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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.
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
Mount Bay's 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 Mount's Bay, where you’ll get spectacular views of St Michael's Mount—a tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church.
Find out moreThis way, you’ll leave your Cornwall trip with insightful knowledge about the region’s culture and history.
This boat trip in Cornwall is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. If you’re staying at St Ives Bay Holiday Park, you can reach the start of this tour in only 30 minutes.
Port Isaac Boat Tours, Port Isaac
Explore Port Isaac on one of the best boat trips in Cornwall, such as the one provided by Wavehunters. This famous filming location for the TV series Doc Martin is the starting point for one of the most charming boat trips in the region. You’ll embark on an intimate excursion along the rugged North Cornwall coast to the quaint harbour.
Find out moreAs you’re treated to breathtaking views of the village's whitewashed cottages and narrow winding streets from the sea, you’ll have the option to either stay onboard or venture into the harbour.
The skipper's local knowledge will add depth to the experience, sharing tales of smugglers, fishermen, and the area's rich maritime heritage.
Godrevy to Hell's Mouth, Hayle
For those seeking an adventurous boat trip in Cornwall, the journey from Godrevy to Hell's Mouth is hard to beat. This exhilarating ride takes you along one of the most dramatic stretches of the Cornish coastline.
Find out moreYou’ll start near Hayle and then pass the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse, which inspired Virginia Woolf's novel To the Lighthouse – so you can add some literary history to your trip, too. As you continue, the coastline becomes increasingly rugged, leading to Hell's Mouth, a deep, narrow inlet flanked by towering cliffs. This is definitely a spot where you’ll want your camera handy!
This boat trip in Cornwall offers unparalleled views of the coast's geological features, including sea caves, arches, and stacks.
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. As you glide along the calm waters, you'll see the beautiful Trebah Garden, which reaches down to the water's edge.
Find out moreThe area's mild microclimate supports a diverse ecosystem, making it a haven for wildlife.
This boat trip in Cornwall allows you to explore places like Frenchman's Creek, another spot made famous by a novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier.
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'll see everything the Cornish Peninsula offers.
Find out moreYou’ll go past the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole and see Lamorna Cove and the dramatic cliffs of Land's End. You’ll also get scenic views of abandoned tin mines perched precariously on cliff edges at Levant Mine, a reminder of Cornwall's industrial past.
This boat trip in Cornwall offers a unique perspective on the county's diverse coastline. Moreover, if you start your journey in Hayle, you’ll only be a seven-minute drive from St Ives Bay Holiday Park.
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
Padstow Sealife Safaris offers some of Cornwall's most exciting dolphin boat trips for wildlife spotting. Their specialised RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) allow fast, exhilarating rides and close encounters with extraordinary marine life. Departing from Padstow, these trips will let you explore the coastline around Trevose Head, which is known for its abundant wildlife.
Find out moreSome of the animals you can spot include common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and even the occasional minke whale.
What also helps is the crew's expertise in marine biology, where they can provide in-depth information about the animals you encounter, their behaviours, and the importance of sustainability and conservation.
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 Cornwall's most popular boat trips. The St Ives Sea Safari offers an adventure-packed excursion full of fascinating sea life. One of the highlights of this trip is that it takes you to Seal Island, which, as you might’ve guessed, is an island entirely of magnificent seals.
Find out moreGet close to a colony of Atlantic grey seals for some beautiful photos with the family. As you continue, you'll explore the waters around Godrevy Lighthouse, an area frequented by dolphins and porpoises.
This boat trip in Cornwall also offers stunning views of the coastline, including some hidden coves and abandoned engine houses perched on cliff edges from Cornwall's mining era.
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. This is the perfect choice for wildlife spotting and cultural highlights. As you sail out into Mount's Bay, you'll have chances to see dolphins, seals, and many seabird species.
Find out moreThe trip then continues to the famous Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs. Viewing this architectural marvel from the sea offers a unique perspective that few experience.
You’ll also get to travel past the gorgeous Porthcurno Beach and see the beauty of the coastline from out at sea. Along the journey, marine wildlife experts will provide fascinating insights into the animals you encounter, making this one of Cornwall's most educational boat trips.
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
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, which offers some of the most rewarding fishing experiences in the UK. These trips cater to all levels of experience, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, you’re bound to have a good time.
Find out moreThe 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.
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—so you’re in for a real adventure.
Find out moreYou’ll be in the hands of an experienced crew that provides expert guidance, making these trips suitable for both experienced anglers looking for a challenge and newcomers wanting to try deep-sea fishing for the first time.
Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing, Newquay
Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing offers a unique combination of wildlife watching and fishing, providing one of Cornwall's versatile fishing boat trips. Their trips depart from Newquay Harbour and explore the beautiful coastline of North Cornwall. These excursions begin with a wildlife safari, allowing you to spot some fantastic dolphins, seals, and various seabirds.
Find out moreThen, you'll stop at prime fishing spots where you can have some fun and try your hand at catching mackerel, pollack, or bass.
Its flexibility makes this one of the best boat trips in Cornwall. Whether you're more interested in wildlife or fishing or want a bit of both, these trips can be tailored to your preferences. Also, you could stay at Newquay Bay Holiday Park, which is only a 15-minute drive from this boat trip to Cornwall.
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.