Penzance is a fantastic base for exploring Cornwall’s rugged coastline and rich marine life. Thanks to its location, the town offers a variety of boat tours that showcase the area’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. Our favorite? The Land’s End Boat Tour with Wildlife Guides, which combines dramatic scenery with expert wildlife spotting—perfect for those who want a little adventure with their sightseeing. Whether you’re after playful dolphins or breathtaking cliffs, Penzance’s boat tours deliver a chance to see Cornwall from the water with local guides who know the area inside out.
If you’re short on time but want a quick wildlife encounter, the Cornwall: 2 hour Wildlife Watching RIB Tour Adventure offers an energetic, guided experience with the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and seals—all from a comfortable, fast RIB. For the more adventurous and scenic traveler, the Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip Experience takes you around both the north and south coasts, visiting landmarks and wildlife hotspots along the way. And for those looking to get up close and personal with marine life, the Swim and Snorkel with Seals provides a rare chance to snorkel with grey seals and see Cornwall’s undersea world firsthand.
Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each tour, complete with what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
1. Penzance: Land’s End Boat Tour with Wildlife Guides
At number 1, this Land’s End Boat Tour with Wildlife Guides offers a two-hour cruise along Cornwall’s rugged coast, with the highlight being a visit to the iconic Land’s End. What’s special here is the combination of scenic scenery and expert wildlife spotting, with guides who are passionate about zoology and marine biology. The boat, a sturdy RIB, zooms past rocky coves, fishing villages, and towering cliffs, providing excellent photo opportunities.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local wildlife—from seals and dolphins to seabirds—especially near Land’s End, the UK’s most south-westerly point. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and adaptability, with one describing a pod of dolphins playing around the boat. The two hours fly by, and the experience offers great value at $83.51 per person, especially considering the personalized commentary and the chance to see marine life in its natural habitat.
Bottom line: This is perfect for wildlife lovers and those wanting a comprehensive coastal experience with a knowledgeable guide and stunning views.
2. Cornwall: 2 hour Wildlife Watching RIB Tour Adventure
For a quick but high-energy wildlife encounter, the Cornwall: 2 hour Wildlife Watching RIB Tour Adventure is hard to beat. Priced at $68, this tour is a great option if your schedule is tight but you want to see dolphins, porpoises, seals, whales, sunfish, and seabirds. The 7-meter RHIB offers 360-degree views, making it easy to spot wildlife while staying warm and dry thanks to provided waterproofs.
Guide expertise is a major plus here, with many reviews highlighting how well they spot animals and share interesting facts. The route explores Mounts Bay, a scenic stretch filled with fishing hamlets and dramatic coastlines. Because of its affordability and focus on wildlife, this tour is ideal for families, couples, or anyone interested in marine life with a short time window.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking an active, wildlife-focused adventure with ample opportunities to see marine creatures from a fast, stable boat.
3. Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip Experience
The Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip Experience offers a 2.5-hour journey that covers both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Priced at $106.41, it’s the most comprehensive trip on our list, taking you around the most south-westerly point of the UK, where the Irish Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and English Channel meet. This tour is unique because it’s the only one that covers such a vast area, revealing both famous landmarks and hidden bays.
The route also highlights local historical sites, making it ideal for those interested in Cornwall’s maritime past. The boat is stable and comfortable, and the trip’s length allows ample time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, which includes seabirds and occasionally larger marine animals. Reviewers appreciate the route’s diversity and the chance to see Cornwall’s coast from all angles.
Bottom line: If you want a full coastal tour with both scenic and historical sights, this trip offers excellent value and a one-of-a-kind route.
4. Swim and Snorkel with Seals
Our final pick is the Swim and Snorkel with Seals, a 3-hour adventure that invites you into Cornwall’s underwater world. For $128, you’ll snorkel in remote, pristine waters, with the chance to see grey seals and dolphin sightings often reported en route. The tour combines boat travel with a guided snorkel session, making it a hit for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on marine life in their natural environment, with guides who are well-versed in spotting and explaining Cornwall’s marine ecosystem. The boat used is a 7-meter RHIB, similar to the wildlife tours, ensuring a stable and safe experience. While it’s the most expensive option, many reviewers find the intimate, immersive experience worth the extra cost, especially for snorkelers eager to get close to seals.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers who want a mix of boat adventure and underwater exploration, with a strong focus on marine wildlife.
$128 per person
How to Choose
When picking your boat tour in Penzance, think about your priorities. Want a quick wildlife fix? The Wildlife Watching RIB offers a fast-paced experience. Looking for an all-in-one trip around Cornwall’s coast with historical sights? The Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip is your best bet. For those wanting to combine marine life with snorkelling, the Swim and Snorkel with Seals provides an immersive underwater experience. And if you’re after a scenic, wildlife-rich cruise that visits Land’s End, the Land’s End Boat Tour offers excellent value and expert guidance.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and interests—whether it’s wildlife, scenery, or marine activities. Book early, especially in peak summer months, to ensure availability during your visit.
Penzance’s boat tours offer a rich variety of ways to experience Cornwall’s coast—from wildlife spotting and scenic cruises to underwater adventures. If you’re looking to combine stunning views with wildlife encounters, the Land’s End Boat Tour with Wildlife Guides is a top pick. For a quick wildlife fix, the Wildlife Watching RIB is perfect. And for the adventurous, the Rounding Cornwall Boat Trip offers a comprehensive coastal exploration.
No matter which you choose, early booking is wise—Cornwall’s boat tours fill up fast, especially during the busy summer months. Enjoy your time on the water and keep your camera ready—these tours deliver some of Cornwall’s most memorable moments.