If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience during your stay in Cornwall, then a boat trip around Newquay Bay is an absolute must.
With its stunning coastal scenery and diverse range of marine wildlife, Newquay offers a wide range of boat trips that cater to all interests and budgets, whether you're looking for a relaxing coastal cruise or an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Whether you want to see bottlenose dolphins, Cornish grey seals, or minke whales, Newquay boat trips offer the best way to experience the rugged north coast of Cornwall and its abundant sea life.
With expert guides and full safety equipment, you can be sure that you will have a safe and enjoyable trip, whether you’re on a coastal wildlife cruise, a powerboat tour, a fishing trip, or a private charter.
Are you staying on the south coast of Cornwall? You might like these 6 best boat trips from Looe!
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Newquay’s Maritime History
Newquay has a rich and fascinating maritime history, with a thriving fishing industry and a long tradition of seafaring. During your boat trip, you can learn about the area’s history and explore some of the famous landmarks and locations that have played an important role in the town’s development.
Scenery and Wildlife
Newquay Bay is home to a diverse range of marine wildlife, from playful seals and porpoises to magnificent whales and dolphins. The bay’s natural habitat provides the perfect environment for these creatures to thrive, with deep sea wrecks, reef fishing trips, and mackerel fishing all adding to the rich and varied ecosystem.
During your boat trip, you can expect to see a huge array of sea birds (gannets, cormorants and puffins), as well as rare and interesting marine life.
One of the most popular marine animals to spot in Cornwall are grey seals. Where, if you're lucky, you can watch these curious creatures basking on rocks or swimming in the water.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go on a boat trip from Newquay is during the summer months, when the weather is at its best and the sea conditions are usually calm.
However, trips run all year round, and each season offers a unique and special experience. During the winter months, you may even be lucky enough to spot some of the area’s more unusual marine visitors, such as humpback whales and basking sharks.
Boat Trips in Newquay
Newquay Sea Safaris
Newquay Sea Safaris offers a range of boat trips that allow you to explore the natural environment and marine wildlife of Newquay Bay and beyond. Here are some of the top options:
Seal Cove Safari (2 hours Adult £35/Child £30) - their most popular Sea Safari leaves old historical Newquay harbour before cruising off along the rugged Cornish coastline past the world-famous surfing Fistral Beach, stopping to view birds, marine wildlife and crabbing boats whilst learning about Newquay’s Maritime History and the plight of the marine habitat. At Seal Cove you can watch the seals in their natural environment before speeding out to the deeper ocean for more offshore wildlife encounters. Look for dolphins, Basking sharks, Sunfish, Harbour Porpoise and a huge array of sea birds or watch the Skipper haul his lobster pots.
Snorkel Safari (booked as a private charter only) - catch a glimpse into the underwater world of kelp forests and parks, packed with fish, crustaceans, sea anemones, sponges, mussels and limpets. A diver recovery lift aboard Atlantic Diver allows effortless entrance/exit to the water.
Basking Shark Encounter (3 hours private charter only) - Steam out to the location sharks were last seen, look out for the huge dorsal fin breaking the water’s surface as they feed, and enjoy watching, or if conditions are favourable you can snorkel with the world’s second-largest shark! Snorkelling kit, wetsuit, hot drinks and biscuits are included in the price.
Fishing Trips - include 2-hour mackerel fishing, half-day deep sea fishing, and evening conger fishing.
Overall, Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing is a great option for visitors who want to experience the natural environment and marine wildlife of the area, as well as those who love fishing. With a wide range of boat trips and fishing options available, there's something for everyone.
Newquay Sealife Boat & Fishing Trips
Newquay Sealife Boat & Fishing Trips is another popular boat trip provider in Newquay, offering a range of exciting and unique experiences for visitors.
Coastal Wildlife Cruise (2 hours from £35) - See seals and other marine wildlife at close quarters as you cruise around some of Cornwall’s fabulous coastline.
Deep Sea Wreck and Sea Fishing Trip (4 hours from £55) - Deep-Sea fishing offers a once in a life-time experience for new and experienced anglers alike. You’ll be sailing 8 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Mackerel Fishing Trip (2 hours from £30) - This mackerel fishing trip is ideal for the whole family. Spend a couple of hours fishing 2 miles out with your own rod.
Bootlegger Boat Trips
Bootlegger boat trips in Newquay offer a unique and exciting way to explore the stunning coastline and marine wildlife of Cornwall, including a Coastal Wildlife Boat Trip (2 hours £30), a 2-hour Mackerel Fishing Trip (2 hours £25), and an 8 hour Deep Sea Fishing Trip (8 hours £80).
Private charters are available for families or groups of friends who want a more personalised experience. You can choose to focus on fishing or simply relax and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
Paddlefish Adventure
Paddlefish Adventure is a family-run business in Newquay that offers a range of exciting boat trips and water-based activities, including a 2-hour Mackerel Fishing Trip (£30), and a Coastal Wildlife Cruise (£35) around Newquay Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to dress appropriately for your boat trip, taking into account the weather and sea conditions. You may want to bring a waterproof jacket, sun hat, and sunscreen, and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a warm layer, particularly during the winter months.
If your boat trip is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, the crew will usually offer you the option of rescheduling or receiving a refund. It’s always best to check the cancellation policy when booking your trip, and to keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to your scheduled trip.
Dolphins can be seen cruising waves all year round in Cornwall, but sightings are most frequent between April and October.
Several species visit Cornish waters every year - including porbeagle sharks and basking sharks.
Newquay Boat Trips: A Recap
Whether you’re travelling with your family, a group of friends, or on your own, a boat trip from Newquay harbour is the perfect way to explore the rugged coastline, learn about the area’s fascinating maritime history, and get up close and personal with some of the most amazing marine creatures on earth.
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