Arriving by boat

Step aboard a ferryboat and take the short trip across to the Mount. You’ll glide into our historic harbour and see the famous castle rising high above you. An unforgettable experience.

Need to book a boat?

You can only book a boat if you purchase a ticket to visit the castle or gardens or come for an Afternoon Tea in the Harbour Loft. 

If you have already booked your tickets to visit the Mount but you still need to book your boat, please click the button below:

When can I cross by boat?

At low tide, you can visit only by walking across the causeway. At high tide during the spring/summer season, you can cross by boat.

Our ferryboats operate between 24 March and 31 October. This means that during the winter months, the causeway is the only route to the island. Please see the opening dates and times for winter visits.

How do I book a boat crossing?

To ensure you get a boat crossing, book a ticket for the castle or garden when the causeway is closed and boats are operating. Our booking system will tell you when a boat ticket is required. All tickets are single and may be used for your journey to or from, depending on the tide.

National Trust Members must also pay any boat fares while ordering online.

How much does it cost?

One-way boat fare:

• Adults (including National Trust members): £2.80
• Under 18: £1.50
• Under 1: Free

How long does it take?

The crossing takes around ten minutes. Please arrive at the boat landing 15 minutes before your timed ticket to the castle and/or garden. Your boat ticket will work on any of our fleet of boats.

Where do I find the boats?

Departing from the mainland

Our boats will depart from and return to one of three landing points on the mainland, depending on the height of the tide. We’ve listed them below and also included approximate walking times from the main visitor/overflow car parks. Please take these times into account when planning your length of stay in the car park.

• Chapel Rock. This is a large rock on the beach with steps, opposite the Mount. 5-10 minute walk from the car park, you will need to walk across the sandy beach to find it.
• Gwelva. Located past Chapel Rock and opposite the Mount, Gwelva is a concrete boat jetty that stretches out into the sea that is a 10-15 minute walk from the car park. Approach from the beach when the tide is low enough or walk through Marazion and turn right just past the Out of the Blue gallery and follow the orange signs.
• Top Tieb. Walk through the town, past The Godolphin and carry on until you see The Copper Spoon cafe. Turn right just before the Copper Spoon and head down Leys Lane, following the Green signs. 15-20 minute walk from car park.

If a boat trip will be necessary, you must book it in advance with your castle or garden ticket. Already booked your ticket to visit the island, but forgot to book a boat ticket? Book your boat tickets online below:

Departing from the island

If you used your ticket for the outward journey and also need one for your return, you can buy it on the day on the island. You can do this either by smartphone, via a payment machine on the harbour front, or in one of our retail outlets.

You can purchase them on the day of your visit on the island or book them online prior to your trip via the link above.

You will be directed to your boat landing by our guides.