AK Wildlife Cruises      We are dedicated wildlife boat operators. Captain Keith was the first operator in the UK to sign up to the WiSe accredited Scheme. We are also endorsed by the Sea Watch Foundation as a recommended boat operator and the WDCS (the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society). On all our boat trips we adhere closely to the recommended "Code Of Conduct" and we are always seeking new ways to cause as least impact on all our wonderful marine life and its sensitive species as possible. We encourage client participation and photography on all our whale and dolphin wildlife trips and freely offer all our sightings and data to the various conservation groups and Wildlife Trusts that we work closely with. On all our excursions we take in the beautiful Cornish coastline with its many hidden coves and quaint tucked away fishing villages either before we head offshore or on our return journey back to port. There is a full informative commentary throughout the journey and lots of opportunity for filming and photography during the voyage. " It's fun, exciting and pure adventure". We look forward to meeting you and sharing with you some of our wonderful Cornish marine life. Join us on one of our many Whale and Dolphin watching boat trips that run throughout the year, along this spectacular and sheltered coastline of Falmouth Bay in Cornwall. MonthsJanuary • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December DurationShort (1-3 hours) • Half-day (3-6 hours) • Full day (6-9 hours) Vessel typesSmall boat (0-50 passengers) Times and prices4 hour wildlife Cruise 10am - 2pm Adults £40 Children £35 Family Ticket, 2 adults, 2 children £135
3 hour Wildlife Cruise 3pm - 6pm Adults £30 Children £28 Family Ticket 2 adults 2 children £110
ALL DAY (7 hour) Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise 10am - 5pm Adults £70 Children age 12 and above, £60 Family Ticket 2 adults 2 children £245
About our skippers and naturalist guides
Capt. Keith's (CK as he is affectionally known as), wonderful enthusiasm, knowledge, friendliness and his passion for the natural world is second to none. With over thirty five years in the field and a unique understanding of the many hidden signs of the marine world, you could not be in better hands. He is famed for being the first to spot anything that moves in the sea, on land or in the air. CK is a fully qualified and vastly experienced skipper, a passionate naturalist, a profesional wildlife guide, an MMO and a Marine Mammal Medic, with many years of wildlife experience and conservation work from all over the world. FacilitiesAccess to wheelhouse • Deck with 360?vision • Naturalist guide(s) as well as skipper • On board hydrophone • Onboard research • PA system • Posters / displays / maps • Public participation in research • Reading material available • Restrooms / toilets on board • Scenic backdrop to encounters • Snacks / drinks • Support conservation • Use a code of conduct We frequentlyListen to whales and dolphins • See leaping dolphins • Watch whales and dolphins Baleen WhalesFin Whale • Minke Whale Toothed WhalesLong-finned Pilot Whale Ocean DolphinsBottlenose Dolphin • Risso's Dolphin • Short-beaked Common Dolphin • White-beaked Dolphin PorpoisesHarbour Porpoise Other wildlife and points of interestThroughout the twelve months of the year offshore from Falmouth, eight different species of cetacean can be seen. From the Dodman Point in the East to the Lizard Point in the West our area of operation, the coastline is stunning, dramatic and beautiful. The whole area is particularly well sheltered from all wind directions with the Lizard Peninsula stretching due South for eighteen miles into the Western Approaches and our many large sheltered Bays. The only wind directions to "blow us off" are just Easterlies or Southerlies. During the Winter months large aggregations of Common Dolphins can be found moving through our area and feeding offshore. Sometimes in " Super Pods " of over one thousand animals, accompanied by lots of new born calves. From January to March Fin Whales have been seen lunge feeding on shoals of small bait fish. If you are lucky enough to witness one of these spectacles and wonders of our Marine World, whilst being onboard Free Spirit, with its centrally heated cabin, its a sight that will stay with you forever. Several other species of cetacean can also pass through this area of Cornwall which include, Humpbacked Whale, Orca/ Killer Whale, Stripped Dolphins, Sei Whale, Northern Bottlenose Whale. Recently a live Dwarf Sperm Whale wad found stranded and was successfully re floated to happily swim off, from a beach in Mounts Bay. With Climate change one never knows today what may turn up next and no two trips are ever the same. During the Spring/ Summer months good numbers of Basking Sharks can be seen throughout our sheltered bays East or West along with Oceanic Sunfish, occasional Leather backed Turtles and a host of different Jellyfish. Bird life in our area is rich and varied and with our two striking and beautiful estuaries of the Helford and Fal anything can be seen from Birds of Prey, Waders, Ducks, Divers, Grebes, Geese and Kingfishers. Otters are also making a come back and Fallow Deer can be seen higher up the estuary. Along our cliffs many different birds and sea birds nest which include good numbers of Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, three pairs of nesting Peregrine Falcons, Ravens, Choughs, Shags, Cormorants, and a host of Gulls. Offshore good numbers of Pelagic sea birds pass by which include four different species of Skua, five different species of Shearwater and two different species of Storm Petrel. Specific Pelagic trips are run during the prime time to see these wonderful birds. Ospreys pass through our glorious estuaries twice a year on their passage migration and on a recent cruise up the Fal , thirty two different species of birds were recorded including three rarities which were Red Necked, Black Necked and Slavonian Grebes. Atlantic Grey Seals are resident in our area and pups are born every Autumn. All our wildlife trips out are not only geared for the novice naturalist but also for the expert a like. Clubs and Societies are encouraged, we only cater for small groups of eight people. So everyone gets a personalised service and loads of room to move around freely with seating inside our centrally headed cabin and outside for all . Thank you for taking the time to read through this and we will look forward to seeing you all on one of our exciting excursions offshore. AddressThe Docks
Town / CityFalmouth
State / CountyCornwall
Zip / PostcodeTR11 4NR
CountryUnited Kingdom
WebsiteTel01326 753389
 Laura Reddish First sightings!!! Traveled: 2013-05-02, Reviewed: 2013-05-12
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Having been out twice with AK Wildlife Cruises I have had 3 firsts! 2 pods of Bottlenose Dolphins (including a baby!) a couple of seals and a peregrine falcon. While not knowing a lot about seabirds, its impossible not to be caught up in Captain Keith's enthusiasm and love for the Cornish wildlife.
Sinead McMahon Flippin Awesome Traveled: 2013-05-02, Reviewed: 2013-05-04
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Having had no success in spotting dolphins in the three years that I have lived in Cornwall I decided to try my luck with A K Wildlife Cruises. I tried not to keep my hopes up in case I was truly a bad omen for spotting marine wildlife but I was not disappointed. The trip was an unforgettable experience. For nearly the entirety of the trip we were lucky enough to be in close proximity of 14 bottlenose dolphins with the chance to see them jumping, bow riding and deep diving. Captain Keith's enthusiasm and knowledge of the species really made the trip an excellent experience. His natural dolphin radar is truly outstanding and at no time was the wellbeing of the animals jeopardised. I couldn't have been a happier customer and will definitely be taking another trip with A K in the near future!
Rhian Amazing Ocean Adventure Traveled: 2013-05-04, Reviewed: 2013-05-03
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Every boat trip I have been on with AK wildlife cruises has been amazing. I have seen Bottlenose Dolphins on the boat 3 times which has been wonderful. Every encounter has been breath taking and its always exciting to spot new individuals in the pods. Captain Keith has a great eye for wildlife and I have never been out on a trip without him spotting something interesting in the ocean. On Thursday evening on the boat myself we had an encounter with 2 pods of dolphins which we believe was up to 14 individuals. It was great to see so many dolphins together in one area and just shows that the population is clearly strong. Captain Keith also has a passion for conservation and the preservation of these species which is a great attitude to have towards wildlife. The boat is currently doing ID work on Bottlenose and seals which provides great sighting data. The boat has also seen the first basking shark in cornwall recently which is amazing. I would recommend this boat operator for the most amazing adventures!
Richard Hollis Fantastic trips Traveled: 2013-05-02, Reviewed: 2013-05-02
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
I have been on a few trips recently, all of which were great! We have seen very rare birds (even Iceland gull!) as well as three cetacean species this week, with both dolphin pods having large numbers! (Bottlenose, common and harbour porpoise). We have also seen the first basking shark in the country for the year, which is a great privilege and one of the only auk colonies on the south coast.
I look forward to the next trip! Sophie Harriet Collier Baby Bottlenose Dolphin! Traveled: 2013-05-02, Reviewed: 2013-05-02
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Bottlenose dolphins in the Carrick roads once more! As usual the Skipper and crew were brimming with enthusiasm and showing us the bottlenoses already catalogued by their fins. The dolphins were being watched by several boats but the Free Spirit was kept at a distance and eventually the dolphins approached us! A magical site to see them leaping and feeding. Making it even more special was the tiny calf among the group - very sweet indeed! Thank you CK for another brilliant experience!
Billy Heaney Delightful Dolphins! Traveled: 2013-05-02, Reviewed: 2013-05-02
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
What a great trip out with AK Wildlife Cruises! Have been out several times with Captain Keith and have loved every second of every trip! CK's knowledge and enthusiasm is endless! We were fortunate enough to encounter what seemed like two pods of Bottlenose Dolphins socialising in the Carrick Roads of Falmouth!
We observed fishing and playing behaviour with a few spectacular breaches! What an afternoon! Thanks CK! :) Ben Yexley Great trips out with AK Wildlife Cruises Traveled: 2013-03-14, Reviewed: 2013-03-21
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
This was my second trip out with Captain Keith and AK Wildlife Cruises, and the conditions were excellent, so we all had our fingers crossed to find some cetaceans. Soon enough, we spied a group of around 4 harbour porpoise just off the bow - we kept our distance and kept quiet and sure enough, they appeared again, slowly swimming along in front of us as Keith told us a bit about their habits, which was excellent! Sadly, they were gone all too soon, but we carried on with the trip and managed to see all kinds of seabirds and a couple of seals too! However, just as we thought the trip had come to an end and we were just coming back into the docks, we spotted a lone, bottlenose dolphin duck under the boat just in front of us! We stopped and let him come back to us, and we had a great 10 - 15 minutes worth of him just swimming around the boat, getting us some great photos and a fantastic end to the trip!!
The whole trip felt professional and comfortable, and I never once felt like we were hassling any of the animals - Keith made sure to always slow right down or stop altogether and let the animals come to us or carry on with what they were doing. He was also really informative about the habits and behaviours of all the marine life we saw, and approached everything with enthusiasm, which really helped keep everyone interested and excited in spite of the cold weather! There's also excellent photo guides on board of all the bottlenose dolphin fins that have been encountered so far, all with nicknames and identifying features so you can ID them, which was really helpful, plus information about all cetacean sightings around Cornwall. I would highly recommend a trip out with AK Wildlife Cruises - I returned several times the following week to make the most of the excellent conditions, and was not disappointed with further sightings of seals, shearwaters, puffins and much more! Sophie Harriet Collier More Dolphins! Traveled: 2013-03-09, Reviewed: 2013-03-19
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
My second bottlenose dolphin encounter with this trip! The skipper explained that the crew recognized the individuals from their fin marks but a few were new to us. We remained at a distance while the dolphins were feeding in the area. Once they took an interest in our boat we were able to film them using underwater cameras - which they found as fascinating as we found them!
Having gone out with AK Wildlife cruises before I knew that the disturbance to the animals would be kept to a minimum and that the enthusiasm of the skipper and crew would never waver. Thank you again for a brilliant way to start the weekend! Georgia Clack Dolphin and porpoise encounter! Traveled: 2013-02-11, Reviewed: 2013-03-12
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
I had a great trip out in february, and we managed to see a pod of dolphins as well as a few harbour porpoises! Captain Keith was very respectful of the animals and we observed the animals feeding from the distance. The dolphins soon took an interest in the boat and started bow riding. Captain Keith is very informative and his enthusiasm shines through when he is doing the running commentary which is very educational.
We were encouraged to take photos of the dolphins and seals for identification purposes and research. It was a throughly enjoyable trip and I am looking forward to coming out on the boat again. Guy Freeman Another awesome dolphin encounter! Traveled: 2013-03-09, Reviewed: 2013-03-11
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
I was lucky enough to take another trip out with AK Wildlife Cruises, and once again we were lucky enough to get some incredible views of a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins! In our time out on the water we were able to watch the animals feeding and interacting with one another and it was brilliant to be able to observe them behaving naturally. However it was clear that the dolphins were in a playful mood and we were able to see plenty of spectacular breaches and tail-slapping! They also took an interest in the boat on a number of occasions and moved over to ride the bow and examine us from under the water.
After my previous cruise with Captain Keith and AK Wildlife Cruises I knew that I could expect the highest standard of trip, and I wasn't disappointed. Once again Keith was very careful to ensure the dolphins had space, and only interacted with us under their own terms. Despite being out on the boat a couple of months ago I still learnt a number of new things about the dolphins and the local area from the captain's excellent running commentary, and it was great to continue to work that we had previously started on identifying and recording these cetaceans from fin photos. Thanks for yet another amazing trip, and I can't wait to get out on the boat with you again! Anna John Top life experience Traveled: 2013-01-11, Reviewed: 2013-03-10
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
The trip was very well organised and planned, with Captain Keith informing us what we needed to bring and wear for the trip. It was a 4 hour excursion and during this time, we saw 6 bottlenose dolphins! We also saw a variety of sea birds, including gannets, fulmars, shags, and a variety of gulls, several grey seals, and even a peregrine falcon! The boat was really comfortable, with well positioned seats for viewing while the boat was moving and when it was stationary.
The heated cabin was really warm and cosy, and when we stopped for a cup of tea/coffee it was the perfect place to convene with Captain Keith and the Crew and chat about what we'd already seen and what we may see. When we found the pod of dolphin, Keith was really respectful of the animals space, and we slowly drifted towards them. Throughout the trip he told us about the conservation and vulnerability of the wildlife off the Cornish coast, and what projects are now in action trying to reduce the threat to this amazing wildlife. Overall, it was an amazing trip, and I will definitely be out with AK Wildlife Cruises again soon! Richard Hollis Amazing first trip! Traveled: 2013-03-09, Reviewed: 2013-03-10
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
I had a great first trip out, all crew members were very friendly and knowledgeable about the dolphins, of which were very lucky and saw seven individuals! Captain Keith was very respectful of the animals and the boat was controlled expertly. We also saw six species of gull and a well showing summer plumage guillemot bathing just outside Falmouth docks. The boat was very comfortable with a nice indoor area as well, I will definitely be back out again as soon as possible!
Jessica Nock Memories that will last forever Traveled: 2013-02-11, Reviewed: 2013-03-06
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
This was my first trip out with AK Wildlife cruises, and I hope it is not my last! We managed to see a diverse array of wildlife from cetaceans to birds, truly inspiring. Throughout every wildlife encounter, Captain Keith acted with care and attention to ensure the safety of both the wildlife and the clients, by maintaining the correct distance from the wildlife (e.g. cetaceans), to guarantee minimum stress on the animals. From the moment you step on the boat you can tell that AK wildlife cruises want to pass on as much information and their enthusiasm about marine wildlife, with posters and leaflets easily accessible to the clients. The education continues during the course of the trip, Captain Keith’s experience and knowledge means not a lot of wildlife is missed, and a running commentary is provided to give the client a fascinating insight into the lives and behaviour of the animals spotted as well as information provided on the sites visited, giving the client a local appreciation of the places they are visiting.
The enthusiasm that AK Wildlife cruises have for the natural environment and the wildlife it contains is definitely contagious and very early on into the trip everybody had their binoculars and cameras out, and with the new information given by Captain Keith readily searching for the tell-tale signs of cetaceans in the water. Our searching was soon rewarded as we came across a pod of common dolphins and we watched with delight and awe as they swam by. This was a particularly special moment for me, because it was the first time I had seen dolphins; so it is a memory I shall keep forever. Another highlight of the trip was the fact that Captain Keith managed to spot a pod of Harbour Porpoises, and keep telling those who were struggling to see them where they were and also information about them. We were incredibly lucky to see them as they are very shy, so it was fantastic that we managed to catch a quick glimpse of one of the smallest cetaceans before they moved away. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and I can’t wait to go out again with AK Wildlife cruises to learn more about the fantastic wildlife we have on Cornwall’s doorstep. Guy Freeman Brilliant dolphin encounter Traveled: 2013-01-11, Reviewed: 2013-02-28
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
We had an excellent trip out with AK Wildlife cruises, and we were lucky enough to find a group of six Bottlenose Dolphins!
The skipper, Captain Keith, was incredibly good at spotting wildlife out on the water, and he managed to pick out the dolphins while they were a long way off in the distance - I never would've seen them without his help! As we moved closer to the dolphins I was impressed with the way the boat kept a respectful distance from the animals, allowing them to continue feeding and playing undisturbed. However the dolphins soon became interested in us, and we were given breathtaking views as they played on the bow and swam alongside to get a better look at us! While we spent time with the dolphins I learnt a great deal about their biology and behaviour from the commentary by Captain Keith, and it was clear that he had an in-depth knowledge about the local area and its wildlife. The skipper was also able to lend us some useful id sheets and fact files which really added to the experience. We were encouraged to take photos of the dolphins, and these are going to be used to help build a photo-identification catalogue for the local area. It's great to know that our photos could be used to learn more about our local cetaceans and help to protect them. Overall it was an outstanding trip, and I will certainly be out on the water with AK Wildlife Cruises again in the future! Sophie Harriet Collier Adventures with local cetaceans! Traveled: 2013-01-11, Reviewed: 2013-02-25
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
The cetaceans we saw on the trip were bottlenose dolphins! Upon sighting the pod, the boat was slowed and we observed the animals feeding from a distance. Soon the dolphins took an interest in our boat and followed us as we moved away from the pod. It was absolutely amazing watching the dolphins bow ride and we even saw them find some debris to play with! Made more special that the dolphins wanted to approach us rather than being coerced by the boat.
Throughout the trip the skipper Captain Keith told us about the local area and wildlife and was more than happy to answer any questions we had. Captain Keith was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the local wildlife and helped us identify animals we saw with ID books aboard the boat and displayed pictures of cetaceans we were likely to see. The trip was an amazing experience with the dolphins but also we were encouraged to help take photos of the animals fins to contribute to local research. As a zoology student I found this hugely exciting to help with research and think it's great that money paid to the company also goes into the monitoring and protection of these wonderful animals. Thank you and see you on the water soon!! 
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