During the summer numerous ferries and boat tours crisscrossing Cornwall’s beautiful waterways. These trips allow you to discover the county in a relaxed way. And give you access to some of its most delightfully peaceful hidden corners.
So here is our guide to some of the best boat trips in Cornwall!
Falmouth Ferries
This brilliant network of boat routes, all leaving from the Prince of Wales Pier, help you to experience the beautiful Fal River and the Carrick Roads in a way that is just not possible on land.
It’s just a short hop across the water from Falmouth to the picturesque village of Flushing with its elegant homes built for the Packet Ship captains, but for a longer trip try the ferry to Truro. On this hour long journey you can relax and watch the deeply wooded banks of the river slide by, passing smuggler’s cottages and hidden country houses. The ferry stops at the National Trust property of Trelissick, where you can jump off and take a walk in the gardens before continuing on to Truro.
Alternatively the St Mawes ferry crosses Falmouth harbour, treating you to expansive views of the docks, Pendennis Castle and St Mawes castle before arriving on the Roseland Peninsula. From here you can either enjoy the pretty waterside community of St Mawes or take another boat across the water to Place. From here there are beautiful walks to the lighthouse on St Anthony Head and more sheltered beaches ideal for swimming.
Find out more: falriver.co.uk
Mevagissey to Fowey
From April to October this little ferry runs between two of Cornwall’s loveliest south coast fishing ports – Fowey and Mevagissey. Both are working harbours with plenty to offer visitors, beyond the obligatory ice cream and cream teas of course! There are wonderful beaches within easy walking distance of both, Mevagissey has its own mini aquarium and museum and Fowey is famed for its connections to the writer Daphne du Maurier.
You can start your ferry trip in either harbour and the journey takes you along the picturesque coast for 40 minutes with glorious views around St Austell bay and beyond.
Find out more: mevagissey-ferries.co.uk
The Helford River
A trip with Helford River Boats enables you to see this delightful river like never before. Indeed, as large swathes of the banks of the Helford are still privately owned in many ways the only way to see this part of Cornwall is from the water.
The tidal reach of the river runs for roughly 5 miles and the boat tour takes in as much of it and its seven creeks as possible during the 90 minute journey. Your guide will also entertain you with some of the area’s fascinating history as you explore the old smuggler’s haunts, forgotten quays and hidden waterways of this stunning river. There is nothing quite like floating into the serene waters of Frenchman’s Creek with the only sound the cry of the birds nesting in the ancient overhanging oaks.
Tours are tide dependent, so check the website for details: helfordriverboats.co.uk
Cawsand to Plymouth
The Rame Peninsula is one of the most secluded regions of Cornwall known for its white sandy beaches and dramatic coastal scenery. Nestled beneath high hills the twin coastal villages of Cawsand and Kingsand were once infamous for smuggling. These days they offer cosy pubs, tasty fish and chips and excellent walking opportunities, with Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, which covers 885 acres of rolling countryside, close by.
From Easter to October it is possible to take a ferry ride from Cawsand along the coast to the Barbican in Plymouth. The 30 minute trip provides passengers with breath-taking views along miles of unspoilt coast.
Find out more: plymouthboattrips.co.uk