Newquay Sea Safari RIB Boat Trip: Search for Seals & Dolphins

Seals and dolphins show up on most trips along this stretch of coast.

A 1-hour RIB boat safari from Newquay searches the Cornish coastline and the waters around the Island and Rock for seals, dolphins and seabirds, led by an experienced skipper. Life jackets and waterproof jackets are included. The boat caters to families and all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries. Infants must sit on an adult's lap.

The experience

Can you actually see dolphins off the Cornish coast in an hour? The trip heads out of the Camel estuary toward the Island and Rock (the dramatic rock formations at the edge of the sea), and works the local coastline searching for wildlife and points of interest. What you spot depends on the season and the day, but seals are common, seabirds are always there, and dolphins do turn up. The skipper knows the waters and the animals' habits, so the boat goes where the sightings are most likely.

The RIB itself is built for this: fast enough to cover ground and responsive enough to move toward activity when something appears. You'll wear a life jacket and a waterproof jacket. The spray is real, and the Cornish sea is cold. The trip runs an hour start to finish, which means you're on the water for roughly 50 minutes after leaving the estuary. Families bring children of all ages. Infants ride on a parent's lap. The boat handles the motion well, but it is not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, and pregnant travelers should skip it.

What’s included

• Life jackets and waterproof jackets.
• an experienced skipper with extensive local knowledge of the Cornish coast and its wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and SaturdayDeparts at 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wavehunters

Is this one for you?An hour is short enough to fit between other plans in Newquay, but long enough to reach the Island and Rock and search the coastline properly: ideal if you want to see seals and dolphins without committing a full morning or afternoon to the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife are we most likely to see on this trip?

Seals are common sightings along this coastline, and seabirds are present year-round. Dolphins do appear, though sightings depend on the season and conditions on the day you go. The skipper knows where to look and will head toward any activity spotted during the hour.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Life jackets and waterproof jackets are provided. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a towel. Sunscreen and seasickness medication (if needed) are your own responsibility.

How long is the actual time on the water?

The trip is 1 hour total. You'll spend roughly 50 minutes on the water after leaving the Camel estuary, with the rest accounted for in boarding and returning to the dock.

Are there any health conditions that would make this trip unsuitable?

The trip is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries. The boat moves and bounces on the water, and the motion is something to consider if you have balance or mobility concerns.