Frequently Asked Questions

We always maintain a safe and appropriate speed however the vessel may encounter sudden and unexpected waves or currents causing it to land "hard" and creating a severe jolt and significant shock load.  Consequently;

• The standard itinerary is not suitable for those who are pregnant or suffer from back, joint, bone weakening conditions or heart problems. 
• Passengers must be able to stand without assistance.
• Passengers must be able to hold themselves securely in their seat.

Your charter booking is for the whole boat and we are very happy to organise a non-standard itinerary suitable for passengers who would normally be excluded due to a medical condition.  Please call or email to discuss the options BEFORE booking.

There is seating for up to 7 passengers however we recommend a maximum of 6 for most trips.  If you are a party of 7 please contact us before booking to make sure the trip is suitable.

You are booking the entire boat and we can tailor a trip to almost any age of passenger -  as long as they can stand without assistance and hold on tight when necessary.  This usually means a minimum age of 4 years for the two hour trip and 6 years for the half day and longer trips, but please call or email if your children are younger and we can discuss the options.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.

Trips depart from the Helford River, central Falmouth or St Mawes.  

The Helford ferry runs directly between Helford Passage and Helford Village and will transfer you to Harbinger on our river mooring.  There is no charge for the ferry transfer.

Helford Passage TR11 5LB

Recommended if you are travelling from north of the river (Falmouth, Truro etc).  The best route is through Mawnan Smith unless you are familiar with the very narrow roads via Port Navas.  Please pay and display in the car park on the right before you enter the village.  Follow the signs and walk down onto the beach front (5 - 10 minutes).  Please do not drive into the village; there is no parking and very limited turning space.  Make your way onto the pontoon and ask the ferryman to transfer you to Harbinger. 

 
Helford Village TR12 6JU

More convenient if you are coming from south of the river (the Lizard, Helston etc)

Please pay and display in the car park on the right just before you enter Helford Village.  Please do not drive into the village; there is no visitor parking and very limited turning space.  Walk through the village (10-15 minutes), past the Shipwrights Arms and follow the signs for the ferry. 

Call the ferry by opening the orange signal board and they will transfer you to Harbinger

Falmouth - Prince of Wales Pier TR11 3DF

This the best option if you are based in or around central Falmouth and can easily walk to the pier.  We usually use steps 6, and will confirm closer to the day.  The closest long stay parking is Town Quarry.  Otherwise, I suggest you drive to Helford Passage where parking is cheaper and it is a shorter walk from the car park to the boat.

St Mawes Harbour. TR2 5DG

If you are staying in St Mawes, Truro or the Roseland Peninsula.  We usually use the floating pontoon in the centre of the harbour and will confirm closer to the day.

Please use our online booking service to reserve your trip.  

We want to ensure the trip meets your expectations.  Please talk to us by email or phone if you have any questions, or would like to discuss a specific itinerary.  

We supply state-of-the-art "Ocean Safety" automatic life-jackets for adults and any children over 15kg.   These must be worn at all times.

Maybe.  XS RIBs are renowned for their "dry" hull with spray rails designed to deflect the water away.  However, wind blown spray may catch you out, and sometimes it rains in Cornwall.

Please bring a waterproof jacket.  We provide waterproof trousers.

No, I'm afraid not.   However, you have chartered the whole boat so we can divert if necessary.

We want you to enjoy every minute of your time with us and we plan meticulously, but we cannot control the Cornish weather.  

Therefore, if you decide the weather is too poor for your trip then you may cancel and either re-book (subject to availability) or receive a full refund.

As always, the skipper has absolute discretion to cancel or postpone a trip if they deem the conditions to be unsafe.  You will receive a full refund if we have to cancel a trip for any reason.

In addition to our weather guarantee, you may cancel the trip for any other reason up to 24 hours before your booking.  For example, if your trip is at 10am on the 12th you must phone or email your cancellation before 10am on 11th.  This allows us a chance to re-book the slot.  You will receive a full refund.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice and "no shows" (i.e. you do not cancel but do not turn up) are not refunded. 

The skipper is responsible for your safety and has absolute discretion when deciding if a trip will proceed.  If we cancel a trip due to adverse weather or for technical, mechanical or commercial reasons you will be offered the choice of an alternative date (subject to availability) or a full refund. 

Please bring a a waterproof and windproof jacket plus warm sweater / fleece / hoodie as it will be several degrees cooler at sea than on land.

You are welcome to bring cameras and phones but please note we do not accept any liability for loss or damage to items or equipment you bring on-board.   They may get wet. You may not be able to hold onto them when you are holding onto the safety bar. We suggest they are securely attached to you. We have waterproof bags available for your small items of equipment and belongings, however they do not offer impact protection.

Common dolphins frequent Falmouth Bay all year round.  We also see bottlenose dolphins on occasion, together with minke whales and basking sharks in early summer.  However, I'm afraid we cannot guarantee sightings of any specific wildlife during a trip.

Iain is a qualified RYA Powerboat Instructor and can provide a refresh for those who have completed their PB2, or a taster to those thinking about taking the course.  However, certificates must be issued by accredited schools.  We recommend Mylor Sailing School if you would like to take the two day course whilst in Falmouth

• Waterproofs
• Warm clothes
• Comfortable shoes.
• A drink and your snack of choice. 
• Suncream
• Hat/Sunglasses

The price quoted is for the whole boat booking.  We can accommodate up to 7 passengers.  The minimum charge is equivalent to 2 passengers.

Yes, the quoted cost includes fuel.  

Please note, extended offshore trips and trips to the Isles of Scilly may incur an additional fuel charge.  The basis for any extra charges will be agreed with you at the time of booking.

 Smoking or vaping are not permitted whilst onboard.

Well behaved dogs are allowed onboard.  They must be on a lead which will be tied to a seat handle while we are underway.  The trip is not suitable for dogs with a nervous nature.

Yes.  Harbinger is equipped with a boarding ladder to help when you return to the boat.  We can provide buoyancy aids if required and booked in advance.  

All bookings are for the exclusive use of Harbinger.  You will not share the vessel with another group.  There is a minimum charge equivalent to two people on all trips except the full day which is a fixed price.

Anytime between sunrise and midnight.

The one-hour trip was simply too short to offer our guests the right kind of experience, so we decided to discontinue that service.

No.  Because, we know that a trip on a RIB at 20-25 knots is already very exciting.   During the trip there is usually time to demonstrate the fantastic handling characteristics of a RIB.  This will always be dictated by the prevailing conditions, with your prior agreement, out in the Bay and away from other water users.   Our maximum speed with passengers on board is 30 knots.

Call or email with your ideas.  You are chartering the whole boat; we are game for anything (legal) and up to 20 miles offshore. 

We're very happy to answer any of your questions.  Please call or email, or use the contact form here.