Self Drive Boat Rides

at St Ives Boat Services
Saint Ives Available until Mon 14 Sept

No experience required

Book St Ives Boat Rides & enjoy the freedom of self‑drive boat hire in St Ives

  • Take control of your own motorboat and explore the waters around St Ives
  • No experience needed – easy‑to‑drive boats with steering wheels
  • Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends
  • Boats seat up to 6 people (maximum of 4 adults per boat)
  • Suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a great family activity
  • Life jackets provided for everyone, including dogs
  • Book online now and enjoy one of the most fun and flexible boat experiences in St Ives!

Self‑Drive Boat Hire with St Ives Boat Rides

  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages!
  • Duration: 30 minutes or 1 hour
  • Boat Type: 6hp outboard motorboats with steering wheels
  • Capacity: Seats up to 6 people (max 4 adults)
  • Safety: Life jackets provided for all passengers and dogs
  • Departure Point: St Ives Harbour, W Pier, Wharf Rd, Saint Ives, Cornwall TR26 1LH

Fun, easy & family‑friendly boat hire in Saint Ives

Self‑drive boat hire with St Ives Boat Rides is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable for everyone. With well‑maintained boats and simple controls, guests can confidently take to the water and enjoy a relaxed ride without the need for prior boating experience.

  • See the beauty of St Ives Coast
  • No experience required
  • All lifejackets included
  • Brief & tutorial on how to drive the boat with experienced boat operators and skippers
  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time

Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or a laid‑back way to enjoy time on the water, self‑drive boat hire with St Ives Boat Rides offers a fantastic experience for all ages. Book your self‑drive boat today and create unforgettable memories on the water in St Ives.

Location

St Ives Harbour

W Pier,
Wharf Rd,
Saint Ives,
Cornwall,
TR26 1LH
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Departure Point: St Ives Harbour, W Pier, Wharf Rd, Saint Ives, Cornwall TR26 1LH

Facilities
  • Well-behaved dogs welcome
More Info
Are St Ives Boat Services wheelchair accessible?

St Ives Boat Services is not fully wheelchair accessible.

  • The harbour has steps leading to the departure points, and there is no step‑free access available.
  • All passengers must be able to move up and down at least three steps to board the boat. 
What age are St Ives Boat Services suitable for?

St Ives Boat Services trips are suitable for all ages, making them a brilliant option for families, couples and multi‑generational groups.

  • Babies are welcome on board, with under 1s able to travel for free.
  • The crew prioritises safety and provides lifejackets or buoyancy aids for all passengers.
What’s included in St Ives Boat Services tours?

Every St Ives Boat Services tour includes a scenic cruise aboard the ‘Four Sisters’, the largest passenger vessel in St Ives.

Trips are led by fully qualified, experienced skippers with in‑depth local knowledge, giving guests the best possible chance to spot wildlife while enjoying Cornwall’s dramatic coastline in comfort and safety.

Where do St Ives Boat Services tours depart from?

All St Ives Boat Services tours depart from St Ives Harbour, with boarding at W Pier, Wharf Road, St Ives, TR26 1LF. This central harbour location makes trips easy to access for visitors exploring the town.

What wildlife can you see with St Ives Boat Services?

St Ives Boat Services offers fantastic wildlife‑spotting opportunities in St Ives Bay and the Western Approaches. Guests regularly see Grey Seals, with frequent sightings of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins. Depending on conditions, trips may also spot sunfish, basking sharks and a wide variety of seabirds, making every journey unique.

Find more fun

Things to do

Family Days Out Food and Drink History, Art and Museums Seasonal Events & Activities Sport Tickets Theatre and Live Events Theme Parks & Thrills Things To Do Indoors Things To Do Outdoors Trips and Tours Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife