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Marine Discovery Penzance

Penzance Harbour, Cornwall - sail-powered sea safaris in search of dolphins, sharks and seabirds

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Marine Discovery, Shed 5, Penzance Harbour, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2LL  |  07749 277110

An unforgettable ocean adventure

The far west coast of Cornwall is not only spectacular to look at, it's home to a remarkably rich range of marine wildlife, and Marine Discovery is the way to see it up close. Sailing from Penzance Harbour aboard Shearwater II, a purpose-built sailing catamaran, the crew search the turquoise waters and granite crags of West Penwith for grey seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, ocean sunfish and seabirds - and, less predictably, minke whales, humpback whales and even leatherback turtles. Marine Discovery is the only sail-powered sea safari operator in the country, which means quieter, lower-impact trips than a conventional engine-powered boat.

The crew take wildlife welfare seriously: Marine Discovery is a WiSe (Wildlife Safe) accredited operator and a Seawatch Foundation Recommended Operator, and co-founded the Cornwall Marine Life Boat Operators Group in 2013 with other conservation-minded local operators to raise standards across the industry. They also sponsor the Shark Trust's Basking Shark code of conduct materials and collect research data on every trip to help build a better picture of the marine life along this stretch of coast - something they say sets them apart from other operators nationally.

Four trip options run through the season: the 2-hour Bay Discovery (suitable from age 4), the 3-hour Ocean Discovery - the most popular option, from age 7 - the 4-hour Discovery Voyage (age 12+), and the longer 5-hour Discovery Adventure for age 16+, new for 2026 and aimed at visitors who want more time on the water further offshore. The season typically runs from March through to November, with an occasional early start at February half term if the boat is back in the water and conditions allow.

Penzance Cornwall Marine Discovery sailing catamaran on the water - Cornwall wildlife boat trip
Penzance Cornwall Marine Discovery sea safari crew and passengers - Cornwall family day out
Penzance Cornwall Marine Discovery West Penwith coastline - Cornwall boat trip
Penzance Cornwall dolphin sighting on Marine Discovery boat trip - Cornwall wildlife holiday
Penzance Cornwall basking shark sighting Marine Discovery - Cornwall marine wildlife attraction

Opening Times & Ticket Prices

The season typically runs March to November. Trips depend on tides, weather and sea conditions, so book in advance and expect occasional rescheduling.

The Bay Discovery (2 hours, age 4+) £29.68

The Ocean Discovery (3 hours, age 7+) £41.34

The Discovery Voyage (4 hours, age 12+) £63.60

The Discovery Adventure (5 hours, age 16+) £95.40

Booking directly through Marine Discovery is recommended, as trips are weather-dependent and availability is limited.

Penzance Cornwall Marine Discovery seabird sighting - Cornwall wildlife attraction
Penzance Cornwall Marine Discovery boat trip passengers - Cornwall family activity
Penzance Cornwall Marine Discovery coastal wildlife - Cornwall things to do
Penzance Cornwall Marine Discovery sea safari view - Cornwall boat trip attraction
Penzance Cornwall puffin seabird sighting Marine Discovery - Cornwall wildlife holiday Penzance Cornwall gannet seabird sighting Marine Discovery - Cornwall marine wildlife trip

Visitor Information

Parking

Public pay-and-display parking is available around Penzance Harbour and the town centre, a short walk from Shed 5. Penzance rail and bus stations are also within easy walking distance.

Facilities

All safety equipment and briefings are provided on board. Warm, waterproof clothing is recommended whatever the season - it's noticeably cooler on the water than on land.

Disabled Access

Access depends on the vessel and sea conditions on the day - contact Marine Discovery directly in advance to discuss individual mobility needs before booking.

Things to Do Nearby

Nearby Places to Stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Trips look for grey seals, seabirds, common and bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, basking sharks, ocean sunfish, and occasionally minke and humpback whales or leatherback turtles - sightings aren't guaranteed, as this is wild ocean wildlife.

Four trip lengths are available: the 2-hour Bay Discovery (age 4+), the 3-hour Ocean Discovery (age 7+, the most popular), the 4-hour Discovery Voyage (age 12+), and the 5-hour Discovery Adventure (age 16+).

Trips run aboard Shearwater II, a purpose-built sailing catamaran - the only sail-powered sea safari operator in the country, reducing engine noise and disturbance to wildlife.

Yes - Marine Discovery is a WiSe (Wildlife Safe) accredited operator and a Seawatch Foundation Recommended Operator, and co-founded the Cornwall Marine Life Boat Operators Group in 2013 to promote responsible wildlife watching.

The season typically runs from March to November, weather and sea conditions permitting, occasionally starting earlier at February half term if the boat is back in the water. Check the official website for current sailing dates.

Official Website

For the latest trip dates, prices and availability, visit the official Marine Discovery website directly.

Visit marinediscovery.co.uk

Page last updated: 20 August 2026