Travel & Tourism Awards 2020

Page 20 www.lux-review.com LUX Travel and Tourism Awards 2020 Step aboard Free Spirit, into the capable hands of experienced Captain Keith Leeves, and be prepared for the experience of a lifetime as you sail the seas of Falmouth Bay in search of dolphins, whales and basking sharks. AK Wildlife Cruises signature trips are not only double award-winning, they are one of the best ways to experience the outstanding diversity of marine wildlife around Cornwall’s spectacular southern coastline and its surrounding waters. Operating out of the small and friendly historic town of Falmouth, the cruises take place throughout the whole of Falmouth Bay; east, to the high cliffs of the dramatic Dodman Point, along the stunning Roseland Peninsula, then all the way west, past the glorious Helford estuary, to the iconic and ruggedly beautiful Lizard Peninsula and right down to the most southerly point in the British Isles. Falmouth is thriving with nautical heritage with King Henry VIII’s castles, Pendennis and St Mawes, guarding the entrance to Falmouth and the Carrick Roads, the third deepest natural harbour in the world. With the Gulf Stream supplying warm waters to the southern shores of Cornwall all year round, this area of outstanding natural beauty is home to a vast array of fantastic marine wildlife. Up to eight different species of cetaceans plus a whole host of stunning bird life can be found in the rich and sheltered waters of Falmouth Bay, with humpback whales returning most years. There are also amazing encounters with basking sharks, sunfish and seals to enjoy as well as the occasional leatherback turtle. A passion for marine wildlife and protecting the seas has earned Keith Leeves of AK Wildlife Cruises the prestigious title of Best Wildlife & Sightseeing Tours Provider for South West England. We find out more about the abundant marine life in and around Falmouth. AKWildlife Cruises Best Wildlife & Sightseeing Tours Provider - South West England Classified as a Special Area of Conservation, the Fal Estuary is nationally important for several migratory and waterbirds, such as the black-necked grebe, and stretches all the way up to Truro. Many other birds including red breasted mergansers and Slavonian grebes also frequent the estuary in high numbers and osprey use the Fal estuary on their passage migrations. With the fabulous shelter afforded by this beautifully vast and diverse estuary, and over 60 miles of coastline and beautifully wooded banks to explore, this deep-water entrance makes a wonderful alternative when the sea is too rough to go out to sea and means that never a day is lost to the weather. There are four different wildlife cruises available daily all year round, with no two trips being the same. In addition to the four hour coastal and offshore exploration tours and family-friendly three hour trips, there are also offer longer dedicated seven hour pelagic cruises, giving passengers the best possible chances of sighting a diversity of cetaceans and seabirds. Free Spirit’s heated cabin and covered outdoor seating area provide a fantastic opportunity to observe wildlife at its very best in comfort during your stay in Cornwall, even in the winter months. Free Spirit is also available for corporate and private hire, whether it’s for the media, filming, photography, yachting events or any specialist excursions. Very much been a one man band, Captain Keith offers an exclusive, platinum and personalised service, for all his clients who come from far and wide and goes out of his way to accommodate everybody, no matter