Two unmissable boat trips in Cornwall: explore St Mawes and the Isles of Scilly by Ferry
7 August
Missed our competition?
You can still enjoy two of the most scenic boat trips Cornwall has to offer – both easily doable on a summer weekend by ferry.
Recently, we partnered with Isles of Scilly Travel to offer a brilliant giveaway: two unforgettable boat trips in Cornwall – one to St Mawes, the other to the Isles of Scilly, both complete with lunch stops and sea views at two great local eateries.
If you didn’t win, don’t worry.
You haven’t missed your chance to experience it for yourself – here’s how you can enjoy some of the incredible boat trips Cornwall is famous for.
Whether you live in Cornwall or are just visiting this summer, these two-day trips are the perfect way to escape the crowds, discover new coastal gems, and travel in a more relaxed, scenic way.
These boat trips in Cornwall are ideal for anyone wanting to explore the coast without the car – just hop on a ferry and enjoy the views.
With regular ferry crossings to St Mawes from Falmouth, and daily Scillonian III sailing days in peak season, you can easily recreate the full prize itinerary…or make it your own!
Find out how you can enjoy the best value-for-money boat trips Cornwall has to offer this summer - start planning your adventure today!
Day One: Ferries from Falmouth to St Mawes
Sailing with: The St Mawes Ferry, Fal River Ferries
Departing: Falmouth Prince of Wales Pier or Custom House Quay
From £15 return (adult fare)
Travel on one of Fal River’s ferries from Falmouth to St Mawes for one of Cornwall’s most scenic short hops – a local favourite and a relaxing alternative to driving.
It might only take 20 minutes, but the ferry ride from Falmouth to St Mawes feels like a real escape. Whether you’re staying nearby or live locally, it’s one of the easiest and most scenic boat trips in Cornwall.
Running every 30 minutes in peak season, the St Mawes Ferry gives you flexibility and fresh air in equal measure. Once across the water, you’ll find pastel-painted cottages, boutique galleries, and relaxed cafés – all with uninterrupted views of the Fal Estuary.
The short crossing makes this day trip ideal for families, spontaneous outings, or anyone looking to enjoy Cornwall at a gentler pace. For the competition, we offered lunch at the iconic Idle Rocks – but the charm of St Mawes is that there’s something for everyone, from laid-back pub lunches to harbourside ice creams.
The popular St Mawes ferry offers frequent crossings in the summer months, including a late-night crossing every Thursday, making it easy to enjoy harbour life at your own pace.
If you’re in west Cornwall already, it’s an easy drive over to Falmouth – or even better, arrive by train, grab a coffee in town, and make the crossing without touching your car.
Discover more about the St Mawes Ferry.
Day Two: Set sail for the Isles of Scilly
Sailing with: Isles of Scilly Travel (Scillonian III)
Departing: Penzance Harbour
£35 return (adult day trip fare), or £25 for residents of Cornwall
Just off the coast of west Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly feel a world away, yet they’re remarkably easy to reach. The Scillonian III passenger ferry departs from Penzance daily, with excellent rail and bus links and plenty of parking nearby. From popular destinations such as St Ives, Porthleven, Porthcurno, Land’s End and Hayle – you can be at our Penzance departure point in under 30 minutes.
The journey itself is part of the experience – offering panoramic views of Cornwall’s rugged coastline, open ocean, and passing wildlife. Arriving at St Mary’s, you’re greeted with crystal-clear water, white sand, and a pace of life that’s instantly relaxing.
Spend your time exploring the island’s hub, Hugh Town, where galleries, delis and cafés spill onto the streets. Stroll the coastal path around The Garrison, rent bikes, or simply relax on one of the many nearby beaches.
A bite to eat? Our competition prize included a tapas-style sharing lunch at Dibble & Grub, right on Porthcressa beach – but St Mary’s is full of flavourful finds, from beach cafés and seafood sarnies to picnic spots with unbeatable scenery.
Want to upgrade your adventure? Why not travel by Skybus, or choose to fly out and sail back, giving you even more time on the islands and a bird’s-eye view of the Cornish coastline.
Discover more about Isles of Scilly Travel day trips.
5 Reasons these Cornish boat trips belong on your bucket list this summer
1 Easy to reach and completely unique - You don’t have to travel far to feel a world away. Whether it’s the subtropical beauty of the Isles of Scilly or the timeless charm of St Mawes, both are incredibly accessible but totally distinct.
2 See Cornwall by ferry, along some of the most scenic routes - Swap summer traffic for sea breezes. Travelling by ferry gives you a fresh perspective on Cornwall’s coastline and makes for a journey as memorable as the destination.
3 Suitable for all types of travellers - Perfect for families, solo wanderers, locals looking for something different, or holidaymakers wanting to explore more of the region. You can go as relaxed or as adventurous as you like.
4 It’s affordable - With day trip fares between £15 and £35, these are great-value boat trips in Cornwall. You don’t need to splash out to enjoy a big experience.
5 You can do both this summer - With the St Mawes Ferry running from Falmouth to St Mawes up to three times an hour throughout summer and with Scillonian sailings running daily in peak season, it’s easy to tick off both trips in a single weekend or over the course of the school holidays.
Start planning your on-the-water adventures
Book your St Mawes outing, plan your Scillonian III day trip, and recreate the prize package and ultimate two-day adventure for yourself!