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Interesting Fact

The Atlantic Grey Seal (Halichoerus Grypus) found at Seal Island is currently listed as a protected species. The worldwide population is believed to be around 290,000-300,000.

Testimonial

“Our stay in St Ives was marred by bad weather, but in between the showers we managed to squeeze a trip in to Seal Island. One of the seals came right up to the boat whilst a few more lazed on the rocks. We were fortunate to see the fin of a basking shark on our return. Great trip which we highly recommend.”

Sara, Reading

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Seal Island

Seal Island, (Western Carracks), lies 3½ miles (6km) to the West of St Ives, along the rocky Cornish coastline. This rocky outcrop, near Zennor, is home to a colony of Grey Atlantic Seals, where they feel safe, protected from predators and the forces of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors to St Ives have been taking trips to Seal Island since the 1930’s, hence the seals are used to boats visiting their home and they don’t seem to mind the intrusion, indeed, as seals are naturally inquisitive and friendly marine mammals, they often swim up to the boat to say hello.

Tickets for the boat trip to Seal Island are purchased from Derek who you will find outside the St Ives Lifeboat Station. Trips are available at all times of the day, subject to favourable weather and sea conditions.

Depending on the state of the tide, the boat trip to Seal Island may depart from one of several different points within St Ives harbour. After leaving the harbour, we round The Island, St Ives Head, passing Porthmeor Beach, the Tate Gallery, the beautiful rugged Cornish cliffs and secluded coves, heading Westward to Seal Island. On arrival there is a small inlet where the boat goes astern to allow undisturbed seal watching for 15-20 minutes.

At times, there may be as many as 30-40 seals visible, basking on the rocks or swimming in the sea and at other times there may be only 2 or 3, mostly it is a figure somewhere between the two. The Grey Atlantic Seals at Seal Island are wild animals and whilst we cannot guarantee seal sightings, it is only very rarely that there are no seals here.

Occasionally, St Ives is lucky to have other marine wildlife, such as Basking Sharks, Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales hunting for food or playing close to the shore and it is on the excursion to Seal Island where these magnificent animals will be spotted. Our skippers have had training from Wise(Wildlife SafE) and St Ives Boats is an Accredited Wildlife Safe Operator.

The trip to Seal island lasts around one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Departures are from St Ives Harbour.

Insist on Dolly P, for a fast comfortable trip.

Phone Derek on 0777 300 8000 to book your places.

Adult £10
Child £8