Top News

When exploring coastal destinations, it's more often than not a breathtaking boat trip that makes for a personal highlight, and there's one place a lot closer to home that can offer just that.

Setting sail on the warm waters and exploring the surrounding islands or bays can make for a moment you'll never forget. So much so, that whether travelling abroad or nationally in the summer months, more families are incorporating a boat trip into their holiday plans.

For those who do love to stretch their sea legs, knowing where to go for the best conditions can be useful. CV Villas has looked at historical summer data and previous weather conditions to compile the dreamy list.

While Spanish locations emerged as clear front-runners, thanks to the Mediterranean's trusted reputation for consistently calm summer water conditions, one destination stood out.

As the only UK addition to the list, Cornwall made it within the top 20 places in the world to take a boat trip this summer with your family. It had an overall score of 59.96 out of 10, ranking it higher than Karpathos in Greece, Santorini, and the likes of Formentera in Spain.

At the very south tip of the UK, Cornwall is already a sought-after holiday destination for many Brits, thanks to its white sands and unusually turquoise waters for an English destination.

What it also has to offer is an array of boat experiences - whether it's fishing trips, snorkeling, diving, visiting islands, tours, or just a soft and gentle journey along the coast.

Coming in at number one on Tripadvisor for a boat tour based around Cornwall's aquatic life and animal spotting is Padstow Sealife Safaris.

The high-speed thrill it offers is ideal for those wanting to feel the hit of the waves beneath them, all while on the search for the area's diverse marine life. Meanwhile, ranked at number two is a far more traditional option, St Ives Boats. The firm offers calming day trips along the Cornwall coast, with tours and trips that make stops at hidden gem islands you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. Not to mention, it does offer a private boat hire for you to use at your leisure.

A recent traveller shared their experience aboard the 'Dolly P' boat, writing: "We loved every minute!! Mike was extremely knowledgeable and has clearly lived a very full and exciting life, we learned lots from him over the two hours. We saw birds and seals, as well as a unique view of the Cornish coastline. I'd definitely recommend this trip to anyone!!"

Alongside a number of other trusted tours, a popular choice for those wanting to take a family fishing boat trip is Mermaid Pleasure Trips, which sails from Penzance in Cornwall and offer wildlife cruises, birdwatching tours and fishing with a focus on the wildlife.

One person took a trip last summer and shared: "Amazing trip. Extremely friendly staff. Could not have been nicer and was very knowledgeable. Saw lots of wildlife. Spent ages with a pod of dolphins who swam and jumped around the boat. Worth every penny. Will go again as soon as possible."

Outside of the UK, the number one coastal destination for family-friendly boat trips, according to the research, was Águilas in Spain, with a score of 85.45. CV Villas state that boat trips around Águilas allow for stops at up to 36 of the municipality's beaches, some barely touched and secluded. The waters are almost guaranteed to be warm and tranquil consistently in the summer and offer some of the most beautiful views.

Hannah Marshall, luxury travel destination expert and marketing manager at CV Villas, said: "Exploring a destination by boat is one of the best ways to escape any crowds and experience its coastline from a completely different perspective. Whether you're onboard to explore hidden coves and caves, take in scenic coastlines, or simply sunbathe over blue seas with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, there's a boat day for everyone... There's an undeniable freedom that comes with travelling on the open water, something you simply can't replicate on land, and we hope our research inspires travellers seeking a coastal escape this summer."