WILDLIFE WATCHING
Mounts Bay is incredibly rich in marine mammal and sea bird wild life. Sightings of Humpback Whales like the one above, plus Minke and Sei whales and basking sharks are not unusual in the bay, and its quite common to see dolphins, porpoises, blue fin tuna and seals. It’s perhaps more likely to see these magnificent sea creatures on a boat trip - but keep your eyes peeled whilst walking the coast and you may be surprised - like this RNLI lifeguard … near Porthcurno.
Marine Discovery Penzance
Sailing catamaran, Shearwater II, offers a unique marine wildlife watching adventure. The diversity of the wildlife found in West Cornwall is what makes it special. Trips could encounter grey seals, various seabirds, or different species of dolphins and porpoises, enigmatic ocean sunfish or even giants such as minke whales, humpback whales, basking sharks and leatherback turtles!
Sailing gives you the most special encounter possible, the quiet meaning you can hear the splashes of the gannets as they dive and the whistles of the dolphins as they bowride alongside us check out our videos to see for yourself. Be assured also that you have chosen the most environmentally responsible option.
Part of what makes Marine Discovery exceptional is that we use our trips to collect scientific data. No other tour company in the country does this to the same extent and it is an incredibly important part of our job. Duncan, Hannah and their small team are completely dedicated to giving the best experience possible and are looking forward to welcoming you to Marine Discovery – In 2013 Marine Discovery won the Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watch Operator of the year. (In my view - without doubt the best wildlife watching trip in this part of Cornwall - Paul).
Marine Discovery Penzance. www.marinediscovery.co.uk
Mermaid Pleasure Trips Sea Safari & Wildlife Cruise Mermaid Pleasure Trips, Penzance (cornwallboattrips.co.uk)
Cormorant Cruising
Enjoy a pleasure boat trips from Mousehole harbour to explore the breath taking scenery and magnificent coastline which surrounds the village of Mousehole - it’s a great way to see the beautiful Cornish coast from the sea. Mackerel fishing and private trips by arrangement.
Contact skipper Neil Brockman 07415 439 656
Get close up and personal at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Explore Europe’s leading seal rescue sanctuary at Gweek on the Helford River. Meet resident seals and sea lions and other rescued marine animals including otters and rockpool critters. Talks, quiz trail, pirate play area for children – lots for the whole family to enjoy. www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
Godrevy Point
Best known for the large Grey Seal colony at the bottom of the cliffs at Mutton Cove near Godrevy Point lighthouse. Some excellent seabird watching can be had and sightings of dolphins and porpoises are fairly frequent. Basking Shark and Oceanic Sunfish are also reported annually although numbers fluctuate. Best to visit at low tide to see the most seals :-)
No need to set sail to see marine wildlife - keep your eyes peeled when walking along the coast and you may be rewarded with sightings of Basking Sharks (like this one spotted at Porthcurno beach by the Minack Theatre - don’t worry despite their size these sharks only eat plankton), or perhaps leaping blue fin tuna feeding on shoals of mackerel or pilchards, not to mention seals sitting on the rocks or bobbing upright having a snooze - often seen near Lands End, or Lizard point.
Birdwatching and nature at Marazion Marsh
In the shadow of St Michael's Mount near Penzance, Marazion Marsh is Cornwall's largest reedbed. With more than 250 bird, 500 plant, 500 insect and 18 mammal species having been recorded here. Over the years, the reserve has become an important wintering site for Bitterns and a regular stopover for the globally threatened Aquatic Warbler. In some years, starlings roost here from October to December, attracting aerial predators such as Buzzards and Sparrowhawks as they arrive at dusk. The Starlings are continental birds and their spectacular aerial acrobatics over the reedbeds – murmurations – are a sight worth seeing.
