Out on the Water: Padstow Boat Trips
Cast away into the Big Blue on a boating adventure from Padstow. Under sail. On a cruise. By paddle. Onboard a ferry. Powerboat or waterskis. Nestled between the River Camel and the Atlantic Ocean, Padstow is the perfect place for exploring both river and ocean. Roll up to the pretty harbour and choose from all sorts of ways you can spend a day messing around on the water.
Padstow Sealife Safari
Photo courtesy of Padstow Sealife Safaris
Strap in for a full throttle adventure coming face-to-face with Cornwall’s marine life and experience the stunning Cornish coastline from the water. Seals, dolphins, whales, puffins and porpoises could all pop up as you power along beneath swirling seabirds. Choose from a 1-hour seal safari to a 3-hour explorers trip, or stay in the shelter of the Camel Estuary for a calmer ride. Experienced skippers and state-of-the-art boats make this a fun and unforgettable day out for the whole family.
Jubilee Queen
Photo courtesy of Jubilee Queen
Looking to explore the coastline aboard a more luxurious liner? Cruise in style on the 25-metre long Jubilee Queen – a true lady of the sea that was built in Wadebridge and has been taking passengers along the North Cornish coastline for 40 years. Young pirates and four-legged friends are welcome for the 1.5-hour spin, or you can max out on luxury with a private charter.
Sailing, Rock
Photo courtesy of Camel Sailing and Powerboat Centre
Feel the wind in your sails and learn to trim the ‘sheets’ on a sailing adventure along the Camel Estuary. At Camel Sailing and Powerboat Centre you can learn the ropes on all sorts of dinghies from Picos to Catamarans, or if you prefer a more high-octane sea trip take the helm of a powerboat.
Black Tor Ferry to Rock
Photo courtesy of Padstow Harbour Commissioners
Cross the River Camel from Padstow to Rock aboard the scenic Black Tor Ferry. It’s a short and scenic hop from the pier in Padstow (or from Lower Beach at low tide) to reach the shores of Rock. Cyclists and dogs are welcome, and it’s wheelchair and pram accessible. Once you’re in Rock it’s up to you whether you while away the afternoon in a waterside eatery or stroll along the South West Coast Path to Daymer Bay and Polzeath. Ferries run every 20 minutes or so.
Fishing Trip, Padstow
Photo courtesy of Emma Kate
Hop aboard a LOCHIN 38 type sea-fishing boat and head out to sea with an experienced skipper to see what you can snare for dinner – will it be pollock, conger, whiting or mackerel? Choose a 2-8 hour excursion from the Padstow harbour, fishing over reefs and wrecks off the rugged Cornish coast. Fishing equipment is provided or bring your own if you’re an aficionado.
Wakeboarding, Rock
Photo courtesy of Camel Ski School
Sheltered from the swell of the north coast, the flat waters of the Camel Estuary make an ideal location to have a go at wakeboarding or water-skiing. With expert tuition and the latest equipment on offer from Camel Ski School, you’ll be up and carving in no time. Inflatable rides, kayaking and paddle boarding are also available. And there’s even a floating island café for refreshments.
Kayaking and Coasteering
Photo courtesy of Trevone Bay Adventures
If you fancy an adventure that takes you as close to the water as possible, head off on an exhilarating kayaking or coasteering trip from Trevone Bay. Steer your kayak into the nooks and crannies of the wild coastline and come nose-to-nose with seals and sea life. Or brace yourself for wild swimming, climbing and rock jumping, as you work your way around the border of land and sea on a coasteering challenge.
Ready to cast away? Book a luxury coastal holiday cottage in Padstow.
Whatever level of seafaring adventure you’re keen for, you can find the perfect maritime abode close in our collection of Harbour Holiday Cottages in Padstow.