Cornwall is a beautiful destination for nature lovers, especially those who want to see some amazing marine wildlife. One of the most exciting and memorable experiences you can have in Cornwall is going on a dolphin boat trip. You can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, swimming, jumping, and playing in the waves. We will share with you some of the best dolphin boat trips in Cornwall, what types of dolphins you can expect to see, and some tips to make sure you have the best time.
Cornwall is a county in the southwest of England, known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich history. It is also a biodiversity hotspot, with a variety of habitats and species, both on land and in the sea. Cornwall has over 400 miles of coastline, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and hidden coves. It also has moorlands, woodlands, and wetlands, where you can find rare plants and animals. Cornwall is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, such as the Eden Project, the Minack Theatre, St Michael’s Mount and Land’s End in West Cornwall. The Cornish coastline is a perfect place to enjoy nature and is one of the best places to relax and unwind.
What Types of Dolphins Can You See in Cornwall?
Cornwall is home to several species of dolphins, including the common dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the Risso’s dolphin, the striped dolphin, and the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. Each species has its own characteristics, behaviours, and preferences. For example, common dolphins are usually found in large groups, often travelling at high speed and leaping out of the water. Bottlenose dolphins are the largest and most intelligent of their kind, and they love to interact with boats and humans. Risso’s dolphins are easily recognizable by their grey skin and white scars, and they prefer deep waters and squid. Striped dolphins are very acrobatic and social, and they can be seen in mixed groups with common dolphins. Atlantic white-sided dolphins are rare and elusive, but they can sometimes be spotted in the western waters of Cornwall.
Common dolphins are one of the most social and gregarious species of dolphins, often forming groups of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. They are also very active and playful, frequently engaging in acrobatic behaviours, such as leaping, bow-riding, and tail-slapping. Common dolphins form large groups for several reasons, such as finding food, avoiding predators, mating, and socializing. They also communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, such as clicks, whistles, and squeaks. Common dolphins are very intelligent and cooperative, and they can coordinate their movements and actions within their groups.
The Best Dolphin Boat Trips in Cornwall
There are many operators and tours that offer dolphin boat trips in Cornwall, but some of them stand out for their quality, service, and reputation. All of these operate only in the summer months (April to October).
Coast Boat Trips in Cornwall: This is one of the most popular and well-reviewed dolphin boat trips in Cornwall. They offer a variety of packages, from 1-hour trips to 2.5-hour trips, that take you around the Cornish coast and the Celtic Sea. You can see many marine mammals such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and sometimes even Atlantic white-sided dolphins. The crew is very friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the marine life. They also provide binoculars, waterproofs, and snacks.
Marine Discovery: This is another excellent option for dolphin boat trips in Cornwall. They offer 3-hour trips on a sailing catamaran that takes you from Penzance to the waters around the Isles of Scilly. You can see common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and sometimes even minke whales, basking sharks, and sunfish. The boat is spacious, comfortable, and eco-friendly, and the crew has years of experience. They also provide hot drinks, biscuits, and blankets.
NEMO Glass Bottom Boat Trips, St Ives: If you want to see dolphins and other marine life from a different perspective, you can try this unique dolphin boat trip in Cornwall. They offer 1-hour trips on a glass bottom boat that takes you from St Ives Bay to the bay and the seal island. You can see common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, jellyfish, and plenty of other marine species in the Cornish waters. The boat is modern, safe, and fun, and the crew is very friendly and entertaining. They also provide commentary, music, and quizzes.
Padstow Sealife Safaris and Boat Trips: This is a great option for dolphin boat trips in Cornwall if you are near the north coast. Their trips last a couple of hours where a rigid inflatable boat takes you from Padstow harbour to the Atlantic Ocean. You can see wild animals such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, bluefin tuna, grey seals, and sometimes even basking sharks and sunfish. The boat is fast, fun, and safe, and the crew is very friendly and knowledgeable. They also provide life jackets, waterproofs, and goggles.
AK Wildlife Cruises: This is another fantastic option for dolphin boat trips in Cornwall if you are near the south coast. They offer 4-hour trips on a spacious and comfortable boat that takes you from Falmouth to the waters around Lizard Point. You can see magnificent creatures such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, minke whales, basking sharks, sunfish, and a variety of seabirds. The boat is eco-friendly, stable, and well-equipped, and the crew is very experienced and enthusiastic. They also provide hot drinks, snacks, and blankets.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Dolphin Boat Trip in Cornwall
Going on a dolphin boat trip in Cornwall is a wonderful experience, but there are some things you can do to make it even better. Here are some tips:
Check the weather and sea conditions: Before you book your trip, make sure you check the weather conditions for the day. You want to avoid windy, rainy, or foggy days, as they can affect the visibility and the comfort of your trip. You also want to avoid rough seas, as they can make you seasick and reduce the chances of seeing dolphins. Ideally, you want to go on a sunny, calm, and clear day, as they are the best for spotting dolphins and enjoying the scenery.
Dress appropriately: Even if the weather is nice, you should dress appropriately for your dolphin boat trip in Cornwall. You should wear layers of clothing, as it can get cold and windy on the boat. You should also wear waterproofs, as you might get wet from the spray or the rain. You should also wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be very strong and glare on the water. You should also wear comfortable shoes, as the boat can be slippery and bumpy.
Bring your camera and binoculars: You don’t want to miss the opportunity to capture some amazing photos and videos of the dolphins and the scenery. You should bring your camera and a pair of binoculars, and make sure they are fully charged and have enough memory. You should also bring a waterproof case or bag, as you don’t want to damage your equipment. You should also be ready to snap at any moment, as the dolphins can appear and disappear quickly. You should also respect the dolphins and the wildlife, and avoid using flash, loud noises, or feeding them.
Enjoy the moment: Finally, the most important tip is to enjoy the moment. Dolphin sightings in the wild are a rare and magical experience, and you should appreciate every second of it. You should also be respectful and grateful to the crew, the boat, and the environment, and follow their instructions and rules. You should also be patient and positive, as sometimes a pod of dolphins can be shy or busy, and you might not see them right away. You should also be open-minded and curious, as you might see other amazing marine life along the way.
Conclusion
I hope this has inspired you to go on a dolphin boat trip in Cornwall. It is the best way to see these amazing animals in their natural environment and to explore the stunning coast of Cornwall. You can choose from different operators and tours, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also follow some tips to make the most of your adventure. I guarantee that wildlife lovers will have an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a long time.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Cornwall then consider exploring options on Airbnb.
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration in the UK, be sure to check out The Best Boat Trips in Kent!