If you're crossing the water on a winter's day and spot a disturbance on the surface ahead, look closely. It might just be a pod of dolphins breaking through the waves, their distinctive shape visible as they leap and play. Winter is peak dolphin season in Falmouth Bay, and we're launching Dolphin Watch to share these special moments with you.

Introducing Dolphin Watch

We're thrilled to launch Dolphin Watch, our new initiative to share the magic of these incredible encounters with everyone. When our crew spot dolphins, porpoises, or other marine wildlife, we'll be posting photos to our social media channels. It's our way of celebrating the extraordinary wildlife that exists in these waters, and inviting you to be part of it.

Winter might seem an unlikely time to be out on the water, but it's actually when our marine visitors put on their most spectacular performances. There's something wonderfully invigorating about wrapping up warm and heading out into the fresh Cornish air, knowing you might witness one of nature's most joyful displays.

A marine wildlife haven

The Carrick Roads - the third largest natural harbour in the world and the deepest in Western Europe - is far more than just a beautiful crossing. This ancient drowned river valley, varying from over 110 feet deep in the mid-channel to only two feet over the mudflats, creates a diverse range of marine habitats that attract an astonishing variety of wildlife throughout the year.

Dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, seals, and significant numbers of wintering birds all call these waters home or pass through regularly. And there's no better vantage point to witness this wildlife spectacle than from the deck of the ferry.

Meet our dolphin neighbours

Common Dolphins are the stars of our winter show. These highly social, playful cetaceans are smaller than you might expect, easily identified by the beautiful yellow-cream hourglass pattern along their sides. When conditions are right, multiple pods - sometimes numbering in the hundreds - can enter the Carrick Roads at once, drawn in by massive shoals of bait fish.

Watch for their acrobatics: spinning leaps, surfing the swell, and the thrilling sight of them bow-riding alongside the ferry, racing through the water as if performing just for you. These moments of connection with wild dolphins are utterly unforgettable.

Bottlenose Dolphins are the gentle giants of the dolphin world. Cornwall is home to a resident inshore group of around 36 individuals, considerably larger and grey in colour compared to their common cousins. While they're less frequently spotted in Falmouth Bay, a bottlenose sighting - usually of solitary individuals or small groups - is always special.

Harbour Porpoises, the UK's smallest cetacean, are the shy members of the family. Look for their distinctive round, beakless heads and small triangular dorsal fins. They're more elusive than dolphins, typically travelling in small groups of half a dozen or fewer, and prefer to keep their distance. Each year we report multiple porpoise sightings from the ferry.

And occasionally, we're blessed with truly extraordinary visitors. Minke whales and humpback whales have both made appearances in the Carrick Roads in recent years, reminding us that these waters are part of something much larger and more mysterious.

Why the St Mawes Ferry is your best seat in the house

There's something uniquely special about encountering wildlife on a working ferry journey. Our crew make this crossing multiple times daily throughout the year, giving them an intimate knowledge of where and when wildlife is most likely to appear. They know these waters like nowhere else.

The regular schedule means you can plan your trip with confidence, and our frequent sailings throughout the day increase your chances of a sighting during peak activity times. Plus, you're travelling with purpose - whether heading to St Mawes for lunch, exploring the coastal paths, or simply enjoying a winter's day on the water.

The ferry's steady pace and elevation provide excellent viewing conditions, and our crew are always happy to point out wildlife when they spot it. Many of our most magical Dolphin Watch photos have been captured by passengers with nothing more than a phone camera.

Responsible wildlife watching

The Fal Estuary is home to a phenomenal diversity of wildlife, and we actively encourage wildlife-watching from our boats as this can create some of our most memorable experiences. However, marine animals are vulnerable to disturbance, particularly during breeding, wintering or moulting seasons, and we must respect their wild nature by behaving appropriately and responsibly around them.

Our skippers are considerate of all wildlife and will always minimise disturbance by allowing plenty of space and reducing speed and noise when animals are nearby. This careful, respectful approach protects the wildlife we all love to see. It's wildlife watching done right - and it's another reason why the ferry offers such a special way to experience the marine life of the Carrick Roads.

Your Dolphin Watch adventure awaits

The St Mawes Ferry runs every single day throughout January and beyond. Winter crossings have their own special character - crisp air, dramatic light, and the best dolphin watching of the year.

So wrap up warm, bring your camera, and join us for a crossing. Follow our social media channels to see the latest Dolphin Watch sightings and let them inspire your next trip across the Carrick Roads. When you spot dolphins yourself, tag us in your photos - we love sharing your encounters too.

This winter, the greatest show in Cornwall is out here on the water, where wild dolphins play in one of the world's most spectacular natural harbours. And your seat is waiting.

  Book your crossing today and become part of Dolphin Watch.

  For sailing times and bookings, visit our website. Don't forget to follow St Mawes Ferry on social media for daily Dolphin Watch updates throughout the season!