Coasteering’s history is surprisingly recent compared to other adventure sports, but it has deep roots in coastal culture and survival skills. Here’s the story.

Early Roots (Before it had a name)

Long before “coasteering” became a marketed activity, people along rugged coastlines—especially in Wales, Ireland, Portugal, and parts of Australia—were already scrambling over rocks, jumping into the sea, and swimming through gullies.

Fishermen and foragers: Coastal communities often had to navigate slippery rocks, sea caves, and tidal zones to collect shellfish or reach fishing spots.

Military training: Naval commandos and rescue units practiced moving along dangerous coastlines as part of survival and infiltration training.

Birth of the Word “Coasteering” (1970s–1980s)

The actual term “coasteering” appears to have been first used in print in 1973 by John Cleare and Robin Lloyd-Jones in Sea Cliff Climbing.

At the time, it was more of a passing suggestion than a sport—described as exploring the rocky intertidal zone by climbing, swimming, and jumping without boats or boards.

The First Modern Coasteering Tours (1990s)

Pembrokeshire, Wales is considered the birthplace of commercial coasteering.

Local outdoor instructors began offering guided sessions that mixed rock scrambling, swimming, and cliff jumping—marketing it as a thrilling new way to experience the coastline.

By the late ’90s, several Welsh adventure companies were offering coasteering, and word began to spread to Cornwall, Scotland, and Ireland.

Global Growth (2000s–Present)

The activity spread to countries with rugged shorelines—New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and parts of Australia embraced it.

The combination of adrenaline, teamwork, and nature immersion appealed to outdoor education programs, stag/hen groups, and eco-tourists.

Safety standards and guiding qualifications were formalized, especially in the UK, to reduce accidents and protect fragile marine environments.

Why It’s Popular Now

Combines multiple outdoor sports: swimming, climbing, cliff jumping, and exploring.

No specialist skills required—guides tailor sessions to different ages and abilities.

Social media appeal—dramatic jumps and sea caves look epic in photos and videos.

Eco-adventure trend—people want to engage with wild places in an active, immersive way.

Now the Margaret River Adventure Co. is the founding and only coasteering company in Australia and you will find them in the rugged southwestern corner of the country.