ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING YOUR PRIVATE SKIPPERED BOAT TRIP - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kind of private boat tours do you offer?
We offer private luxury speed boat trips for individual groups of up to seven, and are dog-friendly too. The types of trip you will get will be entirely up to you. Whether you'd like sight seeing with some exhillerating high speed thrown in, a relaxed river cruise, a coastal trip stopping for swimming, anchoring in a quiet bay for lunch, stopping at a waterside pub for a drink, trying a spot of fishing, a romantic sunset and prosecco trip, or all of the above and more - anything you want within reason can be catered for! It's your boat for the duration of the trip, and your friendly and experienced skipper Giles will tailor the trip to your exact requirements. If you have anything you'd particularly like to do or to see which might require a bit of forward planning or be dependent on certain tide tights (or you're not sure but would like to know, or would like some guidance or suggestions), just get in touch. Or we can have a chat on your arrival and play it by ear on the day depending on what you all prefer once you get a feel for the boat and the area!
How long do your boat trips last?
Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests allowed?
As the company name suggests, tours can be tailored to your exact requirements, and so any length of time within daylight hours is possible. But the most popular durations are ninety minutes, two hours, half-day (3.5 hours) and full-day (7 hours). These durations can be booked online or directly by contacting Giles. Start times are flexible and you will be given the choice of available start times online or when you speak with us. If you would like to book a different length trip, a luxury water taxi ride, or have any other special requests or questions, just drop him an email or give him a call. Giles's contact details are on the "CONTACT" page of this site, and all on the headers and footers.
The maximum number of guests the boat, Carmen Rose, is licensed for is seven, and there is no minimum number. Whether there's one, a couple, or seven of you, the whole boat will be your own, other than the addition of your skipper Giles (and possibly his spaniel Holly to, but she will be optional and won't be offended if you don't want her to join you...). It's a perfect boat for families, couples and groups of friends. If there are more than seven in your group, I can either work with other local boats so we can go out in convoy (a lot of fun!), or I've often split groups in the past so we leave some behind to spend some time in the pub or cafe at the marina for half the trip, before doing a swap over of some or all guests, depending on numbers in the group, mid-way to explore other areas for the second half of the trip. This has worked very well in the past and is more cost effective than hiring a bigger boat or two smaller ones. Always an option!
Will the boat trip go ahead if the weather is bad?
Unfortunately Cornwall cannot guarantee perfect weather every day. We will keep an eye on the forecast, and if it looks like it the day of your booking will be miserable, either through heavy rain or strong winds, we will give you the option to change dates if there is availability to do so, or refund in full all the monies you have paid if there isn't. Or, if you're really keen to go out and it's safe to do so, we'll head out and make the most of it. It's always beautiful around here, whatever the weather, and some of my most fun and memorable trips out have been when conditions have been far less than perfect! The odd shower won't stop the trip from going ahead, but if it looks like the weather will impact your enjoyment of the day, re-arranging or cancelling is the preferred route to take!
What's the policy if I want to cancel/re-schedule my booking
I try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to cancelling and re-scheduling. If you would like to re-schedule at any point, I will do my very best to accommodate your request and find a suitable gap to fit you in when it works for you. If this is down to bad weather and we're unable to find a suitable replacement, then I'll refund your deposit in full. If you'd like to cancel your trip for any other reason, then I ask for three day's notice and you will be refunded in full. Re-scheduling can be done at any point (if possible) at no cost. If you choose to cancel the trip for any other reason, I ask for three days advance notice and your deposit will be refunded in full. After this time, it'll be down to my discretion, but I try to be as reasonable as possible, particularly when unforeseen circumstances arise...!
That depends, but generally for those with at least moderate mobility, they will be very welcome and comfortable! Mylor has disabled parking near at the marina, and wheel chair friendly toilets too. Elderly guests can be dropped off around 70m from our departure point by car if they're unable to walk far, or just ask and I can organise a wheel chair to borrow here. In terms of the walk/wheel to the boat on the pontoon I usually operate from, there are no steps but the ramp down (grippy with hand rails on both sides)can be steep at low tide. I'm always there on hand to help though, and usually have the option of using a much more wheelchair friendly pontoon if required. Unfortunately, wheel chairs can't roll onto the boat, but the step on board is comltely level with the pontoon, over a gap of only a couple of inches. And then two short steps with plenty to hold onto and you'll be safely and comfortably sat down in the secure cockpit. I've taken plenty of happy customers out who are well in to their nineties, as well as several wheel chair users with very limited mobility. With a few strong helping hands, it's never been an issue so far!
Are the trips suitable for older people, or those in wheel chairs?
Are your skippered boat trips dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are very much welcome on board, and doggie life jackets of various sizes are also available should you think it's required. The cockpit area is very well enclosed and so safe for them too, although if your pet is very excitable, it can be best to keep them on their lead, especially if you decide to take them onto the front deck to fully appreciate the views and the wind in their fur! One of my most frequently asked qustions is whether I think a dog will enjoy the trip. And my answer is yes, I'm pretty sure they will. Even if sometimes they may be a little reluctant to get on board, and nervous for the first few minutes, they soon get a feel for it and gain in confidence. Then there's no stopping them in wanting to look around and get upon the seats for the best view! For more information, have a look at the dog friendly page
What ages of children are the trips suitable for?
Our boat trips are suitable for children of all ages. I carry lifejackets for babies, toddlers, small children and teenagers, and under 18's are required to wear them at all times when we're underway. It's a very safe and stable ride for young children under supervision, and they will absolutely love it! There's also a comfy bed down below if anyone needs a nap, and smaller kids love going to go down there to watch out of the windows - giving mum and dad some peace at the same time. Some (not all!) teenagers also like to hide down there with their phones... there is a USB point down there too.
What should we wear for our boat trip?
This is entirely dependent on the weather, but it is advisable to bring layers in addition to lightweight waterproof jacket as it is usually cooler on the water than on land, and there may be some spray when we're travelling at speed. Flip flops are the best footwear choice, although in summer's days you're most likely to be barefoot while aboard! ​ If you think you may want to go for a swim, bring towels and a swimming costume. While there is room to get changed in the cabin, headroom is limited, so I would suggest wearing your swimwear under your clothes to make life easier ​
Do you privide food and drink or can we bring our own?
As we are not licensed to serve any food or drink, unfortunately we cannot organise picnics on your behalf. However, we have a small fridge on board, so if you'd like to bring your own picnic/snacks/drinks (along with paper plates and cutlery - I have unbreakable cups on board) you are more than welcome! Alternatively, we can stop off at one of the waterside pubs for a bit to eat. It is advisable to book ahead if you're seeking more than a drink and bar snack as securing a table con the day can be trickier during summer months, but call/message Giles and he can advise and recommend the best options.
How much do private boat trips cost? Are there hidden costs?
For standard lengths of private boat trips, prices are fixed and are for your whole group and include all fuel. These costs are £235 total for ninety minutes (£120 deposit), £295 total for two hours (£150 deposit), £475 total for a half-day (3.5 hours, £200 deposit), or £825 total for a full-day (7 hours, £300 deposit). The only additional costs most people incur is for the parking at Mylor (£3-8 depending on how long you're parking for). However, if you require to be picked up or dropped off at a point other than Mylor Yacht Harbour, additional costs will be incurred to cover fuel and harbour fees. If you'd like more information on these costs, just contact Giles and he will be able to let you know what they will be in advance so you don't get any nasty surprises, but as a guide, to be picked up and dropped off from Falmouth would be £30, or likewise from St Mawes would be £50.
Do you offer fishing trips or allow guests to fish from the boat?
Your skipper is happy for you to bring a fishing road along and wll be happy to help where he can. However, he's not a fishing expert by any means... However, new for 2025, we've teamed up with local professional fishing guide Justin Keight - founder of Cornwall Adventures - to offer the ultimate Cornish boat fishing experience. Perfect for groups of up to four, even if some of you would like to sit back and relax while the others hopefully catch your supper! Go to the site menu to find out more on our Luxury Fishing Experience
picnic at anchor
birthday boat trip celebration drinks
relaxing on slow boat cruise along cornish coast with nibbles
picnic at anchor
brother and sister sitting on deck of their charter boat trying to catch crabs
soaking in the coastal sights near falmouth in cornwall
just relaxing on dog friendly boat tour
brother and sister sitting on deck of their charter boat trying to catch crabs
Where will our private boat charter leave from?
The usual pick up/drop off point is from Mylor, as there's plenty of reasonably priced parking, and the pontoons are accessible at all tide heights. However, it may be possible to pick you up from Falmouth, St Mawes, the Pandora Inn, Trelissick, Malpas or St Just in Roseland, although these will incur additional fees. There will be times when the tides will not allow Carmen Rose to access these locations, so get in touch before you book and I will advise as to what times will work on the date you are enquiring about.
I suffer from sea-sickness - will I feel ill on our boat trip?
What safety equipment is carried on board?
The short answer is - probably not! I've taken several hundred groups of passengers out on trips aboard Carment Rose over the past few years, and had a fairly large number of customers who have had this concern. Most, although not all, had taken the precaution of taking anti sea-sickness tablets before coming out, and maybe these helped. But nobody, even those who had forgotten to has been at all ill on any of my trips, other than a couple of guests feeling a little queasy if we went over larger swell. Carmen Rose is an open boat, and being able to see the horizon at all time probably helps, but the way she cuts through the water when going slowly and glides over waves when going more quickly means she feels very stable and secure - not of that nasty, slow rolling you get on bigger boats and ferries. And we're also lucky to be on very sheltered waters here. It's rare that we'll encounter anything other than very small waves or chop on our trip, and there will always be the option of heading to very calm water if we do and you would prefer it. No guarantees, but I will always do my very best to make sure all my customers have a comfortable and enjoyable ride!
Carmen Rose is fully licensed and insured to operate commercially and is fully equipped as such. All trips are run to make sure they are as safe and comfortable for our guests as possible, but in case of emergencies, Carmen Rose carries all the necessary equipment required, including (but this is not an exhaustive list) life jackets for all on board, 8 person life raft, VHF radios x2 (one DSC), flares, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, chart plotter, nav lights etc. etc. All the things hopefully we will never need, but are there in case we ever do!
Are there toilet facilities at the marina or on the boat?
Yes, there are public toilets at the marina including and a wheel chair friendly one too, and there is a sea toilet on boart the boat. The on board boat is in a fairly confined cabin space as the headroom is limited (although perfectly useable - it's just like a conventional loo) and is really only for number ones, but there are places we can stop off at various spots with facilities if anyone needs to. Just give your skipper Giles a bit of warning and he'll get you somewhere convenient!
Do you offer romantic sunset boat trips for couples?
Absolutely! There's nothing more relaxing than watching the sunset over the water with a loved one and a glass of something nice in hand! The views over the castles, coastline and countryside as the sun goes down are spectacular. And I've had several quests pop the big question on these trips. 100% success rate so far....! But no need to take it that far. Just sit back, relax and enjoy a magical boating experience. And I'm even more flexible than usual in terms of re-scheduling or cancelling if the weather is not looking great. I want it to be perfect for you too, so if it's not and we can't re-schedule, cancelling on the day for a full refund won't be an issue at all.
How do I book my boat trip with you?
If you would like to book a standard length boat trip and do not have any particular destinations in mind which may require a bit of tidal planning (eg stopping at the Pandora Inn, heading a long way up the Helford, going up specific creeks etc), just click on the "BOOK NOW" button and follow the steps. If you have any questions, just need a water taxi, have a specific request etc then just call, message or email Giles and he'll come back to you as promptly as possible. If you would prefer to book over the phone or via email, that's absolutely fine too. Hopefully see you soon!