Padstow Sealife Safaris - Wildlife Watching Boat Trips Cornwall Reviews Summary

Category: Boat tour agency

Address: North Quay, Padstow, PL28 8AF, United Kingdom

Phone: +447754822404

Rating: 4.8
based on 159 reviews.

Wildlife Sightings

Pros:

  • "We saw various seabirds, a few seals and to our delight some dolphins- who we kept alongside for quite a while."
  • "Fantastic on all counts adrenaline of the ride, seeing Dolphins, seals and a variety of birds."
  • "We were lucky to see a Puffin, several seals and a pod of dolphins swam right next to us for ages allowing for lots of photos and enjoyment from everyone on board."
  • "We saw plenty of dolphins, seals, jellyfish and some large fish which made the entire experience worth it."
  • "We were lucky and saw seals, sea birds including gulls and shags and the best part was getting to see dolphins feeding and playing."
  • "We saw a handful of seals around the cave which was great, but highlight was going 8 miles off shore where the crew found a pod of around 20 dolphins who we spend 25 minutes around."
  • "We were lucky enough to see dolphins, tuna fish (yes, really!), seals, jellyfish, numerous birds and a very brief whale spotting."

Cons:

  • "It's a shame as we didn’t manage to see the dolphins, but of-course it’s never guaranteed."
  • "We did see lots of cormorants, shags and shearwaters quite close up but unfortunately no puffins, seals or cetaceans who had clearly found somewhere calmer to be."
  • "We seen some seals unfortunately no dolphins. I thought I would be really disappointed but I wasn't bothered as the safari was amazing and worth every penny."
  • "We never got to see any seals, or dolphins etc, but please appreciate the sea was rough on the day we attended and they would have been hard to spot."
  • "Sadly the dolphins were hiding this time."
  • "If it hasn’t been the dolphins (which we were told quite rare to see that many) I would have been disappointed."
  • "Terrible in every possible way. Far too fast to witness any animal. We actually zoomed past two seals without slowing. Massive waste of money and time."

Staff and Guides

Pros:

  • "Staff were helpful and knowledgeable."
  • "Our talker Vicky and the Skipper (sorry forgot his name) were great. Vicki was very knowledgeable about the sealife and places were visited."
  • "Lovely staff and their knowledge was unbelievable as they not only pointed out wildlife but telling us all about them."
  • "The guides are very knowledgeable and professional."
  • "The person who managed the booking was really friendly and helpful."
  • "Emma was our guide and she was charming, friendly and super knowledgeable, she really helped make the trip."
  • "The staff were super lovely and we felt in capable hands."

Cons:

  • "Also very little knowledge on any of the animals and no respect for customers safety or comfort... Far better wildlife safari trips for less money all over Cornwall."
  • "Staff are friendly and helpful but there was no safety kit onboard."
  • "The staff were lovely from the moment I booked all the way through to the end, where I got a surprise partial refund as we ended up being on the water a little less time than promised."
  • "Extremely disappointing experience from sea life Padstow Cornwall today."
  • "24 hour before the trip I received a message that due to the weather the trip has been cancelled and not postponed."
  • "That is quite understandable given the weather but to not offer us another date in the week is disappointing to say the least."
  • "The ride was very dangerous and my mother and my partner felt very sick!"

Boat Experience

Pros:

  • "The boat ride was fun and I felt safe throughout."
  • "The scenery we saw was stunning and the ride was really exciting over the waves."
  • "The ribbed boat was stable despite traveling at speed."
  • "The boat ride itself, albeit choppy from the weather, was very fun and the weather only enchanted how fun the boat ride was."
  • "Loved the speed, bumping over the waves and the slalom at the end!!"
  • "The boat is a thrill, speedy and surprisingly smooth over the swells."
  • "Boat was fast and amazing fun."

Cons:

  • "The boat trip was absolutely petrifying and my son was very traumatised by how rough the sea was."
  • "After leaving the waves were so strong and we were so scared that after 5 minutes we asked to slow down and drive more safely - the request was not granted, the ride was very dangerous and my mother and my partner felt very sick!"
  • "On the 2 hour sealife safari, we sat at the front and both of us ended up with bruises from slamming down over the waves."
  • "The seats on the boat were much too narrow to seat 3 side by side. This left everyone wedged in, and the 2 hour trip left my girlfriend and I in pain."
  • "We unfortunately had an accident as the boat goes at high speed and you land unexpectedly with force on your seat."
  • "This is NOT a pleasure boat, it’s a fast rib boat and can be bumpy, you may get thrown around. Expect that, it’s all part of the thrill."
  • "NONE of the water resistant clothing fitting properly and I'm a size 20. They definitely need to upgrade to some plus size outfits."

Value and Recommendation

Pros:

  • "I highly recommend this sea safari to all."
  • "Best boat trip we have ever been on, thank you!"
  • "Love this trip! Would highly recommend!"
  • "Honestly can recommend these guys. We really enjoyed it!"
  • "Would highly recommend this to anyone (locals or holiday makers)!"
  • "Can’t wait to come again!"
  • "We can't wait to come back out with you again!"

Cons:

  • "Utter waste of £210!"
  • "Very poor service. Had a 2hr sealife safari booked for 5 people almost £200! Got there a few minutes later because of traffic and couldn’t find parking."
  • "Terrible in every possible way. Far too fast to witness any animal. We actually zoomed past two seals without slowing. Massive waste of money and time."
  • "The walk can be testing. Not the companies fault, just nature, but a fairly long and difficult walk during low tide if you have walking issues."
  • "Had a 2hr sealife safari booked for 5 people almost £200!"
  • "I would have been disappointed."
  • "Sadly the dolphins were hiding this time."

Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.