Explore Cornwall by Boat

We have something for everyone

Self Drive Motor & Sail Boat Hire

Picarooner

No experience required | Max 5 people

Eco Launch

No experience required | Max 8 people

Pilot

No Experience Required | Max 8 people

Shrimper

Sailing experience required | Max 5 people

Elektra

Skipper Must Hold A Minimum Of Day Skipper & Have Appropriate Experience | Maximum 6 Persons | Berths for 4 |

Yacht Charter

RYA Training | Bare Boat Charter | Sailing Trips Bare Boat Charter | Sailing Trips | Miles Building

Boat Club Cornwall

RIB charter | Join the club | Discounted rentals

Falmouth River Watersports

Kayaking | Paddle Boarding | Tours | Lessons

Boat Hire in Cornwall from Mylor Harbour near Falmouth

Choose Your Boating Experience

Boat Hire in Cornwall from Mylor Harbour

Self Drive Motor & Sail Boat Hire

Motor Boat Hire

Easy self-drive boats perfect for relaxed exploring | No experience required

Sailing Boat Rental

Cornish Shrimper sailing boats and 25ft yacht for exploring the estuary and coastline.

Routes & Places

Discover the best routes, anchorages and places to visit by boat from Mylor Boat Hire

Boat Hire Cornwall | Explore the River Fal & Falmouth by Boat

Self-drive motorboats, sailing boats and yacht charter from Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth.

No experience needed (most boats) | Based in Mylor Yacht Harbour | Access to River Fal & Carrick Roads

Full safety briefing included before departure. Easy online booking.

Your boat day in Cornwall

We Are Dog Friendly

Bring your four-legged crew member along for the adventure.

Explore

Creeks, coastline, beaches, pubs and castles

Stop off

Waterside pubs, harbours and scenic anchor points.

Experience

Seals, kingfishers, herons, quiet creeks, and sheltered nature-rich waters.

Explore Cornwall's best boating waters

From Mylor Yacht Harbour you can explore the River Fal, Carrick Roads, and surrounding waters, with all boats able to travel up the river as far as Malpas — the furthest navigable point on the Fal.

River Fal: Sheltered estuary cruising with wooded creeks, wildlife, and calm waters
Carrick Roads: Wide open sailing waters near Falmouth
Malpas: The furthest point upriver accessible by all boats

Boat sailing ranges

All boats from Mylor Yacht Harbour can explore the River Fal up to Malpas, the furthest navigable point upriver. From there, sailing ranges extend down through Carrick Roads and out towards the open coastal waters.

Picarooner & Launch: Sailing between Pendennis Castle and St Anthony’s Lighthouse, within sheltered waters of the Fal Estuary and Carrick Roads
Shrimpers & Jeanneau Sun 2500: Sailing between St Anthony’s Lighthouse and Nare Head, with access towards more open coastal waters in suitable conditions
Yachts: Please visit the “Yachts” section in our boat hire page for full sailing range details and offshore capability

No experience? No Problem

Full safety briefing before departure
Route guidance provided
Simple controls on motorboats

Most visitors are first-time boat hirers.

Good to know

Some sailing boats and yachts require previous experience or qualifications.

Popular stop-off points by boat

Pandora Inn (Restronguet Creek)
The Heron Inn (Malpas)
St Mawes waterfront
Falmouth harbour pubs & restaurants
Helford River creeks (conditions dependent & boat hired)

Local tip

Many routes combine sheltered cruising with easy pub stops — ideal for half-day or full-day trips.

Safe, Scenic & Flexible Boat Hire in Cornwall

All our boats are based at Mylor Yacht Harbour and are maintained to a high standard. Whether you are sailing or self-driving, the waters of the Fal Estuary offer safe and sheltered conditions for a memorable day on the water.

Based directly in Mylor Harbour
Access to River Fal (Malpas to St Anthony lighthouse) & Helford River (access to Helford for Sailinlg and Boat Club Cornwall boats only)
Full briefing provided before departure

Boat Hire Cornwall FAQs

Everything you need to know about hiring a boat from Mylor Yacht Harbour, including boating experience, sailing areas, boat types and booking information.

No experience is required for the motorboats. Before you leave the harbour, the team provides a safety briefing and instructions so you can confidently explore the local waters. Sailing boats require sailing experience.

Yes. All Mylor Boat Hire motorboats are designed for easy handling and are ideal for beginners who want to enjoy a relaxed day exploring the Fal Estuary.Cornish Shrimper sailing boats require sailing ability at RYA Level 2 standard or above

A range of boats are available including easy-to-drive motorboats, eco launches, traditional sailing boats such as the Cornish Shrimper, and larger yachts available for charter.

Boats can explore Carrick Roads and the River Fal from the entrance of Falmouth Bay up the estuary towards Truro. All boats can travel up the Fal as far as Malpas. Picarooners and Launches operate between Pendennis Castle and St Anthony's Lighthouse, while Shrimpers and Jeanneau Sun 2500 sailing boats can travel between St Anthony's Lighthouse and Nare Head. For full details see our Cruising Area page .

Boats depart from Mylor Yacht Harbour, located just outside Falmouth in Cornwall with direct access to the Fal Estuary.

No licence is required to hire most of our boats. Our motorboats and electric boats can be hired without previous boating experience, and a full safety briefing is provided before you leave the harbour. Our sailing yachts require an RYA Day Skipper qualification, while our Cornish Shrimper sailing boats require sailing ability at RYA Level 2 standard or above, not a licence.

Yes. Sailing boats such as the Cornish Shrimper are available to hire and are suitable for people with sailing experience.

Yes. Yacht charter options are available, including bareboat charter for experienced sailors and sailing trips around the local coastline.

Yes. Boat hire is popular with families, couples and groups of friends who want to explore the Fal Estuary and enjoy a day on the water in Cornwall.