About us

Bouncing Betty is the longest serving RIB ride in Mevagissey. Established in 2017 our trips have thrilled and wowed thousands of passengers, with many returning year after year.

With unmistakeable yellow tubes, Betty is a 10 metre RIB with a Cougar racing hull. She is powered by a twin propellered, Volvo 6.6ltr inboard engine and packs 330hp.

Our skippers are long standing, highly skilled boatsmen and women. Their knowledge of our bay and the sea is extensive and their commitment to providing a top-class service is second to none.

Skipper: Bruce Keeping

Our sealife

The South Coast of Cornwall is renowned for its calmer waters and abundance of wildlife. Supported by a sub-tropical climate, our flora and fauna is undoubtedly some of the richest in the UK.

We cannot promise that you will see dolphins, but we appreciate that they are on many people’s wish list. Dolphins, whales, seals and all other marine life are wild creatures and have a mind of their own, so are never a guarantee… but if we do spot wildlife, first and foremost, their wellbeing is our priority. We are a WiSe accredited team and proud to share our knowledge and promote the protection of all wildlife we encounter.

What may be seen locally?

Marine Mammal Family: Cetations

  • Common Dolphin

  • Harbour Porpoise

  • Risso Dolphin

  • Bottlenose Dolphin

  • Humpback Whale

  • Minke Whale

Marine Mammal Family: Phocidae

  • Common Seal

  • Grey Seal

Fish

There are many varieties of fish beneath the waves, but occasionally we see the incredible sunfish, Mola Mola, spotted by its signature ‘flap’ of one fin. They float on their sides, on the sea surface, and wave lazily. This strange behaviour is thought to serve two purposes: to warm themselves after diving for prey in colder water, and attracting sea birds to come and remove annoying parasites from their skin. We tend to see small, dustbin-lid-sized fish, but they can grow to an astonishing 1000kg or more.

Sea Birds

There are so many birds to list. We are lucky to have a huge array of birdlife gracing our skies and sea here. The worst bird flu outbreak of 2022 undoubtedly affected the numbers we are used to seeing here in Cornwall, but they are gradually recovering. If we are very lucky, we may see the spectacular Gannets diving for food. Crazy fact: Gannets reach speeds of 60mph in dive, and up to depths of 70ft! That’s nearly two and a half Mevagissey Lighthouses!!

Here are a few of the birds you may see:

  • Herring Gull

  • Black Backed Gull

  • Shearwater

  • Gannets

  • Kittiwakes

  • Guillemots

  • Shags

  • Oystercatchers

  • Cormorants