Experience the top 11 boat trips in Cornwall

Everyone has to experience Cornwall's stunning coastline and rich maritime history at least once during their UK holiday. One of the best ways to do this on your getaway is with some amazing boat trips in Cornwall that offer the most breathtaking views.

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Think about how it would feel to journey to the sea, sailing alongside the picturesque coastline surrounded by calming waves and enchanting sea life. There’s really nothing like it.

There are a variety of boat trips to choose from in Cornwall – from tranquil river cruises to exciting sea safaris and trips to different towns – there's an adventure waiting for everyone. 

In this guide, we'll explore the 11 best boat trips in Cornwall that will make your visit unforgettable and give you an experience like no other.

The best boat trips in Cornwall

The diverse coastline is the perfect backdrop for various boat trips in Cornwall. Whether you're looking for scenic tours or historical excursions, here are some of the best boat trips in Cornwall that offer something for every taste:

Mount Bay's Discovery, Penzance image

Mount Bay's Discovery, Penzance

Mount Bays Discovery offers one of the most iconic boat trips in Cornwall and is a great choice for your trip. Departing from Penzance, this journey takes you across the beautiful Mounts Bay, where you’ll get spectacular views of St Michaels Mount a tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church. Your guides will share stories about the areas history, geology, and wildlife.

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Port Isaac Boat Tours, Port Isaac image

Port Isaac Boat Tours, Port Isaac

You will embark on an intimate excursion along the rugged North Cornwall coast to the quaint Port Isaac harbour. As you’re treated to breathtaking views of the villages whitewashed cottages and narrow winding streets from the sea, you will have the option to either stay onboard or venture into the harbour. The skipper will share tales of smugglers, fishermen, and maritime heritage.

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Godrevy to Hell's Mouth, Hayle image

Godrevy to Hell's Mouth, Hayle

For those seeking an adventurous boat trip in Cornwall, the journey from Godrevy to Hells Mouth is hard to beat. You will start near Hayle and then pass the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse, which inspired Virginia Woolf novel To the Lighthouse, so you can add some literary history. The coastline becomes increasingly rugged, leading to Hells Mouth, a deep, narrow inlet flanked by towering cliffs.

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Helford River Cruise image

Helford River Cruise

Look no further than the Helford River Cruise for a more serene boat trip in Cornwall. Sail along this tranquil estuary on the southern coast of Cornwall for a 90-minute exploration of the stunning natural landscapes including Frenchmans Creek. As you glide along the calm waters, you will see the beautiful Trebah Garden. The areas mild microclimate supports a diverse haven for wildlife.

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Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip image

Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip

The Rounding Cornwall excursion is unbeatable for those who want the ultimate boat trip in Cornwall. This full-day adventure takes you around Land's End, the most westerly point of mainland England. Departing from Hayle or Penzance, you will see everything the Cornish Peninsula offers. You will go past the village of Mousehole and see Lamorna Cove and the dramatic cliffs of Lands End.

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Fantastic dolphin boat trips in Cornwall

If there’s one thing that can make your Cornwall boat trip even more unique, it’s a chance to explore the variety of marine mammals that call the Cornish waters home. Being an excellent UK destination for wildlife enthusiasts, and here are a few of the best dolphin boat trips in Cornwall:

Padstow Sealife Safaris, Padstow image

Padstow Sealife Safaris, Padstow

Padstow Sealife Safaris offers some of Cornwalls most exciting dolphin boat trips for wildlife spotting. Their specialised Rigid Inflatable Boats allow fast, exhilarating rides and close encounters with extraordinary marine life. you can explore the coastline around Trevose Head, known for its abundant wildlife. You might see common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and even the minke whale.

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The St Ives Sea Safari Trip, St Ives image

The St Ives Sea Safari Trip, St Ives

The beautiful St Ives is known for its artistic community and stunning beaches but also for one of Cornwalls most popular boat trips. One of the highlights of this trip is that it takes you to Seal Island. Get close to a colony of Atlantic grey seals for some beautiful photos with the family. You will explore the waters around Godrevy Lighthouse an area frequented by dolphins and porpoises.

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3hr Wildlife & Minack Cruise, Penzance image

3hr Wildlife & Minack Cruise, Penzance

For a longer and more immersive wildlife-focused excursion, the 3-hour Wildlife & Minack Cruise from Penzance is one of Cornwall's most comprehensive dolphin boat trips. As you sail out into Mount's Bay, you'll have chances to see dolphins, seals, and many seabird species. The trip then continues to the famous Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs.

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The best boat fishing trips in Cornwall

If you’re a passionate angler, Cornwall is an ideal spot that offers some of the best sea fishing in the UK. Here are some of the top boat fishing trips in Cornwall to try, catering to both novices and experienced fishers:

Sea Fishing Boat Trips, St Ives image

Sea Fishing Boat Trips, St Ives

St Ives is a haven for artists and a prime spot for sea fishing. For one of the best fishing trips in Cornwall, try out the Sea Fishing Boat Trip from St Ives Harbor. These trips cater to all levels of experience and the skilled skippers know the best fishing grounds in the area and will take you to spots teeming with mackerel, pollack, cod, and even the occasional bass or shark.

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Aquila Sport Fishing, Mevagissey image

Aquila Sport Fishing, Mevagissey

For those seeking a more specialised fishing experience, Aquila Sport Fishing in Mevagissey offers some of Cornwall's most exciting boat trips. Step aboard their custom-built boat, which is equipped with state-of-the-art fish-finding technology and fishing gear. These trips venture further into the sea, where you can find species like blue sharks, tope, and conger eels.

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Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing, Newquay image

Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing, Newquay

Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing offers a combination of wildlife watching and fishing, providing one of Cornwalls versatile fishing boat trips. Their trips depart from Newquay Harbour and explore the coastline of North Cornwall. These excursions begin with a wildlife safari, allowing you to spot some fantastic dolphins, seals and various seabirds. Then, you will stop at prime fishing spots!

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Sail away on your next holiday in Cornwall!

With such a diverse coastline and intriguing maritime heritage, few places are as great for boat trips as Cornwall. This is the perfect destination for boat enthusiasts, boat lovers, and those who want to experience the wonders of nature and its creatures. And most of all, it’s simply a great adventure for all the family.

From tranquil river cruises to exhilarating wildlife safaris and rewarding fishing trips, the boat trips in Cornwall offer something for everyone. Are you excited about watching dolphins play in the waves, marvelling at the dramatic cliffs of Land's End, or maybe reeling in your first mackerel? 

These experiences will create memories that last a lifetime. So why wait? Plan your favourite boat trip in Cornwall and get ready to explore the stunning Cornish coast from a whole new perspective.

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