Best Wildlife Boat Trips in Cornwall

Experience the ultimate marine adventures along Cornwall's stunning south coast. Professional boat trips cater to all ages and abilities, offering everything from gentle wildlife encounters to exhilarating coastal sightseeing excursions.

21 minutes from St Austell, Fowey, with options to suit every budget and occasion, discover why these expertly-guided tours are the perfect way to explore Cornwall's magnificent waters and create unforgettable memories with your family, take a look at some unmissable tours below.

Cornwall Seafari promotes respectful wildlife watching on fast-RIB coastal trips, with guides trained to avoid disturbing seals, dolphins, and seabirds.

Typical prices:

1-hour or short trips: approx. £25–£35 per adult

2-hour wildlife safaris: approx. £40–£55 per adult

Longer or specialist trips (e.g., explorer tours): £60+

Not To Miss

The Eddystone Lighthouse Seafari (4 hours)

A spectacular 4-hour journey to Cornwall's world-famous lighthouse, 8 nautical miles offshore. Search for whales, dolphins, and deep-water wildlife before returning via the stunning Whitsand Bay and Looe Island.

Private Charters

For a more exclusive experience, charter your own boat for up to 12 people and enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or champagne in secluded spots with private wildlife encounters.

Accessibility notes & practical tips:

Suitable for most ages and abilities.

Must inform them if you have mobility or other issues so that they can ensure the correct boat set-up (e.g., seats removed, wheelchair strapped) in advance.

Fowey town is on a hill; the recommended car park (Caffa Mill) provides a more level approach into town.

If you have mobility concerns, contact them ahead of booking to confirm the step / boarding requirements on the day.

People Say:

‘Fantastic trip with very knowledgeable and passionate sea captain Ben. The highlight was seeing the dolphins close up and watching them breach the water. Beautiful views of the coastline only visible by boat too.’

‘Amazing day out with Captain Ben! We saw lots of wildlife including dolphins on our day out. Our group of 7 adults and 5 kids had a great time and the scenery was beautiful. Highly recommend for a great day out on the coast in Cornwall!’

Discover Cornwall Seafari Limited →

Sail from Penzance Harbour aboard an elegant catamaran, Shearwater II, for an intimate, eco-friendly wildlife adventure.

Experience the magic of silent sailing as you hear gannets diving and dolphins whistling alongside the boat – nature's soundtrack at its finest.West Cornwall's incredible marine diversity makes every trip extraordinary.

Encounter grey seals, captivating seabirds, playful dolphins and porpoises, mysterious ocean sunfish or even magnificent giants like minke whales, humpback whales, basking sharks and leatherback turtles in their natural habitat.

Marine Discovery publishes a transparent wildlife-watching Code of Conduct and contributes regularly to cetacean research, logging sightings for conservation bodies.

Typical prices:

2-hour “Bay Discovery”: approx. £30–£40 adult / reduced child pricing

4-hour “Discovery Voyage”: approx. £55–£70 per adult

Not to Miss

The Ocean Discovery (3hrs)

A 3 hour voyage to discover West Cornwall’s wonderful wildlife and stunning coastline aboard an exciting sailing catamaran.

The Bay Discovery (2hrs)

Embark on a two hour family-friendly voyage to uncover the breathtaking coastline of Mounts Bay and its remarkable wildlife.

The Discovery Voyage (4hrs)

A 4 hour discovery of the seas beyond the far South and West of Cornwall – this is a trip for the real wildlife and sailing enthusiasts.

Accessibility & Practical Notes:

The shorter “Bay Discovery” tour is suitable for children aged 4+.

The longer “Discovery Voyage” (4 hours) is for age 12+.

Based at Penzance harbour within easy walking distance of train and bus station.

People Say:

‘An excellent way to spend 3 hours. Headed out to sea and had really good views of Great, Sooty and Manx Shearwater, common dolphin and blue fin tuna. The guides were great and were able to add lots of useful information into the experience.’

‘Brilliant trip. Incredibly calm sea and beautiful dolphins interacting with us and so close!! Very knowledgeable and friendly people who run it as always. Absolute Joy.’

Discover Marine Discovery →

Experience Cornwall's stunning coastline through captivating boat trips with expert guides who bring wildlife, geology, and coastal history to life.

This family-run business offers interactive adventures perfect for all, combining authentic Cornish hospitality with passionate storytelling about their magnificent local waters.

Coast Boat Trips highlight safety, respect for wildlife, and cautious distance from seal colonies and seabird nesting sites.

Typical prices:

1-hour scenic blast or wildlife trip: approx. £25–£35 per adult

2-hour Seal Island or North Coast trips: approx. £40–£55 per adult

Sunset / Golden Hour experiences: similar to 2-hour pricing

Not to Miss

Lands End Boat Trip Experience (2hrs, Penzance)

A spectacular route out to Lands End. This trip has it all from historic landmarks to a huge variety of wildlife.

Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip Experience (2.5hrs, Penzance or Hayle)

Their most adventurous trip! With dramatic coastline changes and dynamic seas, this journey is filled with iconic landmarks and abundant wildlife!

Accessibility & Practical Notes:

The operator states trips are suitable for a wide age range.

As it uses RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), boarding may involve steps or uneven surfaces; guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance.

They have a “Wild & Wonderful” trip variant designed for rougher weather, meaning they adapt based on conditions. This implies flexibility but also means the ride may be less stable than a large catamaran.

If you choose Coast Boat Trips and have mobility or sensitivity concerns, prefer the shorter 1-hour trip (less time, less potential for rough sea), wear warm layers, and contact them in advance to clarify boarding arrangements and sea-state expectations.

People Say:

‘We had an amazing Land’s End Boat Tour under a sunny spring weather. The boat crew were really friendly and made sure we were comfortable, safe and prepared for the tour right at the very start. We enjoyed the views so much! It was so fun seeing dramatic cliffs, coves, and Cornwall’s coastline and famous spots like Minack Theatre and Land’s End from the boat’s perspective. Learned so much about the biodiversity of the wildlife in the area. The crew are really knowledgeable and respectful of their natural habitats.’

‘From the moment we set off, the views were absolutely breath taking , dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters made every second magical. The boat was comfortable and the crew were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the area.’

Discover Coast Boat Trips in Cornwall →

Set sail from St Ives harbour aboard the famous "Dolly P" for an unforgettable sea safari adventure.

Discover the magic of seal watching at Seal Island or cruise to the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse, exploring one of the world's most spectacular coastlines.

While not as detailed as research-led operators, St Ives Boats publicly emphasise respectful wildlife interaction and non-intrusive viewing.

Typical Prices:

1-hour Sea Safari to Seal Island (or Godrevy area): Adults £30.00, Under-12s £15.00, Under-1s go free.

2-hour Sea Safari adventure (all ages): Adults £55.00.

Winter two-hour safari (special seasonal wildlife focus): Adults £65.00.

Private charter (for up to 12 passengers): prices starting at £325.00 (1-hour private hire), longer durations quoted on request.

Not To Miss

Sea Safari to Seal Island (1 or 2hrs)

The rocky outcrops of Seal Island, near Zennor and Gwithian respectively, are home to colonies of Atlantic Grey Seals, where they feel safe and protected from predators and the forces of the Atlantic Ocean, enough so to say hello to ocean explorers!

Two Hour Sea Safari Adventure

See so much more with a longer safari, providing varying destinations depending on wind, tide and the days wildlife sightings. From Porthtreath to Pendeen we can explore fascinating coastal sites including Hells Mouth, Godrevy Lighthouse and Sea Island or head out into deep water to track larger wildlife.

Accessibility & Practical Information:

The 1- and 2-hour trips are described as suitable for all ages. Dogs are allowed free on many trips.

While the staff aim to help, steps/gangways are involved and fully wheelchair-friendly boarding is not guaranteed.

If mobility is limited (wheelchair, walking aid, etc), contact St Ives Boats ahead of booking to discuss the exact boarding situation.

People Say:

‘A great trip out to Seal Island on Dolly P. Learnt so much from Medic Mike about the seals and wildlife. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable from start to finish. Safe and well looked after. The seals put in an appearance on what was a wonderful clear day. Could have spent all day listening to Mike, what a star!’

‘We had a brilliant time on our boat trip to Seal Island from St Ives! From start to finish, everything was seamless. Booking was quick and easy, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, happily answering all our questions about the seals and local wildlife.’

Discover St Ives Boats →

See amazing marine wildlife on this Cornwall boat trip with an unrivalled view of the stunning Cornish coastline. The wildlife watching Cornwall boat trips are an unforgettable experience for you, your family and friends!

Each trip they offer gives you a unique window into North Cornwall’s spectacular coast and sea life.

Typical prices:

Coastal wildlife trips (40–90 mins): approx. £20–£35 per adult

Longer customisable trips: price varies by route and duration

Private charters: fixed fee per boat

Not to Miss

3 Hour Explorers Safari Boat Trip

Perfect for wildlife and coastal heritage enthusiasts, come and join us to explore the seas of North Cornwall! Taking more time to search for and enjoy the wildlife, you will also visit points of interest along the coastline such as Tintagel, Port Isaac and Trevose Head.

1 Hour Puffin Safari

A one hour tour dedicated to catching sight of one of Britain’s most beloved seabirds – the Atlantic puffin! Nesting on nearby “Puffin Island” from mid-April to mid-July, puffins can be best spotted in the morning as they bob on the water between dives for sand eels, flying at speed past the boat or popping out of their nesting burrows.

Padstow Sealife Safaris outline their conservation ethos and low-impact approach on their sustainability page, including responsible distances, minimal disturbance, and working with local conservation partners.

Accessibility & Practical Info:

Meeting point at North Quay, Padstow Harbour, 30 minutes before trip departure.

Boats travel at speed and can be “very bouncy in places”.

Unfortunately they state they are “unable to cater for those who are wheelchair bound and/or unable to make it down the stairs on the harbourside.”

Not suitable for pregnant women due to the nature of movement.

Small to medium-sized well-behaved dogs are allowed, though consider the boat motion.

If mobility is limited, pick a trip outside of low tide so boarding is from harbourside rather than beach steps.

People Say:

‘We had a fabulous trop to see the puffins. We were extremely fortunate to see puffins, seals and an up close encounter with dolphins. The skipper made sure to keep a respectful distance from the wildlife and our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome.’

‘That was the best experience I’ve ever had. A couple of years back we saw lots of puffins and a few seals. This year we go to see dolphins! It was amazing! They came right up to the boat! Our guide was fabular, Hope was really knowledgeable and was always making sure we were ok.’

Discover Padstow Sealife Safari →