Cornwall is renowned for its iconic coastline, but few places highlight its importance as much as Falmouth. A thriving town full of energy, it has a rich history of maritime life, making a stay in our Falmouth cottages a wonderful way to experience what life is like in this beautiful county.
There are few better ways to get a taste of Falmouth’s aquatic past, present and future than through one of its boat trips. Many companies run boat trips from Falmouth’s docks and marinas, giving you a new perspective on the importance of the sea in Cornish life.
Whether you want to see Cornwall’s rich sea life, quaint villages or beautiful coastlines, a boat trip gives you the space to relax and understand a deeper side of Cornwall. Here are some of our favourite boat trips we’d recommend.
Falmouth to St Mawes
Trip Style: Point-to-point
Time: 20 minutes
Regularity: Three an hour in summer, hourly in winter
Provider(s): Fal River
If you love the sea, we’d hugely recommend including the ferry to St Mawes as part of any day out in Falmouth.
Running regularly throughout the day and only taking 20 minutes, this 2.8-mile journey is incredibly accessible and gives a great taste of the area’s rich marine life.
Falmouth and St Mawes sit on each side of Carrick Roads, the calming estuary in which Falmouth sits. This journey, on a classic wooden ferry, provides amazing views of Falmouth’s maritime industries while also giving opportunities for some wildlife spotting in the water before arriving at the historic harbour of St Mawes.
Falmouth to Flushing
Trip Style: Point-to-Point
Time: 10 minutes
Regularity: 1 per hour, year-round
Provider(s): Fal River
Another charming short boat ride that is perfect for those who want a quick taste of life on the water while also exploring a lesser-travelled village.
Flushing is a small, quiet village that sits across from Falmouth on the Penryn River. With wonderful walks, quiet beaches and welcoming pubs, it makes for a great day trip or just something a little different to explore.
A family-run ferry used regularly by locals, this trip is a wonderful example of how crossing the water is still a way of life for many Cornish people.
Falmouth to Trelissick
Trip Style: Point-to-Point
Time: 45 minutes
Regularity: 3-4 times per day, unavailable during winter
Provider(s): Fal River
One for the nature lovers. If you’re in search of Cornwall’s natural beauty across both land and sea, the journey up the River Fal is not one to be missed.
Passing through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the River Fal is thriving with wildlife including seabirds, otters and occasional seals. Flanked by lush green Cornish lands and historic sites, a trip down the River Fal is a trip through the history of Cornish life.
This particular trip ends at Trelissick, home to the famous Trelissick Garden, one of Cornwall’s most beautiful gardens. Alternatively, you can continue up the river to the village of Malpas or our next destination on this list.
Falmouth to Truro
Trip Style: Various
Time: 1-3 hours, depending on provider
Regularity: Seasonal
Provider(s): Fal River, AK Wildlife Cruises
To get a full taste of what Cornwall’s river routes have to offer, it’s possible to get seasonal ferries that connect Cornwall’s two biggest locations.
While it might take longer than the usual 30-minute car ride, a leisurely river cruise from Falmouth to Truro provides a truly unique perspective on this wonderful part of the world.
There are a few different options when it comes to exploring the full length of this journey. Seasonal ferries can take you up the river and are perfect for those hoping to explore both cities alongside the natural delights of the water. Those more interested in getting up close to nature can take a wildlife cruise, which tends to be a slower round-trip.
Wildlife Cruises from Falmouth
Provider(s): AK Wildlife Cruises, Orca Sea Safaris, Others
Cornwall’s waters are teeming with exciting wildlife, and various providers in Falmouth offer cruises across the local estuaries and rivers.
There are many family-run businesses which you’ll find in Falmouth’s docks, piers and marinas. These will often offer various options, from short, hour-long trips around Falmouth’s coastline to further-afield journeys, such as trips along the Helston River to the west.
The availability of many of these services is dependent on multiple factors, including seasonality (many will only run in the tourism season), tide times and popularity (some need to sell enough tickets to make them viable).
If you’re interested in this, we would recommend visiting Falmouth and enquiring directly, or visiting the sites of some of the popular providers mentioned above in advance of your trip.
Fishing Boat Trips from Falmouth
Provider(s): Falmouth Fishing Trips, Cornish Fishing, Others
Similar to wildlife cruises, many family-run businesses offer fishing trips from Falmouth, catering to both experienced anglers and those wanting to try for the first time.
Set sail on specifically designed fishing boats and discover prime spots on the open water to catch some fish. Many providers allow you to bring your gear or they can provide rods, bait and tackle as part of the service. For those who love fishing or simply being out on the water, this can be a wonderful way to spend a day or just a few hours.
Whether it’s fishing, wildlife spotting or simply getting from A to B, a boat trip from Falmouth is a beautiful way to experience a traditional taste of Cornwall. If you’re interested in discovering more about Cornwall’s coastal life, why not check out our blog on islands around Cornwall to visit during your trip?