Boat Trips in Cornwall

Cornwall’s coast is more accessible by sea than by road at many points - cliffs, headlands, and sealed inlets that take hours to walk to can be reached in minutes from a harbour. The boat trips listed here cover a range of purposes: wildlife spotting, scenic touring, fishing, and high-speed coastal rides.

Coast Boat Trips run from Hayle and Penzance with five routes lasting between one and two and a half hours. The routes cover the St Ives Bay coastline, the Penwith headlands, and the waters around Land’s End. Seals, dolphins, and basking sharks have been spotted on these routes - the sightings depend on season and weather rather than guarantees.

Padstow Speed Boat Ride offers high-speed tours of the Camelian coast from Padstow harbour. The routes cover the Camel Estuary and the exposed north Cornwall coastline, with sea caves and cliff formations that are only viewable from the water. It suits people who want velocity rather than a leisurely cruise.

Fishing Trips from Newquay Harbour take groups out for mackerel and bass fishing on open-water trips lasting a few hours. The harbour at Newquay runs trips through the summer season, suitable for families with no prior fishing experience.

Looe Island Nature Reserve is reached by seasonal boat trips from Looe. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust manages the island, and trips provide access to the walking trails, grey seal haul-out sites, and seabird colonies that are otherwise completely off limits.