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 BoatingTresco Boat ServicesEndeavour 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.

Wildlife Safaris

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

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?

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.

Each has its own unique charm Explore the Five Islands

Your Scilly Events & Festivals What's On

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…

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…

Sep 12

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…

Tom Ingram