ST IVES BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Self‑drive along the St Ives coast: small outboards, big views
Half‑hour to one‑hour self‑drive boat rides from St Ives, with life jackets, instructor briefing and options for short fishing trips.
Self‑drive along the St Ives coast: small outboards, big views.
Red Self Drive Boat Rides put the St Ives shoreline within reach: compact, easy‑to‑handle craft that let families, first‑time skippers and dog owners pilot their own short coastal excursions while staff provide boarding assistance and instruction.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Direct access to the St Ives coast
Self‑drive boats are designed for short coastal outings so you can approach the shoreline and take in the scenery at your own pace.
No previous experience required
Boats are simple to handle, equipped with steering wheels, and staff provide a tutorial and hands‑on instruction before departure.
Life jackets and on‑water support
Life jackets are provided for everyone aboard (including dogs), staff assist with boarding, and patrol boats and qualified skippers operate on the water for safety.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Short, tidy outings that put you in control: after a briefing by waterside staff you cast off in a 6hp outboard craft for a half‑hour to one‑hour circuit of the immediate St Ives shoreline — a hands‑on way to explore the coast, try a little fishing, or simply look back toward the town from the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips run for between a half hour and one hour.
Life jackets are provided for everyone (including dogs) and a driving tutorial is included; arrive prepared for variable coastal weather.
You must arrive at the ticket kiosk at least 15 minutes before your booked departure time; contact the operator if you wish to rent more than two boats.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the trips?
Trips are offered from a half hour up to one hour.
Do I need prior boating experience?
No experience is required—staff provide a driving tutorial and steering wheels make the boats easy to handle.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes—dogs are allowed and life jackets are provided for pets.
How many people fit on a boat?
Boats seat up to six people, with a maximum of four adults.
What safety measures are in place?
Life jackets are provided for all aboard, waterside staff assist with boarding and instruction, and patrol boats and RYA‑qualified skippers operate for on‑water safety.
Do I need to arrive early?
Yes—you must arrive at the ticket kiosk at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
Can I hire a boat for fishing?
Yes—self‑drive boats can be hired for a few hours for fishing; terms and prices are available on request.
Can I book more than two boats?
If you'd like to rent more than two boats you should call the operator to make arrangements.