Torbay is a traditional English seaside resort found on the South West peninsula of England. Although defined in European terms as a cold water resort, Torbay’s enclosed bay and local climate promotes features that reflect a Riviera climate. Since the peak in 1977 the resort has experienced long standing decline in staying visitor numbers in the face of competition, particularly from overseas. It is now exhibiting many of the characteristics associated with such seaside resort, for example a reliance on the market associated with socio-economic groupings C1 and C2; problems of the restructuring of its accommodation stock; the need for diversification and the maintenance of its environmental quality.

The local marine environment has significant conservation value, however. There are eleven SSSI’s within the Bay area as well as an underwater coastal reserve. The biodiversity within Torbay is impressive, with ancient woodlands, reed beds and bat populations present and with bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks and seals frequenting its waters. Furthermore, the local geology of limestone makes Torbay one of the top areas in the country for rare plants, as well as creating important underwater caves and nesting cliffs. Finally Torbay’s geographical location with its Eastward outlook (different to the rest of the South West region) gives a natural anchorage for ships and a wintering location for migratory birds for example the Great Crested Grebe. While beach tourism resort activities and water sports are currently the mainstay of its tourism, there is clear potential for expanding nature-based tourist experiences as demonstrated by the popularity of the Seashore interpretation centre.
 

Currently there are a number of ecotourism related activities within the Bay including diving trips, interpretative boat.