Sea Safari RIB Boat Trip in Newquay: Watch Seals and Dolphins

Spot seals, dolphins and seabirds from a fast RIB boat off the Cornish coast

A 2-hour RIB boat trip from Newquay searches the Camel estuary and nearby coastline for local wildlife including seals, dolphins, seabirds, sunfish and minke whales. You travel in a small, fast boat with an experienced skipper who knows where to find them. Lifejackets and waterproof jackets are provided. Children from age 1 are welcome, and the trip runs in good sea conditions.

The experience

The boat heads out of the Camel estuary toward the Island and Rock at the edge of the sea, where the skipper searches the local coastline for wildlife and points of interest. You're looking for seals, dolphins and juvenile dolphins, along with seabirds, sunfish, jellyfish, tuna and minke whales: what you see depends on the season and conditions. The RIB's speed and shallow draft let it reach spots a larger boat cannot, and the skipper's local knowledge shapes where the search goes.

You wear a lifejacket and waterproof jacket throughout. The trip lasts 2 hours, and the boat operates in good sea conditions only: rough water means a reschedule or cancellation. An experienced skipper leads the whole time and speaks English. Children from age 1 can come along, though infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and dogs are welcome on good sea days. Service animals are allowed.

What’s included

• Lifejackets and waterproof jackets.
• an experienced skipper with local knowledge who speaks English.
• 2 hours on the water searching the Camel estuary and coastline.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDepartures at 12:15 and 12:30

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

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

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Wavehunters

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with children from age 1 work well here. The RIB's speed and the skipper's knowledge of where seals and dolphins gather make this a working wildlife search, not a scenic cruise, so come ready to watch and wait rather than relax.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

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 might I see on the Newquay sea safari?

Seals, dolphins and juvenile dolphins are common sightings, along with many types of seabirds. Depending on the season, you may also spot sunfish, jellyfish, tuna and minke whales as the skipper searches the coastline.

How long does the RIB boat trip take?

The trip lasts 2 hours from start to finish, heading out of the Camel estuary and along the local coastline.

What should I wear and bring?

Lifejackets and waterproof jackets are provided and worn throughout. Wear warm layers underneath since you'll be on the water and exposed to wind and spray.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough?

The trip runs only in good sea conditions. If conditions are poor, the trip will be rescheduled or cancelled.