Private Skippered Boat Trips · Falmouth, Cornwall

Your own stretch of Cornish coast.

Explore Falmouth Bay, the Helford and St Mawes aboard Carmen Rose, a private speed boat just for your group. Up to seven guests, dog-friendly, tailored to you by an experienced local skipper.

Up to 7 guests Dog-friendly From £235 RYA-qualified skipper

Or call Giles on 07909 139437

A Unique Experience, Every Time

Tailored to your group, shaped by the tide.

Every charter is different, shaped by tides, weather, and what is happening along the coast that day. From April to October the bay comes alive with regattas, visiting yachts, seabirds, seals, and sometimes dolphins.

Explore hidden coves and secluded anchorages reachable only from the water. Stop at the Pandora Inn for a drink, anchor off a quiet beach for a swim, or simply sit back while Giles finds the perfect spot.

Up to 7
Guests per private trip
Apr–Oct
Season
3rd
Deepest natural harbour in the world
Carmen Rose anchored in clear bay water
Sun deck with Pendennis Castle in the distance

Tailored to You

Not sure which trip? Let's find it.

Two quick questions. We will point you to the trip that suits your group, then you can check availability.

Who's coming aboard?

Trips & Prices

Choose your time on the water.

Prices are for private hire of the whole boat for your group of up to seven, including skipper, fuel, and lifejackets.

90-Minute Tour

Ninety-Minute Tour

£235

Includes £120 deposit

Ideal for younger families or a first taste of the water. Time for a thrill and a sedate cruise, taking in coastal scenery and historic sights.

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Most Popular

Most Popular

Two-Hour Trip

£295

Includes £150 deposit

Our most popular trip. Explore the Helford, cruise the river Fal into St Mawes and Flushing, or anchor off a beach for a swim. Beautiful at sunset.

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Half Day

Half-Day Charter

£475

Includes £200 deposit

Three and a half hours to explore most of the area, stop at a waterside pub for lunch, swim, or picnic in a quiet cove.

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Full Day

Full-Day Charter

£825

Includes £300 deposit

Around seven hours. The ultimate relaxed day: wildlife, an on-board picnic, swimming, and visits to famous waterside pubs like the Pandora Inn.

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Sunset

Sunset Cruise

From £295

2 hours

Bring some bubbly and watch the sun cast its glow across the bay. A peaceful, unforgettable end to the day for couples or small groups.

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Every Private Trip Includes

Experienced skipper
All fuel
Lifejackets provided
Route tailored to you
Up to 7 guests

No hidden extras. The price is for private hire of the whole boat for your group.

More Ways to Enjoy the Bay

Tailored experiences.

Dog enjoying a trip aboard Carmen Rose

Dog-Friendly Trips

Bring the whole family, four legs included. Safe, comfortable, and welcome on board.

Learn more
Celebrating a special occasion on the water

Weddings & Proposals

Arrive by sea, pop the question, or celebrate with champagne on the water.

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Guided fishing aboard Carmen Rose

Luxury Fishing

Guided by a professional fishing coach. All gear provided, beginners welcome. Up to 4 guests.

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Private water taxi transfer across the bay

Water Taxi & Transfers

Fast private transfers between Falmouth, St Mawes, the Helford and waterside restaurants.

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A relaxed celebration cruise around the bay

Hen Parties & Celebrations

A relaxed cruise with a posh breakfast or fizz, tailored to your group's day.

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A quiet stretch of Cornish coastline at sea

Ash Scattering at Sea

A private, dignified, and personal farewell at sea, arranged with care and sensitivity.

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Where We Explore

From St Anthony's Lighthouse to Nare Head.

We explore Falmouth Bay, St Mawes, Flushing, the River Fal, the Helford River and the surrounding coastline, across a wide stretch of South Cornwall. The Carrick Roads, Mylor, St Just in Roseland, and the historic harbours and creeks around Falmouth.

  • St Mawes
  • Helford River
  • Pandora Inn
  • River Fal
  • Flushing
  • Mylor
  • St Just in Roseland
  • Carrick Roads
Drone view over St Mawes Castle and the Carrick Roads
Carmen Rose with skipper Giles at Mylor

Your Skipper

Meet Giles.

An experienced RYA power boat and sailing instructor, fully licensed by the local harbour authority for commercial charters. Having lived and worked these waters for many years, I know the area extremely well.

Carmen Rose carries no advertising and I wear no branded clothing, so for the duration of your trip nobody need know she isn't your own boat. I handle the boat, the mooring and your safe boarding, so you can simply relax. And if anyone fancies a go at the helm, you are very welcome, under supervision of course.

  • RYA qualified
  • Harbour authority licensed
  • Local knowledge
  • Fully insured

★★★★★

What Guests Say

Days remembered for years.

★★★★★

Giles took us right up the Helford and found a quiet cove where the kids swam straight off the boat. They have not stopped talking about how fast it went. A genuinely lovely afternoon.
Hannah

★★★★★

We brought our spaniel along and he was made to feel as welcome as we were. Anchored off a beach near St Mawes for a swim, then watched the sun go down with a glass of fizz.
Marcus

★★★★★

Giles knows every creek and cove, and his local knowledge made the trip. We saw seals near the Carrick Roads and stopped at the Pandora Inn for lunch. Perfect for our small group.
Priya

★★★★★

Booked the two-hour trip for our anniversary and it was the highlight of the week. Calm, private, and beautifully relaxed. Giles even let me have a turn at the helm on the way back.
Eleanor

★★★★★

Three generations of our family on board and everyone loved it. The little ones adored the speed, the grandparents loved the scenery, and the dog slept the whole way home. We will be back next summer.
Tom
Read more on our testimonials page

Good to Know

Questions, answered.

Still wondering? Call Giles on 07909 139437

Suncream, a few layers, and soft-soled shoes are ideal, along with any drinks and snacks you would like on board. Most groups bring something to nibble while at anchor. We provide lifejackets in all sizes.

Giles monitors conditions closely in the days before your trip. If the weather looks unsafe or unpleasant we will reschedule to another day that suits you, or arrange a refund of your deposit. Your comfort and safety come first.

Yes, fully. Carmen Rose is genuinely dog-friendly and well-behaved dogs are welcome on every trip. Just let us know when you book so we can have water and a comfortable spot ready for them.

Yes, children are very welcome and the boat is a brilliant adventure for them. We carry lifejackets in all sizes, including for the smallest guests, and Giles adjusts the pace to suit everyone on board.

We usually depart from Falmouth, and pickups are flexible. Giles can collect your group from St Mawes, Mylor and other points around the bay by arrangement. Let us know what works best for you when you book.

Yes, if you fancy it. Anyone is welcome to take the helm under Giles's supervision, with a few simple pointers first. There is no pressure either way, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride if you prefer.

Get in Touch

Plan your trip with Giles.

Phone07909 139437 Emailgiles@falmouthbaytailoredtours.co.uk
WhereFalmouth, Cornwall · April to October

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