Operator's 2026 season: 10:00 to 18:00 from Saturday 16 May 2026 'until the tides change in mid-September'. No exact last day or 2027 start date is published. · Sailings shown by frequency — exact times from the operator. · Representative sailings only — check the operator for today's full timetable
Map – Fern Pit Ferry
No fare is published on the operator's website, its 2026 menu or the South West Coast Path and National Trails listings, so no price is given here. The only figure found for this ferry was in an unofficial local directory and dated from 2017, so it is not used. Ask on 01637 873181.
The Fern Pit ferry is a small boat that carries walkers across the tidal River Gannel between the Fern Pit cafe, on the Newquay side of the estuary, and the sands of Crantock Beach. It is run by the family behind Fern Pit Beach Kitchen. The National Trails listing says the cafe and ferry were established in 1910, and the South West Coast Path lists the ferry as its Newquay to Crantock estuary crossing.
Timing is everything. The operator's website says the private footpath and summer ferry open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 starting on Saturday 16 May 2026 and continue 'until the tides change in mid-September'. It gives no calendar date for the last day, and the South West Coast Path lists the ferry as daily from the end of May to mid-September, 09:30 to 18:00, weather dependent. Going by the operator's wording, the 2026 ferry season is over; the homepage, last edited in March 2026 and re-read on 16 October 2026, has no update and no 2027 date. Treat any crossing after mid-September as unconfirmed and phone 01637 873181 first.
The estuary itself is the reason for the seasonal window. Visit Newquay says the footbridges over the Gannel can be covered by the tide and are usable about two hours either side of low tide, which is where a boat helps. Outside the ferry season walkers have to time the bridges or follow the alternative routes around the estuary that the South West Coast Path points to.
No fare is published online, so this page gives none. The cafe above the landing has its own season, from Sunday 15 March to Sunday 1 November 2026, open 08:30 to 19:00 Sunday to Thursday and 08:30 to 21:00 on Friday and Saturday, so it was possible to visit the Newquay side after the boat had stopped. The address is 19 Riverside Crescent, Newquay TR7 1PJ.
- Arrive at the slipway a few minutes before departure; vehicle queues build quickly in summer.
- Check the operator's notices before travelling — tides, weather and maintenance affect sailings.
- Confirm accepted payment methods: several crossings are contactless-only.