Sealife in Cornwall

Padstow hosts a myriad of sea life that occupy our waters and cornish coastline at different times of the year.

Cornwall's amazing sealife

The true highlight of any Padstow boat trip is the chance to see a wide variety of sea life in and around the water. You might not have realised just how many species call British waters their home!

Padstow Sealife Safaris give you the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Depending on the time of year that you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see a number of different species.

Seals

One of Cornwall’s most beloved and regularly sighted residents. The UK is home to around 40% of the world’s entire population of this globally rare seal!

Dolphins

Become a dolphin expert learning everything from diet to their links with aliens! Learn all about our favourite marine friend.

Harbour Porpoise

This loveable creature is rather shy. But the crew of the sealife safari vessels have clocked up considerable experience in knowing how to get the best views.

Seabirds

We are lucky to have a rich variety of habitats on our doorstep, attracting many different species of birds, both as residents and migrants passing through.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish can be found all over our UK coastlines as well as in all of the global oceans, but how much do you actually know about the magnificent jellyfish?

Sharks

Sharks might have a fearsome reputation, but most rarely attack humans. They are a vital part of our ecosystem and we often spot sharks in Cornwall!

Whales

Think you need to travel much further afield to see whales? Think again! We are seeing an increasing number of whales in Cornwall and the UK, and your best chance for whale sightings is via our coastal boat trips.

Fish

Become a fish expert learning everything from what they feed on to their behaviour! Learn all about fish that surround our beautiful coastline in Cornwall

What will I see on my trip?

The most common mammal that we encounter on our safaris are grey seals. Around 40% of the world’s population of these charming creatures live around the British Isles, they are regular sights on our trips. At all times of the year, seals can be spotted in the waters. Winter can be a particularly exciting time to spot young seal pups, as the breeding season runs from September to December.

The deep waters near Padstow are also bursting with wildlife, dolphins and porpoises. In the summer months you may even have the chance to spot a basking shark! – but don’t worry, unlike their larger cousins, these creatures only eat plankton and tiny fish.

Our experienced crew will help you identify the different varieties you can see, and teach you to spot Common Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises, and Bottlenose Dolphins. The sociable dolphins often swim close to the boats and enjoy interacting with the safaris! Every Sea Life Safari is different – we can’t guarantee which birds, mammals and fish will appear on any given day – but with a bit of luck, you can see some truly remarkable species during your day out!

For more information about what wildlife can you see in Cornwall check the sealife sections above.

Sealife in Cornwall

Cornwall's amazing sealife

Seals

Dolphins

Harbour Porpoise

Seabirds

Jellyfish

Sharks

Whales

Fish

What will I see on my trip?

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