St Ives Boats
St Ives Boats
4.5
Boat ToursFishing Charters & ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
We offer daily boat trips leaving from St Ives harbour, when seal watching along the coast at Seal Island or across the bay at the famous Godrevy lighthouse we explore one of the UK’s most stunning areas. We are licensed by the MCA to carry 12 passengers up to 60 miles. Our most popular Trip is the one hour trip to Seal Island, which we run hourly (weather permitting) on a daily basis. Seal Island is home to a colony of Grey Atlantic Seals and is 3 miles west of St Ives. The boat, Dolly P, clings to the coastline before reaching Seal Island where we observe the seals and have the opportunity to chat about aspects of life in the ocean. The other boat trips we offer are trips to Godrevy Lighthouse, trips to Hell's Mouth and Private Charters, including Ashes Scattering Services. Bookings can be made online at stivesboats.co.uk
St Ives, Cornwall, England
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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(171 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
471 reviews
Excellent
396
Very good
46
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
12
polly j
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Mike and Mike, especially talky Nike was really good
So knowledgable
Got to see only 3 seals but that’s ok as we got to see Wings again
So knowledgable
Got to see only 3 seals but that’s ok as we got to see Wings again
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley S
Brierley Hill, UK42 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The boat trip was exhilarating, magical, educational and fun! The 2 Mike's were friendly and very knowledgeable, we really enjoyed the knowledge shared. We were in Cornwall for a week but this was one of the top things we did, thank you!
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick R
14 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Our guide was friendly and very knowledgeable and we really enjoyed the trip. Safety for us and for the seals was always a priority.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott L
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Used the company for scattering of ashes in the bay. Needed some late changes to the trip times due to weather but staff were communicative and helpful in managing the changes. Made the situation much easier.
Would recommend.
Would recommend.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny J
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Excellent boat trip, thoroughly enjoyed by all the family. We saw lots of seals. The crew were very knowledgeable and Mike is obviously very passionate about his work with the seals. Would highly recommend a trip on Dolly P.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo F
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
Had a great trip to see the seals, the staff were very informative and they were very accommodating as we had our dog with us!
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordee W
14 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Fantastic boat trip, they guy doing the talk really knows his stuff, very informative, will definitely be back
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AKA
10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Really lovely boat trip.
Very knowledgeable host.
Timely and organised with good health and safety.
We saw Seals and cormorants and got lots of info on the wildlife.
Made my 4 yr old feel very welcome.
Very knowledgeable host.
Timely and organised with good health and safety.
We saw Seals and cormorants and got lots of info on the wildlife.
Made my 4 yr old feel very welcome.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky B
Bristol, UK2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We had an amazing time visiting the seals. Mike was very knowledgeable and so friendly. We saw many beautiful seals.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarah b
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
Very enjoyable trip. Rescheduled due to bad weather without any problems. Helpful staff and crew. Recommend it!
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma
1 contribution
Hi! Just about to book and wondering if there is a particular time recommended to see the most wildlife? Thank you!
stivesboats
St Ives, UK3 contributions
Hi, There isn’t a best time of day, seeing seals depends much more on weather, tide and sea state but they are generally quite predictable in the types of locations they like to feed and rest and it is rare we won’t spot some.
Is this suitable for a pushchair?
ruedas15
London, UK36 contributions
Well yes as long as you are able to separate child and pushchair and allow the very helpful crew to get both onboard, once on the boat the pushchair would be fine.
Charlottelewis24
Manchester1 contribution
Hi
Is it recommended to book in advance during high season (August)?
Thanks
Charlotte
ruedas15
London, UK36 contributions
I think it might be best Charlotte
Melissa J
55 contributions
Hey! Me and my partner are going to st Ives the end of the month, we want to go on a boat to the seal island (in hope to spot a dolphin) is there anyway we can book before we get there?) or do you book when your there? If so, do you just go to the harbour and enquire there? If so where abouts? Thankyou
stivesboats
St Ives, UK3 contributions
for booking and availability please take a look at the website
Christine D
Swansea, UK229 contributions
It says they can take a capacity of 12 people. Is there a minimum amount of people required for the trip to go ahead?
AshDoubleA
Birmingham, UK78 contributions
Probably best to contact them as covid could have changed this.
Bernadette V
London, UK10 contributions
Is it possible (or safe) to carry a 9-months old baby in a body sling carrier? Many thanks.
stivesboats
St Ives, UK3 contributions
Yes that's not a problem
alixb
2 contributions
Would this be suitable with three young children (2.3 and 7)? We would love to come on a trip to seal island!
stivesboats
St Ives, UK3 contributions
Hi, yes we take many children and most thoroughly enjoy the trip and seeing the seals!
How much does it cost for the boat trip to seal island amd any concessions for disabled and carer
Deblou87
Bridgend, UK117 contributions
So sorry I didn’t see this sooner! I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who cannot get down some steep steps with a little assistance. Access to the boat is a bit ropey although the crew definitely would give you a hand. If you’re completely immobile I would recommend looking elsewhere. I don’t think there are concessions for catered or disabled people I’m afraid. It was approx £15 each. I thought it was definitely worth it personally :) seeing the seals is guaranteed!
pinklady45
Worrall, UK71 contributions
Hi my brother is coming to st ives for a holiday and as it’s a special birthday I thought about paying for a trip do you do gift vouchers?
stivesboats
St Ives, UK3 contributions
sorry we dont have gift vouchers, but if you call Mel on 07773008000 im sure we could sort sum thing for you