THE RIVER FAL'S
SAILING BARGE
"Amazing", "Beautiful", "Magical",
"Wonderful", "Perfect"

RIVER TRIPS & SAILING EXPERIENCES
FROM 2 HOURS TO ALL DAY ON

'Cornwall's Beautiful River'
FOR 2 TO 6 PEOPLE


BUY EXPERIENCE GIFT VOUCHERS
AND BOOKING NOW FOR 2025 SEASON

Relaxed
Sailing

Words like "amazing," "beautiful," "magical," "wonderful," and "perfect" are just a few of the glowing reviews we receive from guests who join us on our one-of-a-kind river trips. Departing from near Truro, we leisurely sail the tranquil waters of the stunning Fal Estuary, offering a very special experience as we guietly explore under gentle sail.



Discover the magic of the River Fal aboard Drifter, our beautifully restored sailing barge. Immerse yourself in Cornwall's rich heritage and spectacular nature as you glide through tranquil waters, surrounded by lush landscapes and hidden creeks.

Join us for an unforgettable outdoor experience that everyone, from young adventurers to seasoned explorers, will love.

Relax, the friendly crew take care of all the sailing.

Excellent reviws on TripAdvisor Excellent reviws on Google
---- Over 100 5* reviews ----
Excellent reviws on TripAdvisorVisit Truro LogoMCA logoClean Cornwall logoBioDiesel logo  WiSe logo

Please use our CONTACT form or call / message 07588 971357 WhatsApp 07588 971357 to easily schedule or be added to an upcoming trip.

Sailing experience gift vouchers available


Give the gift of an unforgettable river adventure with our beautifully designed tour vouchers, perfect for treating family and friends.

Whether it's a shared sailing experience or a private exclusive hire, we offer vouchers for everything from a 2-hour escape to a full-day journey on the water.

The very special experience of sailing on the River Fal

More about experience day vouchers

2 Hour (Upper Reaches)

Discover one of the most serene and untouched stretches of the Fal River on our enchanting 2-hour journey.

As we glide through its tranquil upper reaches, you'll pass by a unique Cornish tea plantation, charming riverside cottages rich with history, and an ancient river crossing still in use today. Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant birdlife nestled among the lush, wooded shores, and if you're lucky, spot seals playfully foraging in the shimmering emerald waters.

This is a voyage into nature’s beauty and local heritage that suits all ages.


What to expect on our river trips...

A beautiful traditional sailing barge with spacious and sociable seating

A unique sheltered waters sailing experience highlighting the nature and heritage of the Fal

Two experienced and knowledgable crew

Stunning views of the River Fal’s diverse wildlife and serene countryside

Stories of the river’s history and its importance to Cornwall

Safety equipment and onboard facilities

2 HOUR SCENIC & WILDLIFE RIVER TOUR

- This river trip is priced per person, minimum booking 2 adults -

- You may be sharing the experience with others on the day -

£45 per person

UNDER 4 yr. FREE, UNDER 12 yr. ½ PRICE

EXCLUSIVE HIRE AVAILABLE £150 INCLUDES UP TO 6 PEOPLE

More about our river trips and activities


Great for family, friends, couples, or a special event



3 Hour (Downriver)

Extend your adventure on the water and enjoy even more time sailing through beautiful scenery. On this journey, we’ll sail as far as the magnificent Trelissick House, a grand estate standing proudly where the river gently narrows after the expansive beauty of Carrick Roads. Embrace the wind in your sails as we explore more of this stunning waterway, making the experience even more memorable.

3 HOUR (DOWNRIVER) RIVER TOUR

- This river trip is priced per person, minimum booking 2 adults -

- You may be sharing the experience with others on the day -

£67 per person

UNDER 4 yr. FREE, UNDER 12 yr. ½ PRICE

EXCLUSIVE HIRE AVAILABLE FOR £225 INCLUDES UP TO 6 PEOPLE

More about our river trips and activities


Bring along a picnic or Champagne, stopping at anchor in one of the Fal's beautiful bays.



4 Hour (Into The Harbour)

We extend our journey past the majestic Trelissick Estate, sailing into the serene upper harbour of the Carrick Roads. These peaceful waters are framed by stunning countryside, grand waterfront homes, and ancient villages steeped in history. As we glide through this idyllic setting, you’ll be immersed in the beauty and charm of one of Cornwall’s most captivating waterways.

This extended trip gives you the perfect chance to anchor in one of the area’s picturesque bays, offering an ideal spot for a relaxing break. Feel free to bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy a peaceful meal surrounded by stunning views and the soothing sounds of nature.

4 HOUR (CARRICK) RIVER TRIP

- This river trip is priced per person, minimum booking 2 adults -

- You may be sharing the experience with others on the day -

£90 per person

UNDER 4 yr. FREE, UNDER 12 yr. ½ PRICE

EXCLUSIVE HIRE AVAILABLE FOR £300 INCLUDES UP TO 6 PEOPLE

More about our river trips and activities


A chance to visit a rarely visited arm of the river, or to sail amongst the active harbour events.



7 Hour (Day Trip)

Discover the magic of the Fal Estuary in the most unforgettable way—right from the water.

EXCLUSIVE 7 HOUR SAILING EXPERIENCE

£450

INCLUDES UP TO 6 PEOPLE

More about our day trips

What our guests are saying about our boat trips!


"Lucy and Angus - We can’t recommend this trip highly enough, Neil and Debbie’s boat is beautiful and this was a really magical way of exploring more of the river and learning about the Roseland and Lizard. They were great hosts and were very knowledgeable about the river’s history and ecology which made the sail even more interesting. We were even lucky enough to have gorgeous weather! Thank you!"



"Hi Neil and Debbie, Many thanks for such a wonderful and memorable experience on your beautiful sailing boat ‘Drifter’. It was magical to be in nature so close to basking seals, seeing many interesting birds even curlews and learn about the amazing history of the area. Thanks again Best Wishes Jeanette, Pierre and Ellie"



"We can highly recommend Sailing barge Drifter. It was an amazing experience and the barge is a dream boat. The feeling of sheer tranquility was overwhelming and it must be one of the most relaxing few hours spent in a long time for us. Forget Spas and massage and go enjoy messing about on the river. Neil and Debbie gave us a trip to remember and we can’t wait to do it again. Lesley and Alistair."



"Hi Debbie and Neil, Brilliant time today. Thank you very much although I had to put up with Phil singing "We are sailing" all the way home in the car ! He really appreciated the day. You made the birthday gift special. Best wishes Avril & Phil"



See more of our reviews on Tripadvisor  TripAdvisor icon 




Wonderful Sailing Experience

Perfect day out on the river

A highlight of the holiday




About Neil & Debbie


The crew of sailing barge Drifter

Neil and Debbie are dedicated to making every moment of your time aboard truly exceptional. As your local river guides on the Drifter, they handle all sailing tasks, from hoisting to lowering the sails, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Neil and Debbie have sailed an impressive range of boats, from historic classics to cutting-edge modern yachts, across stunning locations in Europe, the Caribbean, and the USA.

When it came time to choose their own vessel, they selected a sailing barge—a nod to their love for traditional ships. This choice reflects their passion for comfortable, social sailing and their desire for a boat that excels both in inland and coastal waters. The barge's design makes it perfectly suited to the Fal Estuary, allowing them to offer truly unique sailing adventures.

Neil, a qualified 'Yachtmaster Ocean' with over 50,000 sea miles, left a career in IT for a life on the water after a transformative sabbatical in 2000. Debbie, who also holds a skipper’s license, brings extensive experience in care and hospitality. Their shared love for sailing began when they met on a historic Thames sailing barge, and they later celebrated their marriage in the winter, too busy sailing in the summer to plan a traditional wedding.

Now, the River Fal is their home, and their passion for sharing this breathtaking area and their extensive local knowledge is evident to everyone they encounter.

Where to find us


We start and finish our sailing trips at Malpas marina near Truro.

Satnav postcode is TR1 1SW. There is free parking alongside the road either side of The Heron Inn.

Please allow plenty of time for parking as it is sometimes quite busy.

There is a coffee shop with toilet facilities at the marina (we also have a toilet onboard), and an award winning inn very close by.


HOW TO BOOK

To purchase an experience gift voucher, please contact us.

For 'share the sail' trips please enquire about our upcoming trips. We normally offer these for up to 10 days ahead.

For 'exclusive hire' please contact us with your desired date or week you would like to sail. We recommend booking these trips well in advance.

We will accommodate your trip taking best advantage of tides on the day.

Look forward to a beautiful day on the water.

Please use one of the methods below to contact us!

OUR CONTACT FORM

WhatsApp 07588 971357

Your Email us about our sailing trips in Falmouth app: sailingbargedrifter@gmail.com 

Telephone number 07588 97135707588 971357

FOLLOW US  Drifter on Instagram  Drifter on FaceBook  Tweets about our sailing trips and boat hire.  Videos from our sailing adventures 

See our reviews on Tripadvisor  Reviews from our guests on Tripadvisor 


N&D Adventures Limited (Company number 06603026) trading as Sailing Barge Drifter is run by owner/operators Neil & Debbie Wood. Terms and conditions