The Roseland Peninsula, one of the most beautiful spots in all of Cornwall, boasts a rugged coastline, a tranquil estuary, secluded coves, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. Situated on Cornwall’s south coast, the peninsula is bordered by the open waters of the English Channel and separated from the rest of Cornwall by the River Fal, with the Fal Estuary being the largest estuary in the county. One of the best ways to explore this gorgeous area is by boat, and whether you are an avid sailor, a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who wants to relax and unwind on the water, you are sure to find a boat ride meant for you. Traveling by boat, you will discover the wonders of the Roseland Peninsula and gain a deeper appreciation for this absolutely stunning part of Cornwall.
Sail from St Mawes
The picturesque village of St Mawes is one of the best places on the Roseland Peninsula for sailing. Strategically located on the edge of the Roseland Peninsula, overlooking the Carrick Roads and the entrance to the Fal Estuary, it has a picturesque harbour that offers a wide range of sailing opportunities. Sailors of all skill levels enjoy sailing here, because of the sheltered waters, consistent breezes, and breathtaking coastal landscape, and the St Mawes Sailing Club, founded in 1920, helps foster the sailing community. Whether you are an experienced sailor wanting a place to launch your boat, or a novice looking for a boat hire or guided tour, you will find the adventure you are looking for in St Mawes.
Take the King Harry Ferry
The picturesque village of St Mawes is one of the best places on the Roseland Peninsula for sailing. Strategically located on the edge of the Roseland Peninsula, overlooking the Carrick Roads and the entrance to the Fal Estuary, it has a picturesque harbour that offers a wide range of sailing opportunities. Sailors of all skill levels enjoy sailing here, because of the sheltered waters, consistent breezes, and breathtaking coastal landscape, and the St Mawes Sailing Club, founded in 1920, helps foster the sailing community. Whether you are an experienced sailor wanting a place to launch your boat, or a novice looking for a boat hire or guided tour, you will find the adventure you are looking for in St Mawes.
Discover One of the Area’s Many Boat Tours
If you want to relax and enjoy a boat ride, you will find a wealth of guided boat tours of the Roseland Peninsula’s stunning coastline. From sunrise cruises to river tours, these boat rides vary in length and focus, so you will be sure to find something that suits you. Scenic cruises along the coast, often departing from St Mawes or Portscatho, take you past jagged cliffs and secluded coves, to view landmarks and hear stories of the area from knowledgeable guides. These tours offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s history while offering a beautiful journey.
Do Some Coastal Exploration in a Kayak
For an up close experience with the coastline of the Roseland Peninsula, hire a kayak, and go exploring. This is a more intimate way to discover this wonderful place, with its hidden coves, sea caves, and quiet bays. Kayaking from Portscatho and Porthcurnick Beach is ideal, because the sheltered conditions make it easy. If you would rather have a guided tour than go it alone, you can also find kayaking tours, with experienced guides who can show you the most amazing spots along the coast, while indicating points of interest and wildlife along the way. If you know your way around a kayak, it can be an amazing way to get close to marine wildlife or simply find the perfect beach for a peaceful swim and a picnic.
Go Sightseeing by Ferry Hopping
One of the simplest ways to explore the Roseland Peninsula by boat is by hopping on and off the local ferries that criss-cross the area. These ferries offer a convenient and affordable way to see the sights while avoiding the hassle of driving along Cornwall’s narrow roads. The King Harry Ferry may be the oldest and most unique, but the area is brimming with ferries ready and able to take you to some of the Roseland’s most memorable sites. The Fal River Links network offers a seamless hop-on, hop-off experience, travelling between St Mawes, Falmouth, Truro, and the Helford River. Make use of the Fal Mussel Visitor Card, and you can enjoy unlimited use of the ferries for three days, as well as local bus services and the train between Falmouth and Truro.
The amazing thing about ferry travel, aside from the fact that it offers a cost-effective alternative to navigating Cornwall’s narrow, winding roads, is that each ferry ride is a scenic sightseeing journey in its own right. The route from St Mawes to Falmouth offers sweeping views of dramatic cliffs, charming harbours, and landmarks like St Mawes Castle and Pendennis Castle, as long as some prime wildlife spotting. Once in Falmouth, you can explore the National Maritime Museum, as well as local gardens and castles. You can also take the ferry from St Mawes to Place Creek, where a short walk will take you to St Anthony Head Lighthouse and panoramic views of the English Channel. This area also has secluded coves and rugged cliffs that are much quieter than some of the busier tourist areas.
Take the ferry to Truro, and you will be treated to more of the Fal River, with onboard commentary making you aware of the highlights along the way. On this route, you will see traditional Cornish oyster fisheries, historic estates, and the King Harry Ferry. You will also have plenty of opportunities for birdwatching on this trip. When you combine ferry trips, you can easily spend a full day of sightseeing, visiting many key locations.
Discover Marine Wildlife from a Boat
One of the most exciting aspects of exploring the Roseland Peninsula by boat is the chance to encounter the region’s diverse marine wildlife. The waters surrounding the peninsula are home to a variety of species, from playful dolphins and seals to seabirds. Boat tours focused on wildlife spotting are extremely popular, with experienced guides taking you to the best locations for seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. The region’s pristine waters are home to numerous species, and depending on the time of year, you could be lucky enough to spot seals, dolphins, basking sharks, or even whales.
The Fal Estuary is perfect for birdwatching, as it is home to species such as gannets, cormorants, puffins, and herons. Some tours even offer the chance to snorkel or swim, giving you the opportunity to see the marine life from an entirely new perspective. The tours are led by experienced guides who have a deep understanding of the local environment, ensuring that the wildlife is respected while still offering passengers an unforgettable experience.
Wildlife cruises in the area are varied, with coastal cruises, sea exploration, and river tours. Some tours focus on Falmouth Harbour, Europe’s deepest harbour, with calm, clear, blue water. Snorkelling in Falmouth Bay is an exciting experience, and you are likely to spot all manner of marine wildlife, including catsharks, rays, crabs, pipefish, anemones, sponges, and more.
Stay on the Roseland Peninsula at The Rosevine Hotel
Sailors need a place to lay their heads at night, and you will find a spectacular place to do that at The Rosevine. Designed to feel like your home away from home, our charming boutique hotel is designed to provide an atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy yourself, whether you have been out boating all day or simply sightseeing. Each tastefully appointed apartment features comfortable furnishings, elegant décor, and modern amenities, offering warm hospitality along with stylish accommodations. Whether you want to stay in your own apartment or spend your time in the shared spaces, communing with your fellow travellers, you will find space to enjoy your holiday here at The Rosevine. We want our guests to have the flexibility to enjoy their holiday however they wish, whether traveling alone or with friends or family. Many of our rooms offer stunning views of the sea, and our location is a short walk from the coastline, within easy reach of the charming shops, galleries, and local pubs in the village. When you are ready for the perfect getaway in Cornwall, it is easy to book your stay online. Should you need more information or directions, call +44 (0) 1872 580 206 or contact us through our website.
