Helford River
The Helford River is a wonderfully unspoilt estuary stretching from the outer edge of Falmouth Bay up to the port of Gweek and it is just a short cruise from Falmouth Marina, passing Pendennis Point, Gyllyngvase, Swanpool and Maenporth beaches.
The coastline from Pendennis Point to the Helford is attractive with green fields running down to a rocky shore dotted with little beaches nestled between the rocks (and the odd shipwreck!). Just before the entrance to the Helford, August Rock (the green navigation buoy) also has its own tales to tell.
The Helford River is the perfect destination for your motor boat charter on Windana as you can enjoy this peaceful setting from the boat or enjoy the facilities provided by The Ferry Boat Inn which offers a relaxing spot to enjoy lunch from a particularly picturesque position on the creek.
The Helford is renowned for its mention in Daphne du Maurier’s novels and for the beautiful sub-tropical valley gardens of Glendurgan (National Trust) and Trebah, which is privately owned, leading down to Durgan village and Polgwidden Cove; famous for its part in the D-day embarkation.
Suggested Itineraries
A charter on board Windana can be booked for 2 persons, up to 10 persons, and tailored to suit your requirements or celebrations – larger parties can be booked by arrangement with a second boat.
Full Day Charter – 9.30am to 5.30pm
Morning Charter – 9.00am to 1.00pm
Afternoon Charter – 1.30pm to 5.30pm
Evening Charter – 6pm to 10pm
We are happy to arrange other times to suit you if these fit in with our other charter commitments. Suggested itineraries are included below but please do discuss any other special requirements you may have or if you have a specific destination that you wish to visit. Any proposed charter itinerary is subject to suitable weather conditions on the day and the Skipper’s decision is final.
Itinerary 1 – Half Day Charter
Depart Falmouth Marina, cruise through inner and outer harbour including the docks, travel north up the River Fal (Carrick Roads) past Mylor Harbour where you will find Castaways Wine Bar and Restaurant (a stop can be arranged if you wish) and on to Restronguet Creek and Point. Continue the cruise to Loe Beach, Pill Creek, Trelissick House and Gardens and past the King Harry Ferry. We can journey north to Truro (tides permitting) or return down river to visit the harbourside village of St Mawes and go ashore if you wish. If time permits we could cross Falmouth Bay and visit the picturesque Helford River before returning to Falmouth Marina in time for lunch.
Itinerary 2 – Full Day Charter
Similar to half day but taken at a slower pace so you can choose to visit one or more of the top quality pubs and restaurants in and around the river. Or you can choose to bring your own food with you and we can drop Windana’s anchor to relax and enjoy lunch on board.
Alternatively, and weather permitting, we can cruise up to the pretty harbour village of Fowey (approx 1 hour at sea) where you can go ashore and enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of the town and take in the sights. We will return to Falmouth in time to explore parts of the river and possibly spot a seal or two at the entrance to Carrick Roads.
