Get up close and personal with Cornwall’s fantastic marine wildlife. Here’s five of Cornwall’s best boat trips
Get up close and personal with Cornwall’s fantastic marine wildlife. Here’s five of Cornwall’s best boat trips...
Marine Discovery Penzance
Jump aboard its catamaran to explore West Cornwall’s diverse waters. Trips could encounter inquisitive grey seals, graceful seabirds, species of dolphins and porpoises, enigmatic ocean sunfish and even giants such as minke whales, basking sharks and leatherback turtles.
Participants can also be reassured that the tour is the most environmentally responsible option. Part of what makes Marine Discovery special is that it uses the trips to collect scientific data.
Padstow Sealife Safaris
Padstow Sea Life Safaris is a local family business that aims to offer visitors the chance to experience the rich marine wild life that the North Cornish Coast has to offer in a safe and responsible manner. Its ethos is in sensitive wildlife observation without disturbing their natural habitat.
You will have the opportunity to view a myriad of sea life that occupy the waters and coastline at different times of the year. In Spring and Summer the cliff formations are teeming with Guillemots, Cormorants, Razorbills and Oystercatchers, you may even see Puffins. Every trip is a non-stop mixture of sensitive wildlife observation and exhilaration.
Orca Sea Safaris Falmouth
Leaving from Falmouth on the purpose-built RIB, Seaquest of Falmouth, the trips take in the spectacular sights of the Carrick Roads. You can expect an exhilarating introduction to the outstanding beauty of the coastline, while looking for wildlife that may be in the area. A huge array of species visits the waters including dolphins, seals, whales, seabirds and basking sharks. While seeing all of these amazing animals can never be guaranteed, Cornwall’s coastal waters offer the perfect welcoming environment.
falriver.co.uk/things-to-do/orca-sea-safaris
Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing
All aboard the Atlantic Diver for an ocean adventure you’ll never forget. Get your toes (and body) wet with a snorkel safari - a glimpse into the underwater world of kelp forests and parks, packed with fish, crustacean, sea anenomes, sponges, muscles and limpets. For those thrill-seekers, why not go nose-to-nose with the beautiful blue shark in Newquay Sea Safaris’ diving cage with viewing window. Passengers leave this trip exhilarated and knowledgeable as to the plight of British sharks and how they can help to conserve them.
newquayseasafarisandfishing.co.uk
Charles Hood Diving, Penzance
A professional underwater photographer by trade, you will get to experience basking sharks from a different perspective. Charles has worked with the likes of The One Show, Channel 4 and Steve Backshall – so knows how to find the best spots to view these magnificent creatures. Running private charters from anywhere in Cornwall, you’re guaranteed to not to be disappointed.
charleshood.com/snorkel-with-sharks
For more ideas visit.cornwallmarinelife.org or visitcornwall.com.
This article first appeared in Cornwall Life September 2015
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