Marine Discovery
Marine Discovery
5
Boat ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Inspiring sea safari sailing trips aboard a ten metre catamaran, with the winners of the 2013 Responsible World Whale Watch Awards . A voyage on "Shearwater II" gives you the best opportunity to find the marine wildlife of south west Cornwall, including seals, porpoises, seabirds, dolphins, basking sharks and whales. All trips are fully guided with experienced and entertaining guides, who are trained educators. Shearwater II takes just 12 passengers and 2 crew, so you get a great view of the wildlife and the views without having to peer over other people. Please call or email to enquire. Fully licenced and insured NB please remember that sightings of specific species cannot be guaranteed and that we advertise this fact widely. Therefore the most useful and accurate reviews of our company rate us on the factors we can directly control e.g. customer service, politeness, ease of booking, quality of welcome and so on, rather than whether the reviewer saw the exact species they wanted. Marine Discovery is shut between November and March due to weather constraints and winter maintenance. If in doubt, call to check.
Penzance, Cornwall, England
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
261 reviews
Excellent
241
Very good
16
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Andrew
2 contributions
Oct 2020
We had a great time. The boat is a sailing catamaran which also has an engine. On our trip there was little wind so we motored quite a lot but we did also get to cut the engine and sail, which was great to experience the calmness of that. They said being a catamaran made it more stable and less likely to create sea sickness. I do get sea sick sometimes and I was fine, so I guess that was borne out. Also the boat had a whole netting area between the hulls that you could climb on to to get very up close (and possibly wet) with the wildlife.
It's great being out at sea and getting to see the coastline and cliffs, but the main thing is the wildlife I guess. We saw porpoises, seals, dolphins and lots of seabirds including gannets diving for fish. But the dolphins were really the highlight as a whole pod of dozens of them swam with the boat close enough almost to touch for ages, turning so that they could look up at us.
The crew were very knowledgable and told us lots about what we were seeing. Definitely recommended.
It's great being out at sea and getting to see the coastline and cliffs, but the main thing is the wildlife I guess. We saw porpoises, seals, dolphins and lots of seabirds including gannets diving for fish. But the dolphins were really the highlight as a whole pod of dozens of them swam with the boat close enough almost to touch for ages, turning so that they could look up at us.
The crew were very knowledgable and told us lots about what we were seeing. Definitely recommended.
Written October 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma B
Newquay, UK251 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We have wanted to do this for a couple of years but the trips fill up so fast. We finally got organised and booked the 4 hour trip. The staff were helpful and knowledgable, they really looked after us. We were well spaced out to comply with COVID rules and I felt really safe. Only 8 passengers on our trip. We saw dolphins, porpoises, seals, tuna fish jumping out of the water and lots of sea birds. At point one the dolphins came to swim right next to the boat, it was amazing. I would recommend this trip.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philsurfboy
Nailsea, UK57 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Very friendly crew, and despite tough sailing conditions, Skipper Duncan was focused on trying to find us memories to take back with us - and it paid of with a small pod of common dolphins. Sarah (crew 2 and photographer) also did a great job standing up and getting pics despite pretty choppy conditions.
Lovely being under sail for part of the trip
Lovely being under sail for part of the trip
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate and Andy H
Bedford, UK87 contributions
Sep 2020
what a great afternoon out. was a bit worried that we would not see any of the wildlife as the weather was not great but we should not have worried. the skipper ( Duncan) knew what he was doing and we saw many common dolphins which were happy to come and join us swimming alongside the boat. we also saw many seals and gannets . it was great to see a crew so passionate and dedicated about conservation of the wildlife. they passed on a lot of detail on the habits of the sea life. this appears to be really a labour of love for them rather than a money making job. we would return to cornwall just to do this trip again ( and again)
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte Q
Camberley, UK90 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We booked as a family of 6 adults and had a great time despite the awful rain!
We had a briefing about what wildlife we might see and all provided waterproof trousers (optional but I would definitely recommend them as you’ll likely get wet/ sprayed!). Everyone is given a life jacket and they gave a safety briefing before we set off.
We saw seals, gannets & other sea birds and pods of dolphins which were so close, playing around the boat for ages. We are also sure we caught a flighting glimpse of a sunfish too. Obviously it’s wildlife so not always guaranteed but these guys know the waters, hotspots and tell-tell signs of where the wildlife is to find it!
Such a shame it poured down with rain for the last hour but it was a great trip. I would recommend lots of layers/ waterproof to keep warm even if it doesn’t predict rain! The team also provide buckets if your prone to sea sickness… but perhaps take some seasickness tablets before if that’s you!
We had a briefing about what wildlife we might see and all provided waterproof trousers (optional but I would definitely recommend them as you’ll likely get wet/ sprayed!). Everyone is given a life jacket and they gave a safety briefing before we set off.
We saw seals, gannets & other sea birds and pods of dolphins which were so close, playing around the boat for ages. We are also sure we caught a flighting glimpse of a sunfish too. Obviously it’s wildlife so not always guaranteed but these guys know the waters, hotspots and tell-tell signs of where the wildlife is to find it!
Such a shame it poured down with rain for the last hour but it was a great trip. I would recommend lots of layers/ waterproof to keep warm even if it doesn’t predict rain! The team also provide buckets if your prone to sea sickness… but perhaps take some seasickness tablets before if that’s you!
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tbagpuss
UK299 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I was very impressed with the trip and crew - it was a rather grey October morning and the sea was quite choppy- we were loaned waterproofs as needed, and then went out initially with the engines and then sailing, giving us a very enjoyable (if wet and bouncy!) trip even without the wildlife.
We were very lucky and saw grey seals (including juveniles), lots of birds including Manx and Cory's Shearwaters, a couple of Portuguese Man O'War jellyfish (very impressed that anyone could spot something so comparatively small, in quite choppy water!) and then Tuna fish and Common Dolphins.
Very happy with the whole experience - the instructions beforehand were clear, the crew onboard were friendly, very knowledgeable and clearly experienced, and I felt the trip was excellent value for money .
We were very lucky and saw grey seals (including juveniles), lots of birds including Manx and Cory's Shearwaters, a couple of Portuguese Man O'War jellyfish (very impressed that anyone could spot something so comparatively small, in quite choppy water!) and then Tuna fish and Common Dolphins.
Very happy with the whole experience - the instructions beforehand were clear, the crew onboard were friendly, very knowledgeable and clearly experienced, and I felt the trip was excellent value for money .
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
britsabroad2018
New York City, NY36 contributions
Jul 2020
This is a professional company, with a fantastic vessel and friendly, informative staff. Nothing they could do about the weather, or the lack of wildlife, but what we did see (some seabirds, some seals and a sunfish) they could tell us all about, plus give us lots of other interesting information about the area (Penzance to Porthcurno and back). I would definitely use this company again.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie G
1 contribution
Aug 2021
My 11 year old son and I had an absolutely amazing time on the 3 hr trip. We were very fortunate with the weather and relatively calm conditions, and were able to see feeding gannets and Manx shearwaters, numerous seals basking on the rocks and a pod or two of common dolphins feeding and playing alongside the boat. Hannah and Duncan are fabulously knowledgeable about the mammals' habitats and behaviours, as well as the local history of the area, and it was lovely to see the shoreline in a way that you just wouldn't in a car. It was also great to hear that the trips are not just serving the tourism trade, but are a vital part of the marine conservation effort which, as climate change starts influencing these environments, is going to be increasingly vital to preserve these wonderful creatures.
I can't recommend the trips highly enough - well worth the money and the traffic getting into Penzance! IMPORTANT NOTE: Leave yourself twice as long to get to Penzance and get parked up than you or your Satnav thinks it will take. Understandably, the boats are reliant on time and tides and genuinely can wait for no man..... be late setting off at your peril!
I can't recommend the trips highly enough - well worth the money and the traffic getting into Penzance! IMPORTANT NOTE: Leave yourself twice as long to get to Penzance and get parked up than you or your Satnav thinks it will take. Understandably, the boats are reliant on time and tides and genuinely can wait for no man..... be late setting off at your peril!
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warminsterwink
Warminster58 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Absolutely amazing experience. We weren't entirely sure about booking a longer adventure due to the possibility of sea sickness so we booked the 2 hour trip. It was a grey but still day, hardly any wind, on the 2 hour trip we were lucky enough to be joined by lots of seabirds, guillemots, cormorants, amongst others. We motored out and were able to find alot of common dolphins some more lazy (Duncan informed us they were sleeping) they sleep half of their brains at a time. Absolutely fascinating, they were beautiful and breathtaking to watch from anywhere on the boat. There's plenty of space for a good view for everyone aboard. Very informative about sustainability and conservation. Would 100% recommend this trip. Waterproofs and life jackets provided, layer up warm if you can.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Xenia C
35 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We finally got a chance to take the three hour tour after it being cancelled twice (once in November due to terrible weather, and once in April due to coronavirus) and all I can say is it was so worth the wait!! The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable (both over the phone and in person). I felt quite seasick at the start of the tour despite being adamant that I wouldn't and the crew were very supportive and helped me out. We saw so many dolphins and learned a lot about all the marine animals we saw. I cannot thank the staff at Marine Discovery enough.
Side note, please do wear / bring more layers than you think you need! I knew it would be cold but didn't anticipate how cold - thankfully the staff did and loaned me some waterproof trousers which made the experience much more comfortable :)
Side note, please do wear / bring more layers than you think you need! I knew it would be cold but didn't anticipate how cold - thankfully the staff did and loaned me some waterproof trousers which made the experience much more comfortable :)
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola P
1 contribution
Hi, is there a toilet on the boat that goes on the bay discovery tour - the 2 hour tour, please, thank you
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hi Nicola, thanks for the message. Yes we have a toilet on "Shearwater II". This is down in one of the hulls, and is accessed by a couple of steps.
Cheers
Marine Discovery
honey l
Greater London, UK
Hello
We’re looking to organise a trip for 5 adults and 2 children .
Can you recommend any trips for a Monday or Tuesday
Many thanks
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hi, thanks for the email. Best thing to do is check the availability on the wesbite (which Trip Advisor won't allow me to link to). All the trips are listed and you can either book online or give us a call in office hours on 07749 277110.
Thanks
Hannah
sonia061268
staffordshire1 contribution
Hi could you please tell me the price for 2 the first week of September please
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hi
If you go on our website to the Trips page that will give the different prices for the various length trips. I'm not allowed to post a link to the website but searching for us on google will take you straight to it. If you'd like to book, please can you contact us direct - thanks.
Prices are the same throughout the year
Cheers
Hannah
sonia061268
staffordshire1 contribution
hi do you have any spaces for first week in September please
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hi Sonia,
thanks for the message. Yes we have plenty of space the first week of September. Please get in touch either by email or phone to book.
Thanks,
Hannah
Janet S
County Durham, UK12 contributions
Hi is trip suitable to take an 18 month old and a 78 year old with mobility issues?
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hi thanks for the message. While we are fine to take people on with mobility issues, our minimum age for the Bay Discovery (hour and a half) trip is three, and for the Ocean Discovery (three hours) it's six years old. This is because it's an open sailing boat not suitable for very little children. We do our best to accommodate different needs and disabilities, though you do need to have a bit of mobility to access the boat. Once on, there is secure bench seating at the back of the boat.
If you've any further questions please check out our website or give me a call.
Hannah
Nosox40
16 contributions
Do you have space for 8 on 22nd Aug? For my birthday treat.
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hi thanks for the message. I'm afraid we don't have any space for eight for the rest of August. At this time of year trips fill up well in advance as we only hold 12. Sorry about that.
Best wishes
Hannah
J G
129 contributions
hi thank you for your response. Is there availability on any of your other trips? We are down in Cornwall from 19 to 26 August?
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hello, the only availability we have are two spaces on Friday 25th at 1.30pm, if two of you wanted to do it? Please give us a call if so - 07749277110.
Hannah
J G
129 contributions
We are coming down to Cornwall next week. We have 6 in our party so will we need to book in advance for the 3 hour trip? If so what is your availability? Also where is the best place to park? Thank you
Hannah J
Penzance, UK14 contributions
Hi thanks for the message. I don't know how long you're around but I'm afraid we can't fit a group that size on until the 30th August. It gets booked up very early at this time of year - sorry about that.
Kind regards
Hannah Jones
Marine Discovery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Marine Discovery Information
Excellent Reviews | 241 |
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Very Good Reviews | 16 |
Marine Discovery Photos | 197 |