On The Water Activities at Sea Bangor

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May

Enjoy wonderful on the water activities at the Sea Bangor Festival, from pre-bookable 'Have a Go' sessions to viewing of on the water demonstrations, rowing competitions and boat trips, there is lots of fun to be had throughout the weekend.

Find out more about the Sea Bangor Festival.

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View the Rowing Competitions

Free

Rowing Competition - Local Teams Compete
From 12.15pm both days

This year’s event sees the return of the popular rowing competition with local teams vying for the top prize. Organised by SERC.

1st Rowing race | 12:15 - 12:30 
2nd Rowing race | 13:15 - 13:30 
Final Rowing race | 14:00 - 14:15 

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'Have a Go' Sessions 

Saturday only: Kayaking | Saturday and Sunday: Paddleboarding | Sunday only: Double Canoe

• Pre-booking required.

• For all on the water activities sessions start at 12noon Saturday and Sunday

• Meeting Point  Strangford Activity Centre stand along the Eisenhower Pier, beside the slipway at RNLI Station.

• Participants must arrive 15 minutes before their activity.

• Please take note of all important information.

Quiet hour from 11am - 12noon (Sat and Sun)

New for 2026, a quiet hour will be introduced from 11am–12 noon each day, welcoming people with a disability, neurodiverse conditions, carers and parents/guardians.

This hour offers a calmer environment with reduced noise and gentler activity levels. This new feature aims to make the event more inclusive and comfortable for those who prefer a slower pace. 

Strangford Lough Activity Centre have substantial experience in working with additional needs and creating a sensory friendly environment. The on water activities will be adapted to operate effectively during a quiet hour by creating a calm, low-stimulus environment with reduced noise , flexible participation and clear structured instruction. Music, loud announcements,  will be avoided, while participants would receive simple demonstrations and predictable guidance before entering the water. Paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing naturally support a slower pace and quieter experience, allowing individuals to move at their own comfort level. 

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‘Have a Go’…. Kayaking

Saturday 23 May 

Enjoy a 45-minute taster session on double or single Sit on Top Kayaks. Skills, games and a short harbour tour.

Important Information:

• Meet at Strangford Lough Activity Centre stand - Eisenhower Pier beside slipway and RNLI lifebuoy.
• Parents / Guardians / Participants will be required to sign a medical & consent form upon arrival. Please arrive 15mins before your session takes place to fill in form and receive safety briefing. 
• Participants must be water confident
• Arrive 15 minutes before activity is due to start.
• Suitable for ages 10+ without adult (however an adult must be present to fill in medical form before on water session takes place)
• Suitable for ages 5+ when accompanied by an adult.
• Double and single Sit on Top Kayaks.
• Buoyancy aids provided.
• Wetsuits provided if required.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes to facilitate changing.
• Bring a towel and sun protection.

Safety restrictions | This experience is NOT suitable for expectant mothers or people with back or neck problems.

Pre-booking essential

Time slots:

Saturday only | Quiet Hour | 11:15

Saturday only | 12:45 | 14:30 | 16:00 | 17:15

Price:

Single Kayaks (Seats 1 person) | £10  >>  Book Now

Double Kayak (Seats 2 people) | £20  >>  Book Now

Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres.

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‘Have a Go’…. Paddleboarding

Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May

Join Strangford Lough Activity Centre for a 45-minute taster session on paddleboards. Skills and games.

Important information:

• Meeting Point: Strangford Lough Activity Centre stand - Eisenhower Pier beside slipway and RNLI Station.
• Parents / Guardians / Participants will be required to sign a medical & consent form upon arrival. Please arrive 15mins before your session takes place to fill in form and receive safety briefing.
• Participants must be water confident.
• Arrive 15 minutes before activity is due to start.
• Suitable for ages 6+ (however an adult must be present to fill in medical form before on water session takes place)
• Wetsuits and buoyancy aids provided.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes to facilitate changing.
• Bring a towel and sun protection.

Safety restrictions | This experience is NOT suitable for expectant mothers or people with back or neck problems.

Pre-booking essential

Time slots:

Saturday and Sunday | Quiet Hour | 11:00

Saturday and Sunday | 12:30 | 14:15 | 15:45 | 17:00

Price

Tickets £10pp >>  Book Quiet Hour (Sat 23 May) | Book Quiet Hour (Sun 24 May) | Book Other Session/s (Sat 23 and Sun 24 May)

Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres.

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‘Have a Go’…. Double Canoe 

Sunday 24 May

Enjoy a 45-minute taster session on a double canoe. Skills, games and a short harbour tour.
Important Information:

• Meeting Point: Strangford Lough Activity Centre stand - Eisenhower Pier beside slipway and RNLI Station.
• Parents / Guardians / Participants will be required to sign a medical & consent form upon arrival. Please arrive 15mins before your session takes place to fill in form and receive safety briefing. 
• Participants must be water confident.
• Please note customers may need to share rafted canoe with other people.
•  Arrive 15 minutes before activity is due to start.
• Suitable for ages 5+ when accompanied by an adult.
• Buoyancy aids provided.
• Wetsuits provided if required.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes to facilitate changing.
• Bring a towel and sun protection.

Safety restrictions | This experience is NOT suitable for expectant mothers or people with back or neck problems.

Pre-booking essential

Time slots:

Sunday only | Quiet Hour | 11:15

Sunday only | 12:45 | 14:30 | 16:00 | 17:15

Price

Double Canoe – (Seats 2 people) |  £20 >>  Book Now

Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres

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What's more... Experience Ards and North Down!

Bangor Bay Boat Tours | Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026

Trip departs from Pickie Jetty, Beside Pickie Funpark | 11am – 12.30pm both days 

£15pp | Book now

Tour Guide: Paul Whitla | Skipper: Brian Meharg

Tour departs from the Jetty beside Pickie Funpark, Bangor

Join tour guide Paul Whitla and Brian Meharg, author of the children’s book "Jenny Watts Legend" and skipper of the Ocean Crest, onboard, to hear the story of infamous smuggler, Jenny Watt while enjoying a cruise around Bangor Bay, off Belfast Lough.

Find out more

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For all bookable activities, online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres.

Terms and conditions apply.

All details subject to change.