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Tours & Sightseeing

Take a guided trip to discover more

Throughout the season, every day of the week, there are a whole host of guided tours on Scilly from which to choose, both on and around the islands. From island walks and archaeological explorations to wildlife and marine excursions, and sunset trips, you’ll be able to delve into Scilly’s past and learn more about our natural habitat and wildlife, our culture and our lifestyle.

Walking - You can take a guided walk with one of Scilly's resident ornithologists or naturalists and see the many unusual birds that visit these islands as well as enjoy the splendid flora and fauna. Resident archaeologist Katharine Sawyer also leads walks to discover the history of the islands. The tours are very regular and take place on all the islands, so depending on where you are staying, you may need to take a boat. If you intend to take a tour to an uninhabited islands, then a boat trip will be essential!

By boat - The uninhabited islands, with their raw, rugged edges, unique flora and fauna, and fantastic wildlife are best experienced in one of two ways: via a guided tour or a scenic boat trip. Trips and tours are readily advertised to the Eastern Isles (great for seal spotting), Norrard Rocks, and Annet for the birdlife and where in May, June and July you will spot colonies of puffins. On the island of Samson, you’ll most likely have to wade to shore, Robinson Crusoe style, but its spectacular beaches and recent history (it was inhabited by farmers and fishermen until the mid-1800s and haunting remains of granite houses, barns and boatsheds remain to this day) will astound you. Tean and St Helen’s too, offer fascinating insights to yesteryear’s Christian communities.

By bus or taxi - Island Rover bus tours run twice daily (excluding Sundays) throughout the season from Holgate's Green and a number of taxi companies also offer tours. There is no better way to tour around St. Mary's and learn about its rich history and heritage.

A Trip to Bishop Rock

Four miles west of the Isles of Scilly in the Atlantic Ocean stands Bishop Rock Lighthouse, built in 1858 to mark a rock ledge 45 metres long and 16 metres wide – the islands’ most westerly danger.
Wonderful Wildlife Trips
There are lots of opportunities to head out to sea to witness Scilly’s captivating wildlife up close! Depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to spot many stunning seabirds including puffins, shearwaters, cormorants, shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots and petrels as they glide across the open water, or perch precariously on a jagged rock! Scilly is also well known for its fabulous colonies of grey Atlantic seals – guaranteed to pop up and say hello. For the less intrepid, why not join one of the hugely popular lectures, hosted by our resident ornithologists and naturalist experts.