St Ives is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in the UK, boasting a stunning coastline and a rich maritime history. With so much natural beauty to explore, taking a boat trip is the perfect way to experience the undeniable beauty of the Cornish coastline.
From sea safaris to pleasure cruises, there are numerous boat trips available from St Ives that offer a unique coastal boat trip experience. In this blog post, I'll explore the best boat trips from St Ives, and highlight the different types of trips available, the natural habitats and local wildlife that can be seen, and the famous landmarks that can be explored.
Whether you're a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a lovely way to spend a sunny day, there's a boat trip from St Ives that's perfect for you.
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Types of Boat Trips from St Ives
Pleasure Cruises
One fantastic way to explore the coast of St Ives is by embarking on a pleasure cruise. These relaxing and enjoyable boat rides showcase the beautiful beaches, famous landmarks, and surrounding areas of St Ives. With knowledgeable skippers providing local knowledge and history, pleasure cruises are perfect for the whole family.
Sea Safaris
For a more thrilling experience, hop on a sea safari and get up close to the unique marine life in St Ives Bay. These trips are led by expert guides who are passionate about the area's natural habitat. You'll be able to explore the coastline, observing adorable seals, and other local wildlife while learning about their natural environment.
Fishing Trips
St Ives is well-known for its mackerel fishing opportunities. Deep sea fishing trips offer a unique experience where you can learn the art of catching fish in the wild Atlantic Ocean. Private charter fishing trips are also available for those wanting a more personalised experience.
Private Charters
For an exclusive adventure, consider booking a private charter (starting from £250 for 1 hour). These trips offer a more intimate trip, perfect for special occasions or for groups wanting to explore the coast at their own pace.
Boat Trip Operators
St Ives is home to several boat trip operators, each offering a unique experience. Here are some of the main boat trip operating from St Ives;
St Ives Boats
St Ives Boats is one of the most popular boat trip operators in St Ives and have been running boat trips along the St Ives coastline for over 20 years. They offer daily boat trips leaving St Ives harbour on the famous Dolly P to spot seals at Seal Island (or Godrevy, depending on the weather and sea conditions).
Their boats, the Dolly P and James Stevens No.10 are fully licensed to carry 12 passengers and they also accept private boat charters priced at £275 for 1 hour.
St Ives Boats is accredited as the only wildlife-safe operator in St Ives and follows non-invasive boat trip practices.
ℹ️ St Ives Sea Safari on the 'Dolly P'
⏲️1-hour duration
💸 Adults £25, U12's £15, U1's Free
St Ives Boat Services
St Ives Boat Services is another popular boat trip operator in St Ives. They offer a range of unique experiences on their boat the 'Four Sisters', including sea safaris and private charter trips.
St Ives Boat Services is located at St Ives Harbour, and their trips are available from March to October. Passengers are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
ℹ️ Seal Island Trip
⏲️1.5 hours
💸 Adult £25, Child £15
ℹ️ Sea Safari (short)
⏲️1.5 hours
💸Adult £25, Child £15
ℹ️ Sea Safari
⏲️2 hours
💸Adult £30, Child £20
St Ives Boat Cruises
St Ives Boat Cruises is a local family-owned business, established for nearly 20 years. They offer daily trips aboard ‘Tiger Lilly’ departing from St Ives Harbour to Seal Island (60 minutes), Godrevy Lighthouse (60 minutes), and they also run a 2-hour twilight adventure on summer evenings (£35). Private charters are from £250.
ℹ️ Seal Island
⏲️1 hour
💸Adult £25, Child £15
ℹ️ Godrevy Lighthouse
⏲️1 hour
💸Adult £25, Child £15
ℹ️ Twilight Adventure
⏲️2 hours
💸From £35
Nemo
Nemo St Ives offers 1 hour 15 minute excursions to Godrevy Lighthouse or Seal Island on their glass-bottomed boat called 'Nemo'. They also do extended sea safaris to Pendeen Lighthouse (westward) or Portreath (eastward) which take 2 hours 30 minutes to give you double the fun!
ℹ️ Underwater Sea Safari (Seal Island/Godrevy Lighthouse)
⏲️1 hour 15 minutes
💸Adult £35 Child £25
ℹ️ Extended Sea Safari
⏲️2 hours 30 minutes
💸Adult £65 Child £50
ℹ️ Land's End Sea Safari
⏲️4 hours
💸Adult £95 Child £80
The Black Pearl
The Black Pearl offers trips to either Seal Island or Mackerel Fishing.
ℹ️ Seal Island
⏲️1 hour 15 minutes
💸£25
ℹ️ Mackerel Fishing Trips
⏲️1 hour 30 minutes
💸£30
Seahorse Boat Trips
From sea safaris to viewing the local seal colony, dolphin spotting in the bay, private charters, or mackerel fishing, Seahorse boat trips offer something for all the family. They are also the longest-established boat business in the bay, and have been operating in the area for 40 years!
Their 10-metre vessel the Seahorse, is equipped with full safety features, approved by the Maritime Coastguard Association, to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
ℹ️ Seal Island
⏲️1 hour
💸Adult £25 Child £15
ℹ️ Fishing Trip
⏲️1 hour 30 minutes
💸£30
St Ives Sea Trips
St Ives Sea Trips on their boat 'Little Mermaid' offers family-friendly sea safari boat trips from St. Ives Harbour to Seal Island or Godrevy Lighthouse, where you can view coves, bays, and a wide variety of marine life including seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
ℹ️ Sea Safari
⏲️1 hour
💸Adult £25 Child £15
When booking a boat trip from St Ives, it's important to choose a reputable and accredited operator. All the operators mentioned above are safe and accredited and prioritise the safety of their passengers. Passengers should also book in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Must-Visit Attractions
St Ives Bay & Harbour
St Ives Bay is home to the picturesque St Ives Harbour. This bustling area is the heart of all boat trips and the starting point for most adventures. With stunning scenery and beautiful beaches like Porthminster Beach, it's the perfect setting for a sunny day out.
Seal Island
One of the most popular boat trips in St Ives is the Seal Island trip in the Western Carracks. This rocky outcrop, located on the north coast, is home to a colony of grey Atlantic seals. An unforgettable trip to Seal Island will allow you to witness these adorable creatures in their natural habitat, basking in the sun or swimming playfully in the waters
Godrevy Island
A must-visit attraction is the famous Godrevy Lighthouse, located on Godrevy Island. The spectacular route to the lighthouse offers incredible views of the coastline and surrounding areas, making it a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Local Wildlife Encounters
Seals & Dolphins
Grey seals are undoubtedly one of the main attractions in St Ives. Observing these charming animals in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The non-invasive boat trips to Seal Island and the Western Carracks allow you to get close to these adorable seals without disturbing their environment. You may also be lucky enough to spot dolphins on your trip too.
Marine Birds
The coast of St Ives is home to an impressive variety of marine birds, including Puffins. A boat trip along the coastline will provide ample opportunities to spot all manner of birds and learn about their natural environment from expert guides.
Mackerel Fishing
Mackerel fishing is a popular activity in St Ives, and a fishing trip offers a chance to catch these delicious fish in the Atlantic Ocean. With the help of experienced skippers, you'll learn the best techniques for mackerel fishing and enjoy a rewarding day at sea.
Safety First
All boats should be equipped with life jackets and follow strict safety regulations to ensure a safe experience for all passengers. Expert guides and knowledgeable skippers are on hand to provide information, guidance, and assistance throughout your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boat trips operate throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the warmer months, from May to September, when the weather is more favourable and the sea conditions are calmer.
Boat trips can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the type of trip and the destinations being explored.
Yes, most boat trips are suitable for children, and many operators offer family-friendly tours with activities and entertainment for all ages.
Most boat operators allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks on board. However, it's essential to check with the operator beforehand.
It's important to dress appropriately for a boat trip, especially if you're going on a long sea safari. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes with good grip. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Life jackets will be provided by the boat operator.
Boat trips from St Ives offer stunning views of the Cornish coastline and its natural environment. Depending on the type of trip you choose, you may see rocky outcrops, beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and local wildlife such as Atlantic grey seals and adorable seals. You may also see famous landmarks such as Godrevy Lighthouse.
St Ives Boat Trips: A Recap
With reputable and accredited boat trip operators, passengers can be assured of a safe experience with knowledgeable skippers and expert guides. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a boat trip from St Ives is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
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