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.

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.

At the upper end of the scale, our oldest passenger, so far, was 84.

We can seat 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 

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. 

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

Therefore, if you decide the weather is too poor for your trip then you may cancel on the day 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.

Common dolphins frequent Falmouth Bay all year round.  We also see bottlenose, risso's and white beaked dolphins on occasion, together with minke whales and sunfish.  However, I'm afraid we cannot guarantee sightings of any specific wildlife during a trip. 

That's exactly why we are here.   You are chartering the whole boat; we are game for anything (legal) and up to 20 miles offshore.   Email or WhatsApp 01326 567527 with your ideas.  

Trips depart from the Helford River (either side), Falmouth (Prince of Wales Pier) or St Mawes Harbour.  Please note there is a small supplement payable at Falmouth and St Mawes to offset the harbour fees.

Helford Passage and Helford Village

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 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, Penzance 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.  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.

Yes, swimming and snorkelling are allowed, if booked in advance.

Dress for the weather plus a warm top and a wind/waterproof jacket.  It is always much cooler at sea than on land.

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

We have additional waterproof layers which are designed to be worn over your own jacket.

It is possible.  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.

• Approx 2 or 3.5 hours on board., including a 10 minute safety briefing.
• Lifejackets
• Try drive experience (approx. 10 minutes per person)
• Additional wet weather layers
• Harbour fees & water taxi transfers
• 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.

You are welcome to bring cameras, phones and bags 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. We have lockers suitable for small bags.

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

Your skipper, 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, certified courses must be run by RYA training centre.  Please contact us if you would like a local recommendation.

You may cancel the trip for any reason up to 24 hours before your booking.  For example, if your trip is at 10am on the 12th you must phone, email or WhatsApp 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 any other reason then you will be offered the choice of an alternative date (subject to availability) or a full refund.  

Unfortunately there is no room for a WC onboard.   However, you have chartered the whole boat so we can divert if necessary. 

Smoking or vaping are not permitted whilst onboard. 

Well behaved dogs are welcome on board.  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. 

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.