset coast is a world class windsurf venue, hosting the Olympic and Paralympic 2012 Windsurfing events and the famous Weymouth Speed Week - one of the longest running annual windsurfing competitions in the world - and several other windsurf competitions throughout the year at locations such as Christchurch, Poole, The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and Overcombe Corner. In total there are over 20 top windsurfing areas along the beautiful and vibrant Dorset coastline so wherever you are in Dorset, you will never have to travel far to enjoy a day out windsurfing. You can use the iCoast map to see where all the windsurfing areas on the map. The iCoast map can also show you where all the slipways are for you to launch from and where the closest car parks to the windsurfing areas are so you can make sure you don’t have to lug your kit too far.
More info on wind-surfing

Weather forecast for watersports

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Facilities

The Dorset coast offers a wide variety of holiday accommodation. iCoast includes a large number of caravan and camping sites. For other types of accommodation, look at Visit-Dorset. There are many places to go with fabulous viewpoints from which you can admire the spectacular Jurassic Coast scenery. Visitor centres provide a range of local information, events and activities ranging from fossils to marine life. Visit any of Dorset's Tourist Information Centres to access a vast range of detailed and up-to-date information.

Transport

There are many different ways to travel to and along the Dorset Coast. When making your choice, do consider the consequences of your chosen form of transport on both the global and local environment.

You may think that taking your car offers you the greatest independence, but think again. Using the rail network and the Jurassic Coast bus frees you from the confines of long-distance traffic jams, and from the task of finding a parking space (and paying for it!) once you get here.

Travel Dorset is the traffic and travel information service that will help you get to where you want to go in Dorset. Get up-todate traffic alerts, travel and public transport news including bus and train times, or plan your journey via a mobile device or PC.

Restricted areas

This will explain a bit more about the restricted areas...

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