Current Forecast & Tides

About this spot

Dawlish Warren is a narrow sand spit projecting into the mouth of the Exe estuary, directly opposite Exmouth. It is one of Devon's few spots that works well in a NW wind — the estuary channel funnels and accelerates the wind across the spit, giving clean side-shore conditions when most south coast spots are sheltered or blown out. W and N also work, and are worth knowing as they produce similar side-shore conditions from slightly different angles.

The spot works best in the two hours either side of high tide. At low water the estuary dries extensively across the bar and the rideable water retreats a very long way from the spit. High tide brings sufficient depth over the sandbanks to give a proper session; the incoming flood tide also smooths the chop considerably. A slack-water window around high is particularly good for intermediates.

The spit forms the southern boundary of Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, a designated SSSI. There are strict restrictions on where you can walk, launch and ride — stay within the designated watersports area and do not kite over the protected dune vegetation at the tip of the spit. Signage on the beach marks the boundaries clearly.

Hazards

Lessons

Edge Watersports The nearest dedicated kitesurf school is Edge Watersports, based at Sideshore in Exmouth a few miles along the coast. They cover lessons throughout the South Devon estuary area.

Parking

APCOA operate the car parks at Dawlish Warren. Summer rates (April–September) are £8.50 per day seven days a week. Winter rates (October–March) drop to £4.50 Monday–Friday and £3.50 at weekends. Pay via the APCOA Connect app or at machines on site.

Water quality

Storm overflow data for Dawlish Warren is monitored in real time by South West Water via their telemetry network. Current water quality status — including active sewage discharges and recent spill alerts — updates automatically in the live forecast app.

Nearby spots

Exmouth is just across the estuary mouth and catches similar wind directions — sandier beach and more facilities, worth checking when the NW is strong. Duckpond (Exmouth) is the sheltered lagoon on the Exmouth side, better for lighter winds and beginners. For a bigger water day on the Devon coast, Saunton Sands on the north coast is within an hour.