Adult £25 | Child (2-16yrs) £15
This narrated cruise lasts 1.5 hrs and leaves St Ives Harbour passing the New Pier, Porthgwidden and around the Island to Porthmeor. The site of the wreck of The Alba (1938) will be pointed out. Then past Clodgy, The Hor & Penninnis, all stunning granite headlands jutting north into the Atlantic.
You will be shown the site of the wreck of The Bessemer City (1936) at Brea Cove, and finally around Penzoarzen to the Western Carracks reef to view Grey Atlantic Seals. From here we can see the western approaches as far as Pendeen Light, with a superb view of Gurnards Head and Zennor Point.
Kids go FREE (off-peak times only)
Watch seals in their natural habitat
Vastly experienced & knowledgeable local skippers
A fantastic family experience
Stunning rugged coastal scenery
Narrated tour
Adult: £25
Child (1-16yrs): £15
Infants (under 12 months): Free
One of the most stunning coastal boat trips in Cornwall
Smeatons Pier: If the tide is high, your trip may depart from the steps on the end of this impressive granite pier. The original pier was designed by John Smeaton and constructed between 1767-1770. The design provided sluicing arches at its root, allowing tidal action to scour the harbour clear of sand.
The New Pier: Built in 1864-5 to protect Smeaton's Pier. Originally made of timber (Wood Pier), it barely survived 20 years. Its oak piled foundations can still be seen at low tide.
Carrack Leggo: Now a sewerage pumping station and car-park, this was once a huge rocky outcrop where much of the granite for Smeatons Pier was cut.
Porthgwidden: This east-facing beach is where the first fishing community of St Ives developed long before the existing harbour.
The Island: A northwards reaching headland (not a true island) featuring the old coastguard station and St Nicholas chapel, believed to have been built in the 15th Century.
Porthmeor: A beautiful beach facing north-west. It is home to the Tate Gallery and was the site of the wreck of the Alba.
The Hor: This headland is scarred with excavation works from mining activity and was the site of a radar station during WWII.
Brea Cove: Location of the wreck of The Bessemer City (1936). The ship was loaded with motorcycles, fur coats, and over 2000 tons of tinned fruit. The salvage team was famously paid in tins of Sockeye salmon.
Penzoarsen: Meaning "turning place" in Cornish. From here you can see Pendeen, Zennor, and Gurnards Head.
Western Carracks: "Carrack" means rock in Cornish. The northernmost rock is known as Seal Island, where 80-100 Grey Seals can sometimes be seen basking in the sunshine.
“We went on the Isla Bea boat trip on Thursday 28th July 2016. The skipper said the weather was a bit rough for going to Seal Island so took us round the lighthouse and we saw some seals. He got the boat really close to the rocks and told us lots of information about the seals and sea birds. Although the weather wasn't great we had an excellent trip and would certainly recommend.”
“We had a lovely trip to Seal Island which indeed delivered with a group of about 15 seals enjoying the sun and a pleasant trip along the coast. Very friendly and knowledgeable skipper. A real highlight of our visit to Cornwall.”
“Excellent value for money (for the three of us - 2 x adults and 1 x 7 year old and we paid £32.00) and really enjoyable. We loved it. A great trip and highly recommended if you've not done it before. Thanks to all involved.”
“A fabulous session out in the boat to see the seals with Isla Bea. David the skipper was fantastic - well informed, polite and knowledgeable.”
“We had a superb trip aboard the Isla Bea, saw seals a plenty and even dolphins. Kids were ecstatic. The perfect way to spend an hour, I would whole heartedly recommend this trip. The skipper was super friendly and really knew his stuff.”
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 & knowledgable local skipper
St Ives Boat Trips | A boat trip you will never forget
