8 Hour | Ultimate All-Day Whale Watching and Pelagic Seabird Experience
Join us on our longest cruise for an in-depth wildlife watching experience!
Brand New for 2026! Due to popular demand, we are launching our Ultimate All-Day Whale Watching and Pelagic Seabird Experience!
This 8 hour cruise is for dedicated and seasoned naturalists. With a full day available to explore, we have the opportunity to go the extra mile, heading further offshore and exploring a wider area than on any of our other cruises.
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By doing this, we dramatically increase the chances of encountering an outstanding array of megafauna. This cruise was specifically designed to search for, and record, the awe-inspiring and continually popular fin whale, the second largest animal in the world, as well as long-finned pilot whales, sei whales, humpback whales and any other large cetaceans which might be waiting for us over the course of our full day of ocean exploration. We also hope to encounter bluefin tuna in their spectacular hunting frenzies.
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For those interested in birdwatching, there will be ample opportunities to enjoy some of our rarer pelagic seabirds as we head offshore. 2025 brought the first Scopoli’s shearwater recorded in Falmouth Bay, with some cruises boasting 5 different shearwater species. These dedicated pelagic cruises also bring sightings of storm petrels, including the rarer Wilson’s petrel, as well as all the skuas. These exciting species are just some of the pelagic seabirds you may encounter on your cruise.
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Our experienced Captain and guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing their wealth of knowledge. However, we love to encourage maximum client participation on these all-day trips. Photography is actively encouraged!
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Please note that specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as these are wild animals and nature is so unpredictable. However, we will always go the extra mile in our continual quest to find the most exciting wildlife possible for you all to marvel at, photograph and thoroughly enjoy.
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Conservation is at the heart of all we do here at AK Wildlife Cruises. We always encourage client participation and citizen science, with any of your sightings contributing to the wealth of data that we gather on every single cruise. This data is then freely shared with local conservation groups and charities, including Cornwall Wildlife Trust, to protect our wonderful wildlife for generations to come. All of this is only possible with your kind and generous support.
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If you are passionate about nature and would love nothing more than to spend your day engrossing yourself in this phenomenal marine world, this is the cruise for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance on which cruise will suit your needs best.
Secure your spot on our brand new 8 hour cruise today!
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Minimum Total Booking Numbers
If cruise numbers are too low, we may offer you the opportunity to rebook, or a discounted price on a private cruise . Our maximum capacity is 12 people, ensuring an intimate and personalised adventure. If in doubt call us!
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Our wildlife cruises are suitable for all ages and abilities. Please enquire if you or anyone in your group have any specific support needs.
We are based at Falmouth Premier Marina on North Parade, where there is car parking available. Pease pay at the machine before you leave. Google maps will show you exactly where to go. See the contact us page for more details.
Book Now | AK Live Cruise Diary or CALL : 07553-606838
Enjoying Whales the Wildlife Safe Way
AK Wildlife Cruises was the first ever company to be endorsed as an accredited Wildlife Safe Operator by the WiSe Scheme, and we are also proudly recognised by WiSe as a Wildlife Safe Master. We aim to exceed all best practices issued by WiSe, as well as those set out in both the DEFRA Coastal Wildlife Code, and the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code of Conduct. We have been a SeaWatch Foundation Recommended Operator every year consecutively since 2006.
Our owner and skipper, Captain Keith Leeves, has been running dedicated wildlife tours in Falmouth since 2003; making him not only the longest-standing wildlife tour operator in the area, but in the whole of England! His vast wealth of experience from nearly 50 years as a professional wildlife guide enables us not only to find the very best marine wildlife Cornwall has to offer, but treat it with the highest levels of respect and deference.
In The Event of Rough Weather
On all our wildlife trips advertised if for any reason the weather becomes too rough to leave the Carrick Roads and head offshore, we will still carry on with the trip but head back up the Carrick Roads and explore our wonderful and wildlife-rich Fal estuary which stretches all the way up to Truro.
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These rivers are full of lots of wildlife and on board a boat is a beautiful way to explore the small creeks. A plethora of waders, deer and waterbirds can be seen, as well as visits from our seals, inshore dolphins and porpoises. Classified as a Special Area of Conservation, the Fal Estuary is nationally important for several migratory and waterbirds, such as ospreys, black-necked grebes and red breasted merganser.
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The Fal is the third deepest natural harbour in the World and has over sixty miles of coastline and beautifully wooded bank side shore within this vastly diverse and rich in wildlife marine and estuary habitat.
What to expect on the Wildlife Cruise from Falmouth
Before hand
We can't wait to welcome you aboard our wildlife cruise! Before we set sail, please gather outside the marina reception at Falmouth Premier Marina. Our friendly crew will be there to greet you with warm smiles and provide you with any necessary information to make your experience seamless and enjoyable. As you arrive, you'll find convenient parking available at the marina, although we kindly ask you to note that small parking fees apply.
For those who have booked their cruise over the phone, rest assured that you will receive all the essential details to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. We want you to have the best time possible, so we kindly recommend dressing warmly and bringing full waterproofs, especially during the colder months. This will ensure that you stay comfortable and dry throughout the entirety of the trip, regardless of the weather conditions.
Our priority is to ensure that you're well-prepared and equipped for an extraordinary wildlife adventure along Cornwall's stunning coastline. By dressing appropriately and bringing the necessary gear, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the marine environment without any worries. Get ready to embark on a memorable journey filled with remarkable wildlife encounters and breathtaking coastal scenery. Your adventure awaits!
The Route
The beauty of our wildlife cruises lies in the unpredictability of the route. With each journey, we embark on an exciting expedition where the route is never the same. Setting sail from Falmouth Premier Marina, we'll venture out to sea, eagerly exploring the wonders of Cornwall's coastline. Our experienced crew will guide us either east or west along the Cornish coast, seeking out the most marvelous wildlife encounters.
In the event that weather conditions present challenges for venturing further offshore, rest assured that the adventure continues. We adapt and make the most of the circumstances, redirecting our course back up the Carrick Roads. Exploring the remarkable and wildlife-rich Fal estuary, we delve into its hidden treasures. Prepare to be captivated by the diverse array of marine life that calls this estuary home. From playful seals to an abundance of seabirds, the Fal estuary offers a unique and enchanting wildlife experience.
Regardless of the route taken, our mission is to ensure that you have an exceptional wildlife cruise. Our knowledgeable crew will share fascinating insights into the local ecosystem, pointing out wildlife sightings and providing a deeper understanding of the natural wonders that surround us. So, embark on this thrilling journey with us, embracing the excitement of the unknown as we navigate the captivating waters of Cornwall's coastline and estuaries.
Expert Guidance
Prepare to be in expert hands during your wildlife cruise adventure. Captain Keith, with over 40 years of boating experience and a deep passion for wildlife watching, will be your trusted guide throughout the trip. His extensive knowledge and expertise ensure that every excursion is as exciting and memorable as possible, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all passengers on board. Captain Keith's enthusiasm for marine life is contagious, and his knack for finding the best wildlife sightings will leave you in awe.
Joining Captain Keith is a dedicated and knowledgeable crew who share a passion for the local flora and fauna of the Cornish waters. They are well-versed in the intricate details of the marine ecosystem, and their expertise adds an extra layer of insight to your wildlife experience. Feel free to ask any questions that arise during the trip - our crew is more than happy to share their knowledge and provide fascinating tidbits about the wildlife you encounter.
With Captain Keith at the helm and the support of our skilled crew, you can rest assured that you are in the company of experts who are committed to creating a safe, educational, and exhilarating wildlife cruise. Their combined experience and dedication to marine conservation ensure that you have an extraordinary journey filled with remarkable wildlife encounters and a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Cornwall's waters.