Once upon a time, Cornwall was a quiet, seldom-visited part of the UK inhabited by fisherfolk, farmers, and tin miners. These days of course it’s a year-round holiday hotspot loved by all who come here for the golden beaches, world-class restaurants, lively towns and picturesque harbours. Because of this, you might think that the best-hidden gems in Cornwall have already been found and there’s no more to be discovered. However, the real Cornwall is a haven for explorers seeking to uncover its best-kept secrets. Read on as we reveal some true gems that you’ll likely not have heard about.
Exploring Cornwall’s Hidden Gems
Explore Cornwall’s hidden gems to experience the county’s true charm and wonder. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into Cornwall’s past, its natural beauty, and its unique culture. Cornwall is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be explored so join us on a journey to uncover the best-kept secrets of this beautiful county we call home…
Unveiling Cornwall’s Lesser-Known Delights
There is something undeniably exciting about stumbling upon a hidden gem. Whether it’s a secluded beach, a charming café tucked away down a winding alley, or a hidden cove that hasn’t received the attention it deserves, these hidden treasures hold a certain allure that is hard to resist.
What makes these hidden gems so special is the element of surprise and discovery. Unlike more popular tourist destinations, hidden gems are often off the beaten path and require a bit of exploration to find. It’s this sense of adventure and the unknown that adds to their appeal. The joy of discovering hidden gems goes beyond just the initial thrill of finding them. It’s about the memories created, the stories shared, and the connections made. These hidden treasures become more than just places or things; they become part of our personal narratives. They hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of our adventurous spirit and thirst for discovery.
The Company’s Passion for Hidden Gems
One of the reasons why Padstow Sealife Safaris can offer such unique boat trips is our extensive knowledge of the area. We have spent countless hours exploring the coastlines and discovering hidden coves that are off the beaten path. This allows us to take visitors to destinations not typically included in other boat trip itineraries. Whether it’s a secluded beach or a hidden cave that can only be accessed by boat, the dedicated and passionate team here at Padstow Sealife Safaris knows how to find those lesser-visited spots where wildlife thrives.
Hidden Gem Destinations for Boat Trips
Whilst we take pride in showing our passengers some lesser-known beauty spots, we also understand the importance of preserving these lesser-known destinations for future generations to enjoy. We take great care to educate passengers about the fragile ecosystems and marine life that call these places home. By offering small group boat tours, we are able to minimise our impact on the environment and ensure that these unique destinations remain pristine.
Camel Estuary
Camel Estuary is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and stunning cliffs, this bay offers a breathtaking backdrop for boat trips and sealife safaris.
One of the main attractions of the Camel Estuary is its diverse marine life. As you cruise along the bay, you’ll have the opportunity to spot wading bird species such as egrets and oystercatchers. The waters here are teeming with life, making it a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With a bit of luck and the help of your experienced guides, you might even catch a glimpse of a rare species or two.
In addition to its vibrant marine life, Camel Estuary is a estuarine ecosystem that is a lesser-known gem waiting to be explored.
Puffin Island Cornwall
Puffin Island is a hidden gem of Cornwall that truly deserves the spotlight. Abundant in wildlife and is tucked away along the rugged coast of Cornwall, this secluded island offers an enchanting adventure for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers alike.
Puffin Island Cornwall is aptly named for its charming and charismatic residents – puffins. These delightful seabirds, known for their distinctive orange bills, call this island home during the breeding season. Witnessing puffins in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience, and Puffin Island provides a front-row seat to this avian spectacle.
While puffins take the spotlight, Puffin Island Cornwall is also home to a variety of other seabird species. From razorbills and guillemots to kittiwakes and shags, you’ll have the chance to observe a diverse array of birdlife in their natural habitat. Additionally, keep an eye on the waters for seals and the occasional dolphin or porpoise, adding to the excitement of your boat trip.
Port Isaac: Quaint Seaside Charm
Whilst a certain famous TV doctor has made this quaint seaside village top of many visitors’ ‘must see’ lists, the waters which surround Port Isaac are a hidden gem which often get overlooked in favour of the cobbled streets and welcoming pubs.
Exploring the waters around Port Isaac is an adventure like no other. Whether you choose to embark on a boat tour of Port Isaac or bring your snorkelling gear and dive beneath the surface, you will be rewarded with an up-close and personal encounter with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures. Dolphins regularly dance through the waves while seals bask lazily on the rocky outcrops.
Tintagel
Tintagel’s coastline is nothing short of breathtaking. Rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and rugged headlands define the landscape. A boat trip along these shores reveals hidden treasures such as sea caves and arches carved by the relentless sea. The combination of history and natural beauty creates an ambiance of enchantment.
Tintagel’s coastal waters are teeming with marine life. Seabirds soar overhead, while seals bask on rocky outcrops. Dolphins and porpoises are often spotted playing in the waves. Keep your camera ready to capture these delightful marine creatures in their natural habitat as you cruise along the coastline.
For those seeking a boat trip that combines history, legend, and the raw beauty of the Cornish coast, Tintagel is an unmissable destination. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply in search of a captivating maritime adventure, Tintagel offers a unique blend of elements that promise a memorable and enriching experience.
So, add Tintagel to your list of hidden gem destinations, with our 3-hour boat trip that is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. This exclusive experience offers you a chance to be transported to a world of legend and beauty, where the tales of King Arthur meet the rugged shores of Cornwall. It’s a unique opportunity reserved for our longer excursions.
What Makes Our Boat Trips Special?
Here at Padstow Sealife safaris we not only offer customers the chance to experience the rich and diverse marine wildlife that the Cornish Coast has to offer, but we take pride in doing it in a safe and responsible manner.
We make sure we record all our wildlife sightings on every trip and send them to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust through their ‘ORKS’ sightings record app, who, in turn, share their records with the Seawatch Foundation; contributing towards conservation research and helping to inform policy makers. Collecting this data doesn’t only mean keeping track of the numbers but contributes to finding long term solutions to the problems our Cornish wildlife and marine life face. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust works tirelessly to protect the wildlife crucial for our ecosystem.
Knowledgeable Guides and Local Insights
With decades of years experience and knowledge, our crew are the best in the business. We know these waters inside and out, and know the best hidden gems in Cornwall for wildlife and nature exploration. Our guides are typically students or graduates of marine biology, zoology or similar fields, to ensure they have a vast knowledge of Cornwall’s local marine species.
The skippers are all local seamen with years of experience on the sea – most having spend the majority of their lives on the water and many volunteering for on Padstow lifeboat. Their ability to read the waves like a book means you’re as safe as you can be. The skippers know exactly how to maintain the appropriate distance from the animals we know and love to prevent disturbance. The last thing we want to do is distress them in their natural habitat.
Personalised Experiences with Small Group Tours
Our small group boat tours mean that we are able to answer any questions you may have as we go about our journey, and let our passengers really feel like they are part of the crew. We specialise in personalised sealife safari experiences so that you can get the most out of your boat trip.
We offer skippered boat hire trips so that you can dictate where we go and what we do (weather and conditions dependant!). We can make your exploration of the hidden gems in Cornwall just that little bit more magical!
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Here at Padstow Sealife Safaris we channel a huge amount of our resources into conserving the environment and local wildlife for future generations. Not only do we actively participate in coastal clean-up initiatives but we encourage guests to get involved as well. We see first-hand the damage plastics do to wildlife. Alongside regular beach cleans, we retrieve plastics and waste fishing equipment whenever we come across it. It may sound like a small task but this has a very real effect in saving the lives of wildlife.
We understand that it is incredibly difficult to visit wildlife in its natural habitat and remain completely unnoticed, but we ensure that by keeping sensible speeds and distances when in the presence of wildlife, reading and responding to their behaviour, our impact on the marine life we are there to enjoy is kept to a minimum, avoiding disturbing them or disrupting their natural behaviours.
Not only do we engage passengers with interesting facts about the animals we spot, but we explain impacts affecting their conservation and small ways in which individuals can help. By taking these proactive steps towards protecting the environment, we demonstrate our dedication to ensuring a clean and healthy ecosystem for future generations.
Planning Your Hidden Gem Adventure
Booking Your Boat Trip
Start your adventure today and book your boat trip to explore some of Cornwall’s best-hidden gems. Come rain or shine, our boat trips are suitable for most weather conditions. As we say in Cornwall – ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing’!
What to Expect on Your Hidden Gem Tour
When it comes to viewing wild animals, there is nothing we can guarantee 100% as wildlife can be as beautifully unpredictable as the ocean itself.
Seals are seen on up to 95% of our boat trips, although how many we see and how sociable they are feeling will vary trip by trip. Dolphins are seen regularly, with a high success rate on our 2- and 3- hour tours, and can be seen all year round. However, there is no real pattern to where or when we will see dolphins, nor is there a better time of year or day, but we do know the best places to search!
Puffins nest from mid April to mid July, but as they burrow underground while nesting, we may not see them on every visit to “Puffin Island”, however mornings are best.
Basking shark sightings are now becoming incredibly rare due to warming sea temperatures so the likelihood of spotting one is sadly very slim. Minke whale sightings tend to peak between April and August but they can be seen at any time of year. Although a lot of our sightings are unpredictable, this means every trip is different and every wildlife sighting is special!
