PENZANCE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Into the Chum Line: Blue Shark Snorkelling off Penzance
A full‑boat, eight‑hour snorkel venture into deep Mounts Bay (late July–October) to encounter blue sharks and offshore cetaceans — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Into the Chum Line: Blue Shark Snorkelling off Penzance.
These unique snorkelling tours head far offshore into the deep waters of Mounts Bay and beyond to swim with elusive blue sharks attracted by a laid chum trail. Expect long periods of waiting at sea, potentially choppy conditions and the chance to see dolphins, whales and seabirds en route; as with all wildlife encounters, sightings are never guaranteed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Blue Sharks — the main draw
Tours are built around attracting blue sharks into deep water using a chum trail; participants may also encounter dolphins, whales and a variety of seabirds during transit.
Patience at sea: chum, wait, then snorkel
Operators lay a chum mix and it can take several hours before sharks appear, so the outing involves long periods of waiting and a readiness to capitalize when animals arrive.
Private‑charter, small groups
These snorkelling trips run on a whole‑boat charter basis with a recommended maximum of four participants and an absolute maximum of five, creating an intimate offshore experience.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect an eight‑hour day that takes you well beyond the shore into deep water. The flow is simple but deliberate: a long transit where you may see cetaceans and seabirds, the deployment of a chum trail and then extended waiting for sharks to be drawn in; when sharks appear, competent snorkellers enter the water in full wetsuit kit, while others may observe from the boat.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think again.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tours run from the end of July through October when blue sharks begin appearing in local waters; the outing is an eight‑hour full‑boat charter.
Participants must provide their own snorkelling equipment where possible; for safety you are required to wear a full‑length, dark‑coloured wetsuit with gloves and hood (a minimum of 5mm is suggested). Cover shiny equipment (camera cases, buckles) and bring waterproof trousers and jacket if you plan to stay on deck.
These trips operate as whole‑boat charters: operators suggest a maximum of four participants and will take up to five; the minimum age to participate in the water is 14 (accompanied by an adult).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are shark sightings guaranteed?
No; sightings are not guaranteed and the operator does not offer refunds if sharks do not appear.
How long is the trip?
The trip duration is eight hours.
What is the minimum age to enter the water?
The minimum age to participate in the water is 14, and under‑18s must be accompanied by an adult.
How many people are on a trip?
Tours run as whole‑boat charters with a recommended maximum of four participants and an absolute maximum of five.
Do I need prior snorkelling experience?
Yes; participants must be competent in the water and have prior snorkelling experience to enter for the shark encounter.
What safety kit and clothing are required?
For safety you are required to wear a full‑length, dark‑coloured wetsuit, gloves and hood (a minimum of 5mm is suggested); waterproof trousers and a jacket are required for those who remain on deck. Operators advise covering any shiny equipment.