What to Expect on a Dolphin Boat Trip in Cornwall

Watching a Dolphin breach through the waves is a core magical Cornwall moment. But what’s the boat trip itself actually like? Cruising across Cornwall in one of our 10m boats, with the waves gently rolling in and wildlife basking in the summer sun, there is truly no activity like it for the whole family. Here at Wavehunters we are a team of responsible, expert providers of eco-conscious marine wildlife trips, prioritising animal welfare and safety. Our local skippers are expert marine life guides and know the stretch of coast better than anyone.

Setting Sail: The First Moments Onboard

Getting on a Sea Safari for the first time can feel a bit daunting, so we’ve put this blog together to give you a better picture of what to expect.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your skipper, who will start the trip with a full safety briefing. Before boarding, you’ll be fitted with a lifejacket, and for those who haven’t worn one before, the skipper will provide a quick demonstration. You’ll also have the option to borrow a Wavehunters waterproof jacket to help keep you warm and dry throughout the trip.

Your skipper will go through the key hand signals used during the safari—these cover how to signal if you want to stop the boat, go faster or slower, or ask a question during the ride.

You’ll be heading out on a 10-metre, 12-seater RIB, powered by twin 250hp engines. The boat is equipped with saddle seats arranged in two rows of six, designed to keep everyone safe and secure, even in choppier conditions. All seats are open-air for the best possible views—so be sure to bring or borrow a rain jacket!

The Main Event: Searching for Wildlife

The first thrill of the journey is the excitement you will feel leaving the enclosed harbour and heading to the expansive open sea. Getting that first feeling of sea air while you cruise along the coast is a feeling unlike any other. While you enjoy the journey out to sea, the skipper will already be liaising with other boats discussing where the wildlife has been spotted, how the pods have moved throughout the day and if we have been lucky enough to spot them. Wildlife sightings are very common but not always guaranteed, and the skippers do their best to find them in a humane and safe manner. You’ll notice they will keep a safe distance away from the dolphins, this is to make sure we are not disturbing them in their natural habitat. 

Then comes the first sighting. The moment you hear the captain announce you are near a pod of dolphins is exhilarating. That rush to get your first glimpse of a dorsal fin as it breaches through the water line, followed by several others in unison. A truly unforgettable moment. 

The part about this? There is a wide range of other wildlife to spot, from common seals to puffins and more, meaning no if there are no dolphins, you won’t be disappointed.

Onboard Experience & Comfort

Throughout the trip, the skipper will provide you with fascinating facts about dolphins, their behaviours and Cornwall’s marine ecosystem. You will hear about the rich Cornish history of smuggling, and fishing alongside some beautifully told folklore stories that have shaped our coastline to how it is today. 

Facility wise, prior to your trip, make sure to go for a quick wee! There are no loos onboard and no covered area, correct clothing and comfort is key to enjoy your safari to its fullest. 

A small tip, if you are aiming to get a snap shot of the coast and wildlife, make sure to have a waterproof case and set your phone to burst mode! That way your phone will be safe from the sea water and you can guarantee a great shot. But also make sure to enjoy the trip with your own eyes, the camera can’t always show the true beauty of the moment.

After the Trip: Returning to Harbour

On the way back, you get to enjoy a relaxing cruise back to the harbour with time to ask the skipper questions. Finally disembark with amazing memories and heaps of stores to tell you friends and family. 

Wavehunters has been committed to the coast for many years prior to running a safari business, with two surf schools, qualified skipper who are coastguard and volunteer lifeboat crew, we focus on keeping our oceans safe all the way, making everyone aware of why. We hope that seeing the dolphins, the sea-life and sea birds gives you an understanding of why we do what we do. For sustainable tourism and eco-friendly trips.

Ready for Your Adventure?

A Sea Safari is a truly unique experience, run by a professional team ready to make this a trip of a lifetime. We run trips all day everyday April to October with different durations to suit all, and a booking office team ready to help book and organise. Book your sea adventure or contact us if you have any questions!