See a Different Side of Cornwall in 2013 on a Marine Wildlife Boat Trip

Press release November 22, 2012 Tourism

Cornish Sea Tours wants to attract people away from the beaches and tea shops of Cornwall to witness the abundance of marine wildlife accessible only on a coastal boat trip.

Visitors to Cornwall are invited to experience a different side of the UK’s most popular holiday destination in 2013 by joining a marine wildlife ‘voyage’ of discovery along the stunning north coast.

Cornish Sea Tors, which is based at Rock near Padstow, wants more people to enjoy the beauty of the Cornish coastline and witness the abundance of marine life above and below the waves.

The tour company takes passengers on a 12-seater power boat along the Camel Estuary and out on to the open ocean on its Youtube: coastal sea safaris.

As well as seeing coves, caves, high cliffs, islands and rocky outcrops, the Cornish coast is home to many species of marine wildlife including dolphins, seals, sharks and many types of sea birds.

Boat skipper and trained zoologist Matt Wheadon explains what’s in store for passengers on one of his trips. “This stretch of coast is the perfect spot for dolphin watching and encounters with all sorts of creatures,” he said. “The cliffs are so high that many parts are only accessible by boat, so it’s a true wilderness area. This, together with the unique confluence of sea and estuary, makes it an abundant area for all kinds of marine life.”

Dolphins are regularly seen on these boat trips and are a firm favourite with passengers, many of whom visit the area specifically for dolphin watching. The dolphins often swim alongside the boat, inquisitive of the camera toting passengers on board, and occasionally perform impressive aerial acrobatics.

Sightings of whales and basking sharks are a lot rarer, but a few times a year passengers on these boat trips are treated to encounters with these majestic creatures.

Seals which bask themselves on rocks at the foot of high cliffs are also popular with passengers; as are the porpoises which can sometimes be spotted in the estuary near Padstow harbour.

Birdlife is also abundant in the area with many species of sea birds nesting on the cliffs and rocky outcrops. Gulls, shags, cormorants and gannets can all be seen soaring through the sky or preening themselves on ledges just yards from the boat.

The coastline near Polzeath is also home to the most important puffin colony in the South West of the UK. Each spring these colourful birds return to the area to breed and rear their chicks.

Matt Wheadon commented: “This is one of my favourite times of year. The puffins are full of character and an extra special sight for people on our tours. “But there’s never a dull moment on this part of the coast, whatever time of year you visit. We tend to see something different every time we go out. There is an element of surprise because you never know exactly what you will encounter. This is what makes these boat trips so special.”

So far thousands of people have experienced the stunning scenery and wildlife on Cornwall’s north coast with Cornish Sea Tours. The company hopes even more people will enjoy these coastal encounters by joining one of its sea safaris in 2013.

For more information on its marine wildlife boat trips visit the Cornish Sea Tours website at www.cornishseatours.com

ENDS

Contact:

Matt Wheadon

Phone: 07791 533569

Cornish Sea Tours
Rock Pontoon
Rock Road
Rock
Cornwall
PL27 6LD

Watch a video of a dolphin watching boat trip