Enterprise Boats

Enterprise Boats are a well established, family run business that operate the only seasonal service that actually links Truro with Falmouth by sea along The River Fal. It also calls at other places en route such as Malpas, Trelissick, Tolverne (Smugglers cottage) and St Mawes.
The fleet of 3 superbly maintained boats run a regular service along this, the ‘Alternative Route’, which takes you through some of the most beautiful, unspoilt scenery in the land. Our skippers are very experienced, local men with a broad knowledge of the waters in and around The Fal. All of our boats must pass rigorous safety checks each year so you can be assured that you are in good hands. A one way trip between Truro and Falmouth takes approximately one hour, with options to disembark at the other locations and return with Enterprise at a later time.
When our boat is able to reach Town Quay your trip will begin or end close to the centre of the city and follow the narrow channel through the loch gates from where some great views can be enjoyed of the Cathedral. The river is very tidal here and at certain times we are not able to land so far up river so we call at the waterside village of Malpas. This quaint little place offers seclusion and a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A pint of ale or lunch in The Heron Inn, a fine pub overlooking the river would be more than enough for some but if you are determined to reach the city our free classic bus link ensures that passengers are connected between the booking office at Town Quay and our boats landing at Malpas.
The river at this point is flanked by heavily wooded banks as it twists and turns with some surprises along the way. Large ocean going ships can be seen at anchor taking shelter for long periods of time when work is scarce. These sleeping giants are quite a sight as they tower above the Enterprise Boats in such peaceful surroundings.
If your excursion needs to be shorter, you may for example take a trip to the beautiful gardens and grounds of Trelissick landing at their waterside pontoon and strolling up through the gardens to enjoy a bite to eat or a visit to their galleries before returning with us a little later. If you are more ambitious there are some fabulous longer walks around the estate taking you over rolling fields, through pretty woodlands and even to a secluded beach with views out into the Carrick Roads and beyond into Falmouth Harbour.
Alternatively a delicious cream tea on the other side of The Fal at Tolverne, in its tranquil setting on the edge of the river is most unique. The old Smugglers Cottage is steeped in history and provides an idyllic spot to sit and watch the various boats cruise up and down the river. Not far from here is the King Harry Car Ferry which provides a useful link across to the Roseland for cars coming from the west of Cornwall. Also along this stretch of water is a mussel farm which may be of interest to those of you that delight in such seafood cuisine that is so popular in Cornwall.
If you catch the early morning boat there is plenty of time for a short visit to all the locations with one of our special “Round Robin” tickets which allows you to hop on and off Enterprise Boats all day long as you please but you must observe the times of our sailings to get round in the day and be sure to get your return boat at the end of the afternoon. Otherwise plan a longer visit and enjoy more of the City of Truro, St Mawes on the Roseland or the maritime port of Falmouth.
The route takes in the large harbour and the Carrick Roads, an expanse of water that penetrates inland from the estuary offering fantastic opportunities for sailing, rowing and many other water sports. Mylor Harbour is located here and is home to some top racing among the yachtsmen of the region. Classic as well as modern boats can be seen in these waters throughout the season. The famous Falmouth Working Boats pit their wits against each other every week in some competitive classic sailing races. A few of them can still be seen fishing for oysters here which traditionally must be done under sail only.
From the middle of the harbour the significance of the two castles can be fully appreciated with their role in guarding the entrance to the port. Pendennis on the Falmouth side and St.Mawes Castle opposite. The large sailing ships that may have threatened our shores many years ago would certainly have been vulnerable at this point with the canons of these two castles trained upon them. Nowadays, they are very interesting
destinations to learn about our past and the important part they played in defending our country. If you take our boat to St.Mawes the castle is about 15 minutes walk from the quay. Pendennis Castle is a little further from the Prince of Wales Pier on the Falmouth side.
If you are based in Falmouth then taking the boat is a great way to visit Truro for a day’s shopping.
Truro offers a good selection of shops and restaurants most of which surround the fine cathedral in the heart of the city. Travel up early in the morning as the wildlife is waking up on the river banks and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and fresh air before you hit the shops! Join us again at the end of the afternoon and unwind with an hours relaxation as we cruise back along the Fal to Falmouth.
Likewise if you are based in Truro, take an early boat to Falmouth and spend the day discovering this lovely maritime port. As well as a street full of shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs the water is never very far away. Boats of every size and description can be seen along the water front with views out into the magnificent harbour and across to the docks. If you want more visit the National Maritime Museum and the Events Square or take a look at the super yachts in the nearby marina.
Alternatively head out to the seafront and take a stroll along the superb beaches. Falmouth Bay and Pendennis Point are spectacular locations at any time with Pendennis Castle overlooking the harbour and the Coastguard Station just below it on call 24 hours a day.
All in all it’s more than just a boat trip! Take our advice and explore some or all of these options, you won’t be disappointed! We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.