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Marine Discovery Penzance

Penzance, United Kingdom•4.9(269)•Nature Reserve, Wildlife Center

Embark on sail-powered wildlife watching adventures along Cornwall's coast, spotting dolphins, seals, whales and seabirds from a unique catamaran experience.

Marine Discovery Penzance operates West Cornwall's original wildlife boat tours aboard Shearwater II, a sailing catamaran offering a unique, eco-friendly approach to marine exploration. The venue offers multiple tour options ranging from 2 to 5 hours, each designed to suit different age groups and experience levels, with family-friendly options starting from ages 4+. Visitors can encounter diverse marine wildlife including grey seals, various seabirds, dolphins, porpoises, ocean sunfish, minke whales, humpback whales, basking sharks and leatherback turtles. The Bay Discovery tour (2 hours, ages 4+) is ideal for families seeking to explore Mount's Bay and its coastline, while The Ocean Discovery (3 hours, ages 7+) offers a more extensive voyage. For older children and adults, The Discovery Voyage (4 hours, ages 12+) and The Discovery Adventure (5 hours, ages 16+) provide deeper expeditions into south and west Cornwall's seas. As the only sail-powered sea safari in the country, Marine Discovery combines wildlife education with sustainable sailing practices. All tours require advance booking and are suitable for families looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure on the water. Gift vouchers and gift cards are available and valid for 2 years.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00
Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Book in advance

Recommended ages

4 years+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.9(269 reviews)
N
Nick Healey

Nick Healey

3 weeks ago

We had a great trip. So much so that my 10 year old daughter wanted to go back the next day. We saw Harbour Porpoise dolphins. The boat was fun to go on nice and stable being a catamaran and quiet. Beautiful coastline. I recommend this as a well priced excursion for all ages. 2 hours was a good amount of time.

C
Chris Skerratt

Chris Skerratt

2 months ago

What a brilliant trip! We saw dolphins more or less straight away and got a running commentary on the sea birds that we came across, with a fascinating depth of info about many aspects of marine ecology. The boat is far more interesting than something with a noisy diesel under a hatch and you don't have to shout over any engine noise. Two very quiet four stroke outboards push her at a good pace and I couldn't have been more surprised when the sails got winched up and the outboards got cut and tilted out of the water. Bliss. This was part sight seeing trip, part science lesson, part sailing trip. Fantastic all round.

J
Jnthn

Jnthn

2 months ago

Fantastic catamaran trip with Marine Discovery Penzance today along the Mousehole coastline. Very knowledgeable crew on a fabulous boat. Great experience, especially seeing the Risso's dolphins! Definitely recommend if you are down this way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

L
Liv The Moment

Liv The Moment

3 months ago

Best trip ever. They took us around Cornwall and we actually spotted dolphins! Absolutely amazing. I even have a video but couldn't upload it here. Highly recommend!

S
Siddhi Joshi

Siddhi Joshi

11 months ago

This was the second time we went on the Shearwater 2 with Marine discovery Penzance and it was absolutely fantastic experience. This time we had sunny and calm conditions and didn't need to wear waterproofs on board. The boat is very safe and comfortable with the highlight is the hull net which is between the two hulls of the catamaran. It was my dream to see dolphins swim underneath the net and two of them did this time!! We saw in total around 80-100 dolphins swimming all around the boat. Duncan is very knowledgeable and careful with the dolphins and we could see the whole team care passionately about protecting marine life. I am a marine scientist and was very impressed with the knowledge and attention to detail. They are very accommodating and helpful when getting onboard and off the vessel if you have any mobility issues. The steps are a bit steep but generally manageable. I am really looking forward to coming back next year if not later in the season. My family really had a brilliant time last year and this year my aunt and I returned to enjoy lots of sightings of dolphins, seals, porpoises and shearwaters.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Marine Discovery Penzance

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Marine Discovery Penzance

Is Marine Discovery Penzance free to visit?

Marine Discovery Penzance is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Marine Discovery Penzance suitable for?

Marine Discovery Penzance is best for children aged 4 and up.

Is Marine Discovery Penzance dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Marine Discovery Penzance.

Is there parking at Marine Discovery Penzance?

Marine Discovery Penzance doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at Marine Discovery Penzance?

Marine Discovery Penzance doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Marine Discovery Penzance pushchair-friendly?

Marine Discovery Penzance isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Marine Discovery Penzance?

Marine Discovery Penzance is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Marine Discovery Penzance by public transport?

Marine Discovery Penzance isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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