Throughout the season, there are a whole host of guided tours on Scilly, both on and around the islands. From island walks and archaeological explorations to wildlife and marine excursions, and sunset trips - which will you choose?

Island Wildlife Tours

Head on a wildlife tour encompassing some of the islands best eating spots at hotels, pubs or cafes and wildlife habitats for a half or full day tour across the archipelago! Tresco takes in the inland pools and the hides to view the resident and migrant waterfowl. On St. Agnes exploring the environs of the pool and the surrounding patchwork fields. On Bryher follow the coastal paths from the sheltered southern beaches in the morning, then via the pool to the rugged expanse of Hell Bay later in the day. The sheltered farmland is the first destination on St. Martins, with a stroll around the coast in the afternoon scanning for passing sea birds and examining the local flora. After inspecting the town beaches of St. Mary’s for sea and shore birds, ending the morning in Lower Moors, take lunch at Porth Hellick, before returning via the coastal path to Hugh Town. More here.

Scilly Sea Safaris

Treat yourself to a unique Island Sea Safari aboard Rib Firebrand IV with skipper and photographer Dave McBride. Enjoy a sensational sea safari rib ride experience! Take a 90 minute safari/cruise taking in Scilly’s awesome beauty and azure waters, not forgetting the amazing wildlife, stopping for photos and a chat in sheltered places. Shorter 60+min and 30+ min trips available in the afternoon (from midday) to suit families and day trippers. More here.

Island Rover Minibus Tours

If you’re keen to make the most of your time on island, a bus tour could be just the thing! Island Rover run 70-minute tours on St. Mary’s offering light-hearted but informative commentary, stopping at selected viewpoints trailing the coastline to capture that once-in-a-moment photo to show loved ones back home. Due to the time spent on the bus and the nature of the tour, dogs or children under 5 are not permitted. Head to Holgates Green, Monday to Friday, to meet the 1015 or 1330 tour. More here.

Raptor Boating 

Raptor is an 11 metre cabin RIB, licensed for 12 passengers, all of whom can fit outside on the deck – the perfect platform for enjoying the islands on the ocean! The boat, skippered by resident Dan May, is available for private charters, water taxis and their new popular Wildlife and Scenic Tours. The 90-minute tour includes a visit to one of the seal colonies where passengers get close up views of the resident Atlantic grey seals. Wildlife sightings can also include dolphins, porpoise and a variety of birdlife such as puffins (from April – July), gannets, guillemots, fulmars, cormorants and razorbills. Raptor’s speed enables the tour to cover many miles and different islands, greatly increasing the chances of wildlife encounters. Private charters are bespoke and tailored to the perfect Scilly itinerary, the convenience of having your own speedboat with expert skipper and island-guide is a ‘must-do’ box to be ticked. Should you wish to dine on an island different to your accommodation, Raptor can pick you up at any time, meaning an aperitif, suppers and evening plans needn’t be confined to one island. More here.

HolyVale Vineyard & Winery, St. Mary’s

Owners of the historic Star Castle Hotel on Scilly’s largest island, St. Mary’s are also responsible for producing some delicious fine wines from their beautiful Holy Vale Vineyard & Winery, pretty close by. With support from renowned Austrian wine producer, Willi Opitz, they have produced some delicious wines from the 7,000 Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris vines planted just over ten years ago.  Guided tours are available, providing visitors with an opportunity to discover this picturesque spot, once described by wine connoisseur, Michael Broadbent as the loveliest vineyard in all of Europe.  The tours tell the story of the vineyard, introduce visitors to the process of winemaking and provide an opportunity to purchase some favourite tipples. Look out for their wine tasting workshops! More here.

St Martin’s Vineyard, Winery & Visitor Centre

St Martin's Vineyard & Winery is a unique coastal vineyard working towards organic production of white, red and rose wines. Explore wildflower-filled fields and finish your tour with a tasting flight of our wines. Take a bottle home from our cellar door shop or enjoy a glass of wine right on the vineyard! Self-guided tours begin at our visitor centre and take you through the site and up to the top field with panoramic views out over the Eastern Isles and the Daymark before returning for al fresco wine tasting in front of the winery. The nine Vine Stops will introduce the site, the vines, the wine making technique and the unique aspects of the site as well as some of the fauna and flora which call this vineyard their home. More here.

Sea Quest Glass Bottom Boat

SeaQuest is the first and only glass bottom boat in Scilly. Her skipper, Jo, lives on St. Martins and with over 25 years boating experience in Scilly she is your perfect guide for a trip around the islands. SeaQuest trips depart from St. Marys and St. Martin’s. Tours encompass the Eastern Isles, Northern Rocks and Lighthouses, beautiful scenic trips taking in the abundance of wildlife around the islands - seals, puffins, dolphins, seabirds and of course with windows on the ocean to view the magical underwater world of Scilly. Daytime, evening and private hire trips are available. From 1- or 2-hour wildlife and underwater safaris to the Lobster Takeaway Sundown Trip to Bryher, there is something for everyone. More here.

Scilly Carts

For a fun and easy way to explore St. Mary’s, book a “Scilly Cart!” Family-owned cart hire service provides an ideal, green, easy way for visitors to explore the island of St. Mary’s in an enjoyable, comfortable way offering 2, 4 or 6 seater electric carts! Perfect for a day trip, to make the mostof your time, or an experience during your vacation for one or more days. Great for anyone with disabilities or for that child that doesn’t like to walk! Each cart has a daily range of 20-24 miles (that’s 3 times round the island) from a full charge, with lighting for evening use too, plus safety belts on all seats and even child and booster seat options. Driving licence needed! More here.