Helford River Cruises
Helford River Cruises
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view

About
One and half cruise along the Helford River and creeks including Daphne du Maurier's inspiration Frenchman's Creek.Launching from the Budock Vean Hotel foreshore, after a lovely stroll through award winning gardens. Comfy seats, the Hannah Molly seats up to 12 people. Private Charters are available. Cruises daily, times will vary due to tides. Please contact us for cruise times. The Koru Cafe is open 11am-4pm Monday to Friday at the foreshore serving up Lavazza coffee, Roskillys ice cream, pastries, croissants, pastries, hot and cold drinks and snacks. Pre order a pasty (meat or vegan) or Koru Picnic by 5pm the day before.
Mawnan Smith, Cornwall, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Helford River Cruises
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
376 reviews
Excellent
356
Very good
17
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Massimo P
Berkhamsted, UK53 contributions
Jul 2022
My wife and I just had a break in St Ives. We hadn't planned a river cruise but some guests at our hotel recommended Helford River Cruises so we took a punt. Looking at the boat from a distance was slightly offputting but later we discovered that it did an excellent job. And we were very pleased with our choice, all thanks to Roger who was extremely generous with information and even treated with a glass of Prosecco to celebrate two Italian guests on the boat. A very enjoyable 90 minutes, thoroughly recommended!
Written 1 August 2022
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.
mumssecret
Borobudur, Indonesia15 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
It was a great trip in a beautiful part of the country. All three generations in our party enjoyed it and our host Roger was, as always, knowledgeable, sociable and entertaining. This trip is becoming an annual event for us with whichever visitors we have staying, and everyone always enjoys it.
Written 3 September 2022
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.
Daniel C
Manchester, UK3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Fabulous experience on the beautiful Helford River. Everything went like clockwork, with our skipper Roger providing deep and fascinating knowledge about the region, the river and its banks, and some other unexpected but amazing facts. Highly entertaining presentation and itinerary, and visually stunning too. Don’t miss an opportunity to take this cruise
Written 20 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.
carol h
2 contributions
May 2023
The boat trip was good and value for money. The less than good review is because the acknowledgement email encouraged us the come early and visit the Koru cafe on the foreshore (with words about cakes, pasties, snacks etc). The Kuro cafe was awful, there was very little (no cakes, no sandwiches, no pasties,) we ended up with a prepacked cookie, a snickers bar and a cup of coffee (for £17). The snickers was discoloured when I opened it, so I checked and it was out of date. I took it back and found that all the snickers and twix bars (the only alternatives offered) were out of date. All in all a pretty rubbish start to the trip.
Written 31 May 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.
Kathy M
St Agnes, UK29 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Despite the weather being decidedly inclement, we thoroughly loved out trip up the beautiful Helford River. Roger's knowledge was incredible and he brought the trip to life with his stories and fascinating insights. he took every measure to ensure we were kept as dry as possible and the time whizzed by. It was wonderful to end our little trip out with a hot, and extremely delicious, pasty in the café. To be highly recommended!
Written 28 July 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.
Ed H
18 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is an absolutely excellent trip. Absolutely the best way to see the beautiful Helford estuary is from Tom’s boat. He points out the interesting things to see, and gives insights on the history and geography, but also lets you experience the tranquility of the area, for example Frenchman’s Creek.
A nice addition is the ability to preorder a pasty and coffee to enjoy at the Kora cafe on the quay before the trip starts.
A nice addition is the ability to preorder a pasty and coffee to enjoy at the Kora cafe on the quay before the trip starts.
Written 13 August 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.
paulharrand
3 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Arrived slightly early so ordered coffee and snacks from the cafe. Great service and excellent quality. I also took a couple of bottles of water.( Harrogate Spring. Tom’s influence I think!)
Tom had just got back from a kayaking expedition on the river. His face beaming.It became clear that both Tom and Hetty love the Helford River. Their knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious.
We got on board the Boat on time and headed off towards Falmouth bay. Tom slowed the boat when points of interest appeared. Again his knowledge of the heritage and the more up to date history was great. The trip upstream towards the creeks was magical . We saw herons, egrets and the stars of the show a couple of kingfishers. The trip lasted approx 90 minutes and was well worth it. Thanks Tom and Hetty you made our Holiday!
Tom had just got back from a kayaking expedition on the river. His face beaming.It became clear that both Tom and Hetty love the Helford River. Their knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious.
We got on board the Boat on time and headed off towards Falmouth bay. Tom slowed the boat when points of interest appeared. Again his knowledge of the heritage and the more up to date history was great. The trip upstream towards the creeks was magical . We saw herons, egrets and the stars of the show a couple of kingfishers. The trip lasted approx 90 minutes and was well worth it. Thanks Tom and Hetty you made our Holiday!
Written 13 September 2024
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.
Katherine J
10 contributions
Apr 2022
The Helford River cruise was a revelation. Limited to a maximum of 10 people on a very small river boat, it is both personal, friendly and very informative. We were met at the jetty by Roger, and made very welcome. There is so much to see, and his explanations and historical knowledge of the river's history were fascinating. He is really well informed and very entertaining! We had a great 90 minutes, including cruising to Frenchman's Creek, and would highly recommend this excursion. We had lunch at the Budock Vean Hotel first and enjoyed the walk both ways through their beautiful grounds. A word of warning - it is quite steep in places for anyone with mobility issues, so check out the approach from the hotel.
Otherwise a wonderful excursion.
Otherwise a wonderful excursion.
Written 26 April 2022
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.
Carol E
Clayton, UK11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Such a great trip far removed from the usual commercial outings on offer!
Started with a delightful walk thro gardens down to the foreshore - then ‘simply the best’ Cornish pasty pre- ordered from the cafe! We were then met by Roger who proved to be both an informative and entertaining skipper. A very relaxing sail up and down river - just amazing seeing Cornwall from an entirely different perspective.
Thank you Roger & Helford river cruises.
Started with a delightful walk thro gardens down to the foreshore - then ‘simply the best’ Cornish pasty pre- ordered from the cafe! We were then met by Roger who proved to be both an informative and entertaining skipper. A very relaxing sail up and down river - just amazing seeing Cornwall from an entirely different perspective.
Thank you Roger & Helford river cruises.
Written 16 July 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.
Joy G
Penzance, UK18 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
We had a wonderful time with Helford River Cruises on 17 May. Arriving early we sat on the foreshore , enjoyed coffee, ice cream and a delicious cornish pasty. Sadly didn't get the name of the guy serving the refreshments but he was so nice, very welcoming and made us very comfortable. Roger our boatman was just brilliant, such fun, so informative, he made our river trip so interesting and memorable. All in all, a marvellous day 😀
Written 18 May 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.
Hello, sorry now we take the boat out of the water at the beginning of November. We can offer Koru Kayak Adventures through if of interest?
Written 17 September 2019
Is this a round trip? Ie how do you get back to your car after?
Written 9 August 2019
Hi Lucy, Yes it is a round trip from the quay at the Budock Vean Hotel foreshore.
Thanks
Hetty
Helford River Cruises
Written 11 August 2019
Hi I'm due to go on this cruise next week it says in confirmation email to bring swim wear an towel why is this?? Thanks
Written 20 July 2019
Hello! Sorry about that it sounds like you may have booked in to one of our kayak adventures instead of a boat trip! Can you give us a call on 01872 552255 and we can double check your booking.
Many thanks
Hetty
Written 20 July 2019
Hi we do allow dogs on Helford River Cruises on our Private Charters, not on the normal boat trips as it is a small boat and we would struggle to accommodate several dogs. The Budock Vean Hotel is dog friendly though and so if you were comfortable leaving the dogs in the car under a shady tree for 90 minutes you would then be able to walk the dogs in the lovely grounds and enjoy a light lunch, cream tea or evening meal depending on the time of you cruise. When are you planning on coming?
Written 9 August 2018
What is trip duration? Cost? Times/days in October 2016?
Written 31 July 2016
Hello your question was answered above by one our happy customers. Our prices are still the same in 2019 £20pp or £200 private charter for an hour and a half cruise so hope to see you again soon!
Written 24 October 2019
Is this cruise available all year round, weather dependant ?
Written 25 December 2015
Hello We operate from March until mid December. It is an open top boat and so if there is light rain we can wear rain coats. Do you have a date in mind? You can contact us 0794 102 7732
Look forward to hearing from you soon!
Hetty
Helford River Cruises
Written 22 February 2016

A Tripadvisor member
Norwich, United Kingdom
I am considering this trip as a 90th birthday present for my father. Please would you let me know the cost including a lunch or a cream tea. Also, I read that the walk to the Budock Vean hotel ( for cream tea) is a little steep, so would it be possible for a buggy to meet and take my parents from/ to the boat? How long are the trips? One reviewer mentioned 1.5 hours, but I can't imagine that that would include a stop for food.
Many thanks
Elizabeth Agar
Tel: 01263 833151
Written 10 July 2015
Hi Elizabeth Thank you for your message. Our trips are 1.5 hours and you can either book individual spaces (upto 10 spaces) £20pp or a private charter (upto 12 spaces) £200. Yes you can book a golf buggy back up to the hotel to enjoy afternoon tea or a light lunch. Prices for lunch and afternoon tea vary and are all listed on the Budock Vean Hotel website. We can send you a link but a rough guide is £8 for cream tea and £14 for 2 and £31 for 2 full afternoon teas. Lunches vary depending on what you order.
When are you thinking of coming and we can check the cruise times for you? We can also call you or you can contact us on 0794 102 7732.
Many thanks
Hetty
Helford River Cruises
Written 24 October 2019
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