Planning a Family Boat Trip in Cornwall

Delve into hidden coves, watch dolphins swim past you as seals lounge on small islands is a small snippet of what to expect while exploring Cornwall rugged coast with your family. Especially in the safe expert hands of Wavehunters, a team of highly qualified local skippers and wildlife experts. You can enjoy wildlife tours, searching for dolphins, seals, puffins and more or hire a private charter for swimming and picnics. 

Why Choose to do a Boat Trip During Your Family Holiday?

Exploring Cornwall by foot, getting to look across the vast ocean and impressive cliffside next to rolling hills is such a key highlight for those visiting Cornwall. But why not see Cornwall from the sea instead, get a true insight into the sheer size of the cliffs, spot hidden bird nests tucked inside a safe ledge and open your mind to the unforgettable view of Cornwall from the water. For many this may seem slightly daunting but with Wavehunters you are in safe hands, with expert skippers that have thousands of hours experience out at sea, child-safe vessels that are regularly checked and maintained, you will be well cared for. Our trips are catered to all ages, and with dolphins, sea birds and seals just an arm reach away, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience for yourself and children. 

Picking the Right Wavehunters Trip for Your Family

Picking the right Wavehunters trip for your family is important especially with so many options available. With offerings of sea safari tours, private charters and more in varying lengths, there truly is something for everyone. 

To start, a family favourite is our Wildlife and Scenic tours that operate across from Rock and Padstow all the way to Tintagel, Boscastle and more. As this big stretch of coast has so much to offer we can run a variety of length trips. Starting from 1 hour tours that are perfect for the younger children, or those who may not have their sea legs yet. This trip is also a great way to go and spot puffins just out of the estuary then back home in time for dinner! Or if you fancy a morning out, a 90 minute or 2 hour trip allows a better chance at dolphin spotting, all while learning about the rich Cornish smuggling and fishing history. A big family favourite, especially if you have some older teenagers, is our North Coast explorer. 3 hours out on the open ocean discovering the secrets behind the Cornish Coast, spotting tonnes of different wildlife and chances of grabbing an ice cream in Port Isaac! Even a moody teenager or two will enjoy it.

Private Charters

Now those wanting more flexibility around routes, duration, and activities off the boat our private charters are for you. On a private charter you can dictate where you would like to go, if you have a special spot just off of Polzeath or you have fond memories at Port Gaverne, you can tell us where to go. If you fancy a picnic out at sea or a glass of bubbly on a secluded beach only accessible by boat, then a private charter is for you. You can hire the boat for an hour, 90 minutes, 2 hours, half a day or for the full day. The boat and skippers are in your hands, with all safety gear provided, recommendations based on your preferences and even a SUP or two available there is something for everyone. 

Essential Planning Tips

Booking Early

As one of the leading businesses in specialised boat trips in Cornwall, be sure to book early. Wavehunters’ trips fill fast in peak season with many days fully booked a month in advance, be sure to snag a charter when you want. If you can’t see a time you would like, call the bookings team and they can you booked in, flexibility is our specialty. 

Packing Smart

To ensure you are having the best time, make sure to plan and pack smart. Being out at sea, sun protection is a must, factor 50 is best! Make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit salty, bring a spare jumper (it can get chilly out in the open sea) and a coat to shield from any spray. Now if you are not often on a boat, we also recommend sea sickness tablets, just in case you do feel a bit queasy – but don’t worry, if you are unwell we can drop you back again! 

If you are on a longer charter with little ones, bring snacks and some water, food and drink are welcome aboard. Lastly don’t forget binoculars for wildlife spotting and a camera to snap epic photos to remember the trip by. 

Safety First

Here at Wavehunters safety always comes first, you will begin your family trip with a safety briefing, a talk about the conditions ahead and a chance to let the skipper be aware of any relevant medical information. We provide life jackets for all ages, even for the littlest of ones. You’ll receive guidance on the best spot to sit on the boat if you have toddlers and non-swimmers, but rest assured you wont be out of the boat at any point, unless it’s a private charter and you want to jump in. 

Making the Most of Your Trip

Here’s a few extra tips from us to you, to make the most of your Wavehunters boat trip. Bring a waterproof phone case for photos, there will be some spray and you don’t want to get a wet camera especially when you are trying to capture a dolphin or 10 swimming past. If you have several little children, make sure to incorporate games, spot the seal bingo, count the number of puffins you can spot or name that species of jellyfish. Finally, end the trip with something to look forward to like a special beach picnic from Fees, or head to Padstow for some locally sourced fish and chips!

Plan your family boat trip and book a sea safari or RIB private charter now.