Grey Seals in Cornwall: What to Know Before You Go Looking for Them
There are few better ways to experience the Cornish coast than from the water. And for wildlife encounters, sea exploration, and an experience that genuinely delights children and adults alike, a Falmouth Sea Safari sits at the top of the list.
Here’s what to expect when you book a trip with us this season — and why the waters around Falmouth are particularly special.
Falmouth Bay and Beyond
Falmouth is one of the UK’s finest natural harbours — and the coastline stretching east and west of the bay offers extraordinary variety. On our safaris, we explore rocky headlands, sea caves, sheltered coves, and open water — each environment home to different species and offering different sightings opportunities.
What Wildlife Might We See?
The honest answer is: it varies. That unpredictability is part of what makes a wildlife boat trip special. Regular sightings include Atlantic grey seals (we visit haul-out sites where seals bask in numbers), seabirds including gannets, guillemots, razorbills, and cormorants, and in warmer months, basking sharks, harbour porpoise, and common dolphins.
May is a particularly productive month. Spring brings returning seabirds to coastal breeding sites, seal pups from earlier in the season are visible at rest, and the warming water temperatures begin to attract larger marine life to the bay.
What Makes Our Safaris Different
Our skippers are experienced local mariners with deep knowledge of the coastline and the species that inhabit it. Trips are kept small to ensure a personal, unhurried experience — you’re not on a passenger ferry. We provide commentary throughout on the ecology, geology, and history of the coastline, and we’ll always try to get you close to wildlife in a way that’s safe for both passengers and animals.
Practical Things to Know
- Trips depart from Falmouth town — check your booking confirmation for exact departure point
- Wear layers even in May — it’s typically cooler on the water than on land
- Bring binoculars if you have them, though we carry a pair on board
- Sea safaris are suitable for children over 5 years — they’re almost always our most enthusiastic passengers
- Booking in advance is strongly recommended — May trips fill quickly
Book Your May Safari
We’re now taking bookings for May and June. Whether you’re a local looking for something different or a visitor making the most of a Cornish break, a sea safari is one of those experiences you’ll talk about long after you’ve dried off. Have a look at our trips here.
