Low Tide Festival

What's On

Our exciting events programme offers even more reasons to discover the magic of these islands in all their natural beauty.

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Day Trips

If you're visiting Scilly for just a day, we want to help you make every moment count. Check out our handy day trip guide for top tips, must-see…

A view from Karma St. Martin's Karma Group

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Island Hopping Colin Taylor

Island Hopping

With five inhabited islands and many uninhabited ones, the Isles of Scilly are perfect for island hopping. Regular "tripper" boats let you…

A view of Porthmellon Beach Mathew Hook

The Seasons

The Isles of Scilly offer a mild climate year-round, with spring and summer bringing warmer weather, perfect for outdoor activities and island…

Round Island Gareth Tibbs

Blog

Scilly ambassadors share their top tips and passion for our corner of the world. Whether it's your first visit or you're practically…

Honeymooners Karma St. Martin's

Honeymoons

The Isles of Scilly offer a perfect honeymoon destination, with serene landscapes, breath-taking views, and a peaceful atmosphere. After the wedding…

Couple waiting to board Skybus at Land's End Airport Isles of Scilly Travel

How to Get Here

Whether you arrive by Penzance Helicopter, Skybus, the Scillonian III, or a cruise, you’ll immediately feel that you’re heading somewhere…

TIC sunrise

Visitor Information

Welcome to the award-winning Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre. From helping you plan your visit to reliving your memories once…

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Island Hopping

Scilly’s Greatest Pleasure

Island Hopping

The Isles of Scilly is England's enchanting archipelago - perfectly pint-sized but still boasting more than 140 islands. And we have all the boats and experienced boatmen to help you skip around it all. Let’s go island hopping! If this is your first visit, the boating system may seem a little daunting but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Basically you have all the tripper boats of St. Mary’s largely run by the St. Mary’s Boatmen’s Association. Additionally, St. Agnes Boating, Tresco Boat Services, Endeavour Rib Service, and Seaquest Glass Bottom Boat all operate their own boat services offering trips and excursions, as well as regular water taxi services from their bases to all the other islands. 

Between them they run literally hundreds of trips a week – full day and half day trips to a plethora of islands. There are trips to see the seals and seabirds, to Bishop Rock Lighthouse, to the uninhabited islands where you can get dropped sometimes – and picked up too of course! And evening excursions on the “supper boats” that allow you to sample the pubs and restaurants of all the islands.

All in all, Scilly’s boatmen make for a remarkable combination of island hopping capability, expertise and experience. You’ll feel safe and well informed – they always let you know about pick-up times and pick-up places – especially if the changing tides mean that you need to return from a different quay to the one you hopped off onto!

There are timetables chalked on boards at every turn, and many of the operators have their own Facebook pages and Twitter feeds letting you know the boat times. Tides mean that this isn’t like running a bus service, so always check. The good news is that all this flexibility means that the options are almost endless.

Shore Hunting Sail it Your Way

Set off on an unforgettable adventure as you sail your way between islands, discovering hidden coves, golden beaches, and breath-taking wildlife along the way.

Scheduled Tripper Boats

There’s plenty of choice whichever island you’re based on. All the islands have a dedicated boat service offering daily scheduled trips.

Tripper boat side view

Wildlife Safaris

Discover Scilly’s wildlife at sea! See puffins, shearwaters, and guillemots, along with playful grey Atlantic seals, sure to greet you.

Scilly Sea Safaris

Hire your own boat

If you fancy being your own skipper for the day, you can hire a variety of boats across the islands. Where will you go?

A family in a boat
Victoria Walker for Hut 62 Bryher

Charters

Looking for something special? Champagne picnic or sunset cruise? Deep-sea fishing trip? Charter a boat and skipper to take you where you want to go.

Scilly Yacht Charters

Each has its own unique charm Explore the Five Islands

Karma Hotel on St. Martin's

St. Martin's

Bryher

Bryher

IOS Nav Landscape Large - Blog - Your Scilly guide to 2024 Gugh Bar 952x650

St. Agnes & Gugh

A view of Town Beach towards the quay

St. Mary's

Tresco Old Grimsby

Tresco

Your Scilly Events & Festivals What's On

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Ocean Scilly Festival

  • Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025

Join us for our 2nd Ocean Scilly, a nautical event celebrating the seas that surround the Isles of Scilly…

Ocean Scilly Festival
Aug 23

Taste of Scilly Festival

  • Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025

Taste of Scilly 2025 Indulge in the exquisite flavours of Scilly with this 11-day food and drink celebration, featuring…

Taste of Scilly Festival
Sep 12

Walk Scilly Festival

  • Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026

The Walk Scilly Festival is an incredible opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the…

Walk Scilly Festival
Apr 10

Make Scilly Yours Abundance of Activities

From exploring unspoiled beaches and scenic coastal trails to spotting wildlife on a sea safari and savouring the freshest seafood, and spending it mostly on or in the water, the Isles of Scilly offer a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and incredible local flavours. Explore it your way.

From those in the know A Local's Guide

Wildlife & Nature

Beneath the Waves

  • 2 min read

The Isles of Scilly boast a unique marine ecosystem, nourished by the nutrient-rich Atlantic waters…

Beneath the Waves
Tom Ingram
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Boats
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