Background

Cardiff International White Water: Premier Urban White Water Adventure

Experience thrilling white water rafting and kayaking adventures at Cardiff’s premier urban water sports centre.

4.8

Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) is a world-class white water rafting and kayaking centre located in Cardiff Bay, Wales. Offering Olympic-standard rapids, it caters to all skill levels with activities such as rafting, river boarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The facility features clean changing rooms, hot showers, secure lockers, and a vibrant social atmosphere, making it ideal for families, groups, and thrill-seekers alike.

A brief summary to Cardiff International White Water

  • Watkiss Way, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF11 0SY, GB
  • +442920829970
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Book your session online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid additional fees.
  • Wear swimwear under your wetsuit and bring a towel and dry clothes for after your activity.
  • Check the daily flow levels and session times, especially if you plan to try the 'Park and Play' pass.
  • Arrive early to enjoy the changing facilities and attend the safety briefing before your water session.
  • Consider joining one of the social paddleboarding or freestyle kayaking events for a community experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Take Cardiff Bus services 6 or 61 from Cardiff city centre to the Cardiff International White Water stop near Watkiss Way. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, and a single fare costs around £2.50 GBP. Note that service frequency may reduce in the evenings and on weekends.

  • Train and Walk

    Arrive at Cardiff Central railway station, then take a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride (around 5 minutes) to Cardiff International White Water. The walk follows well-marked urban paths along Cardiff Bay and is accessible for most travelers. Train services to Cardiff Central are frequent from across Wales and the UK.

  • Car

    Driving to CIWW is straightforward via the A4232 and Cardiff Bay area roads. Parking is available on-site or nearby, but spaces can be limited during peak times. Expect to pay around £5-10 GBP for parking. The journey from Cardiff city centre typically takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are convenient options for direct access to the centre, especially if carrying equipment. A trip from Cardiff city centre usually takes 10-15 minutes and costs approximately £8-12 GBP, depending on traffic and time of day.

Cardiff International White Water location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions

Unlock the Best of Cardiff International White Water

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cardiff International White Water

A Hub for White Water Sports and Adventure

Cardiff International White Water is a leading outdoor activity centre specializing in white water rafting, kayaking, and related water sports. Situated in the heart of Cardiff Bay, the facility boasts an Olympic-standard white water course that is adjustable to different flow levels, providing thrills for beginners and experts alike. The venue offers a range of activities including river boarding, duckies (inflatable kayaks), ringos (inflatable rings), and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), ensuring a diverse experience for water enthusiasts.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

Visitors benefit from excellent on-site amenities such as clean changing rooms, hot showers, and secure lockers, enhancing comfort before and after activities. The centre provides wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids, with clear safety briefings and expert instruction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The 'Park and Play' pass grants flexible access to the water and facilities, allowing paddlers to practice skills or enjoy recreational sessions seven days a week during opening hours.

Community and Events

CIWW is not only a sports venue but also a vibrant social hub. It hosts regular events like the SUP Race Fun 5K and PaddleFest, attracting paddlers and spectators for competitive and fun gatherings. The centre supports local clubs and freestyle kayaking communities, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for both newcomers and seasoned athletes. Its location in Cardiff Bay adds to the lively environment, with nearby cafes and scenic waterfront views.

Accessibility and Safety

The facility is designed to be accessible, welcoming families, groups, and individuals of varying abilities. Safety is paramount, with qualified staff supervising sessions and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Age restrictions apply depending on the activity, typically starting from six years old for some water sports. Booking in advance is recommended to secure spots, especially for popular sessions like white water rafting.

Environmental and Recreational Setting

Set against the backdrop of Cardiff Bay, CIWW combines urban convenience with natural water features. The water is fresh and clean, making it suitable for open water swimming and triathlon training. The centre encourages responsible use of the environment, with notices and guidelines to protect the waterway and surrounding habitats.

Year-Round Operation and Seasonal Variations

Open daily from 9:00 to 16:00, with extended hours on select evenings, CIWW operates year-round, adapting to seasonal conditions. Some sessions and events occur in the evenings or weekends, offering flexibility for visitors. Weather rarely disrupts activities, as many are designed to proceed safely in various conditions, ensuring a dependable adventure destination.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Cardiff International White Water

Popular Hotels near Cardiff International White Water

Select Currency