Bloody Henry Sea Starfish near Trevose Head, Image by Matt Slater
National Marine Week 2026
Get involvedNational Marine Week 2026 | 25 July - 9 August
Join us for National Marine Week and discover the incredible journeys happening beneath the waves around Cornwall.
From vast ocean migrations to tiny adventures across a rockpool, our seas are alive with movement. This year, we’re celebrating the incredible journeys of marine wildlife – from whales and sharks crossing oceans, to seabirds soaring thousands of miles, and the small but mighty creatures navigating Cornwall’s shores.
We’re inviting you to explore these habitats and uncover the stories of the animals that depend on them. From watching for dolphins and seabirds, getting hands-on with rockpooling and shoreline discovery, or finding out how you can protect our seas, get involved and celebrate our epic underwater world.
Whether you’re new to marine life or a seasoned wildlife watcher, there’s always something amazing to discover.
Join an event near you
We’re running a range of events across Cornwall as part of National Marine Week – including wildlife watching, snorkelling, guided walks, and hands-on family activities.
Incredible journeys
From Arctic terns soaring from pole to pole each year, to humpback whales passing through Cornish waters on their journey between Arctic feeding grounds and breeding grounds off Cape Verde, our seas are full of extraordinary journeys. Eels and salmon travel between rivers and the open ocean as part of their life cycle, while basking sharks and bluefin tuna roam vast distances across the Atlantic. Even small shoreline creatures play their part – limpets return to the exact same spot on the rocks after feeding, and spider crabs migrate in large numbers along our coast. Together, these remarkable movements reveal just how connected our marine world really is.
National Marine Week 2026 celebrates all of these stories – big and small – and the importance of protecting the routes they depend on.
Photo: Matt Slater
Seaquest Sunday
The first Sunday of every month brings sea watchers from all over Cornwall to the cliff-tops and lookout points. Seaquest Southwest collaborates with marine and coastal wildlife groups to set up sea-watching sites supported by the local community. From 11–1 pm on Sunday 2 August, you can join the following:
Sunday 2 August
- Newquay Marine Group on Towan Headland
- Falmouth Marine Conservation Group on Pendennis Point
- St Ives Bay Marine Group at the St Ives NCI Station
- Three Bays Wildlife Group at Dodman Point
- St Agnes Marine Conservation Group at the St Agnes Head NCI Station
- Perranporth Marine Conservation Group on Cligga Head
National Whale and Dolphin Watch
- Monday 27 July | 11-1pm | The Rumps, Wadebridge
- Wednesday 29 July | 11-1pm | Pencarrow Head, Fowey
- Saturday 1 August | 11-1pm | Lizard Point
Visit Marine and Coastal Centres Around Cornwall
Over the summer, Cornwall's coasts host many groups and individuals volunteering to support their local environment and teach people about the marine and coastal world. They also strive to educate on good practices and protect people and wildlife so everyone can enjoy nature. Pop in and chat with the local National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) stations, National Trust Watchpoints, and the Marine Centre at Polzeath to see and learn more about our fabulous marine life!
© Paul Naylor
More info is available here:
Take action for Cornwall's seas
No matter where you live in Cornwall, whether on the coast or inland, you can do your bit to help our marine life.
