Falmouth Bay, Cornwall: Private Skippered Speed Boat Trip
Travelers looking for a way to see Cornwall from a different angle often consider boat trips, but this particular experience really caught our eye. It offers the chance to explore Falmouth Bay and the surrounding waters in a completely personalized way—on a private, fully skippered speed boat. Whether you’re after scenic views, a bit of adventure, or just a relaxed cruise, this trip promises a tailored experience that can suit your group’s preferences.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the fact that it’s private means you’re not sharing your time with strangers—perfect for a family outing, a group of friends, or even a couple celebrating something special. Second, the guide’s flexibility to adapt the route based on weather, tides, and your interests means you’ll get a truly bespoke tour.
One potential consideration is that, since the trip depends heavily on weather conditions and tides, your exact route and activities might vary day-to-day. It’s worth being flexible and open to spontaneity. Also, at two hours, it’s a relatively short cruise, so it’s best suited if you’re looking for a quick but memorable water adventure rather than a full-day tour.
This private boat trip is best for those wanting a relaxed yet flexible way to enjoy Cornwall’s coast, especially if you appreciate knowledgeable guides and scenic water views. It’s perfect for anyone who values a tailored experience and enjoys being on the water, but it may not be ideal if you’re after a very long or highly structured tour.
Key Points
- Private Experience: You’ll be on a bespoke trip, not shared with strangers, allowing for personalized interests.
- Flexible Route: The route is customized on the day, based on weather, tides, and your preferences.
- Scenic Water Views: Enjoy Cornwall’s rugged coastline, tranquil creeks, hidden coves, and the chance to see ships, yachts, and wildlife.
- Knowledgeable Guide: Giles, the skipper, is praised for his local knowledge and helpful attitude.
- Short but Sweet: At around 2 hours, it’s a quick trip, ideal for a taste of Cornwall’s waters without a long commitment.
- Dog-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it easy for pet owners to bring their furry friends.
The Experience in Detail
When we looked into this private speed boat tour, what immediately stood out was the focus on customization. Starting from Mylor Yacht Harbour, a pretty harbor steeped in maritime history, you’ll find the meeting point near Castaways Pub and the marina office—just look for the blue boat crane, and Giles will be easy to spot, especially if you’re tall like me.
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What to Expect from the Itinerary
The trip begins with a quick briefing from your skipper, Giles, who will discuss what’s possible on the day based on current weather and tides. This kind of flexibility is a big plus because it means your trip will be tailored to the conditions, not just a fixed route.
The boat itself is a small, nimble power craft, perfect for zipping across the water or cruising at a relaxed pace. Its size allows access to spots larger vessels can’t reach—like the tucked-away creeks and sandy coves that are often off-limits to bigger boats.
The highlights include:
- Cruising past the historic port of Falmouth, with its impressive array of ships and super yachts. If you’re into sailing and maritime activity, you’ll love the energy here—something that’s appreciated by previous visitors who mention the lively port scene.
- Exploring the rugged coastline of Falmouth Bay, with its dramatic cliffs and peaceful inlets. As one reviewer put it, the route offers “great views and a scenic experience,” perfect for photography and just soaking up the natural beauty.
- Visiting protected and scenic spots like Helford River or the River Fal, depending on the day’s plan. The skipper chats with you to decide whether to explore the coastline or head further inland, making sure you get the most out of your time.
- Stopping off for a swim, if that’s your thing, since the boat is versatile enough for a quick dip in clear waters—something loved by those who enjoy spontaneous adventures.
- Spotting local wildlife such as seals and, occasionally, dolphins. Birdlife is abundant, and the waters are always bustling with activity.
What Makes it Special?
The real charm is in the guide, Giles, whose local knowledge adds depth to your experience. His ability to tell stories about the sights—be it about castles, ships, or hidden tunnels—turns a simple boat ride into a memorable narrative. Past guests have appreciated his helpfulness, especially when it comes to taking photos or accommodating special requests.
Comfort and Practicalities
The boat is equipped with safety gear and is fully licensed, giving you peace of mind. You’re encouraged to bring snacks and drinks, and some reviews mention the boat having a fridge for keeping refreshments cold. The price of about $404 for up to six people seems reasonable considering you get a private tour and the flexibility to set your own pace. This makes it a pretty good value, especially for a small group wanting an exclusive experience.
Parking is inexpensive at £5 for a full day, and the meeting point is straightforward to find, which helps keep the trip stress-free. Just remember to wear warm clothing—especially if the weather is cooler or windy—and bring extra layers or a towel if you think you might take a swim.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Would Enjoy This Trip?
This trip is an excellent choice for those who want a personalized, scenic adventure with a knowledgeable guide. It’s suitable for small groups, couples, or families (if children are comfortable on boats). Dog owners can also bring along their well-behaved pets, making it even more appealing for pet-friendly travelers.
If you’re after an activity that combines stunning scenery, wildlife sightings, and a touch of maritime history—all on a flexible schedule—this private boat tour ticks all the boxes. It’s not a lengthy excursion, so if you’re looking for a quick taste of Cornwall’s waters, it’s perfect. But if you prefer an in-depth, full-day exploration, this might be a bit limited in duration.
Final Thoughts
For anyone visiting Cornwall and wanting to see the coast from the water, this private speed boat trip offers a refreshing, intimate experience. The flexibility to customize routes, plus the chance to enjoy the coastline from a small boat, makes it stand out from more cookie-cutter tours. Plus, the presence of a knowledgeable, friendly guide like Giles adds a lot to the charm.
While it’s not the cheapest option, the value lies in exclusivity and the quality of the experience. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, spontaneous moments, and tailored adventures. Whether you’re celebrating, on a romantic getaway, or just looking for a memorable day on the water, this trip will likely leave you with lasting memories of Cornwall’s stunning landscapes.
Falmouth Bay, Cornwall: Private Skippered Speed Boat Trip
“Great time with the family and such a scenic route with great views. Great trip by Giles who is very informative on the buildings and architecture …”
FAQ
How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, but the exact timing depends on availability and the day’s plan.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, extra layers, and towels if you might want to swim. Snacks and drinks are welcome, and a fridge on board can keep your refreshments cold.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are allowed, which makes it easy to include your furry friends in the adventure.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the fully licensed charter boat, all fuel, the skipper, and safety equipment. Parking at Mylor costs around £5 for the whole day.
Is this trip suitable for families?
It’s suitable for small groups and families, especially if your kids are comfortable on boats. Always check with the provider if you have young children or specific needs.
Can I customize the route?
Absolutely. The skipper, Giles, will tailor the trip based on weather, tides, and your preferences.
What kind of sights will I see?
Expect to see historic sites like Flushing and St Mawes, the King Henry V111 castles, and possibly secret tunnels, wildlife, and busy sailing regattas.
If you’re after a relaxing yet flexible way to explore Cornwall’s coast, this private skipperspeed boat trip offers a genuine way to enjoy the scenery, learn some local stories, and perhaps even have a splash in the water. It’s understated but memorable—just what a good day on the water should be.
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