See Seal Island from the water on our scenic St Ives wildlife boat trip aboard Four Sisters
Our Seal Island boat trip forms part of our main 1.5-hour St Ives wildlife cruise, travelling from St Ives Harbour into the bay to enjoy coastal views, wildlife spotting and views towards Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse and St Ives Bay where conditions allow.
Seal Island is one of the most popular wildlife sights near St Ives and a favourite part of our coastal boat trip.
Travelling by boat gives you the chance to see the island, surrounding rocks and local wildlife areas from the sea. It is a great choice for visitors looking for a relaxed wildlife boat trip from St Ives Harbour with scenery, seals, seabirds and plenty of photo opportunities.
This is not a separate boat trip from our main wildlife route. Customers wanting to see Seal Island should book our St Ives Wildlife Spotting trip.
The route may include Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse views and wildlife areas around St Ives Bay, depending on weather, sea conditions, tide and skipper judgement.
Because we operate at sea, the exact route can change from day to day. Safety always comes first, and our skipper will choose the best route for the conditions.
You may see grey seals, seabirds and other marine wildlife during the journey. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the coastline and bay offer plenty to enjoy throughout the trip.
Your trip takes place aboard Four Sisters, a spacious and comfortable passenger vessel operating from St Ives Harbour.
The boat is well suited to families, groups and visitors who want a more relaxed way to enjoy the coast. Dogs are welcome, and the trip is ideal for customers looking for a family-friendly boat trip from St Ives.
The Seal Island route is part of our main wildlife trip and is weather dependent. The skipper will decide the safest and best route on the day.
Please book online in advance or contact us before travelling to the harbour, especially if the weather is changeable.
To see Seal Island from the water, book our St Ives Wildlife Spotting trip.
Step aboard Four Sisters and enjoy a scenic boat trip from St Ives Harbour towards Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse and the beautiful waters of St Ives Bay.
The seals most commonly seen around the Cornish coast are grey seals. They are the larger of the UK’s two seal species and are well suited to the rocky coastline, islands and quiet haul-out areas around St Ives Bay.
Grey seals spend much of their time feeding at sea, but they regularly come ashore to rest. This is known as “hauling out”, and it is one of the behaviours visitors may notice around Seal Island. You may see seals lying on rocks, lifting their heads, moving slowly across the shoreline, or slipping back into the water.
Seals are naturally curious animals, so you may sometimes spot one watching from the water. At other times they may appear sleepy and relaxed on the rocks, conserving energy between feeding trips. Every trip is different, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but watching for these small behaviours is part of what makes a Seal Island boat trip so enjoyable.
Grey seals usually give birth to their fluffy white pups in autumn and winter. During this time, seals and pups need plenty of space and should never be approached from land or sea. On our wildlife trips, the skipper will always keep a respectful distance and choose the safest route for passengers and wildlife.
Supported by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and The Wildlife Trusts: grey seals are the larger UK seal species, spend much of their time feeding at sea, return to land to rest or “haul out”, and give birth to white pups in autumn and winter. Cornwall seal research also shows grey seals use different sites across the year, so sightings and numbers naturally vary by season and conditions.
Kids go free!! (off peak, 2 max, Ts & Cs apply)
Family friendly boat trips
Largest passenger vessel in St Ives
Dogs welcome
Relaxed & Traditional cruising
Experienced & knowledgeable local skipper
St Ives Boat Trips | A boat trip you will never forget
