A world of discovery

Uninhabited Islands

The Isles of Scilly is the UK’s largest archipelago. With only five inhabited islands, 140 or so more provide a safe haven for wildlife and seabirds. Some are frequented by day boats, others never visited by man at all.

It is thought that the archipelago may once have been joined together, making up a large land-mass. Legend suggests that it was the lost Arthurian land of Lyonesse. The islands remain steeped in myth and many have fascinating names to reflect this: Great Arthur, Hangman’s Island, Old Man, Hunter’s Lump, Seal Rock and Great Cheese Rock.

Some of the uninhabited islands once supported small communities; if you visit Tean or St. Helen's, for example, you will discover the remains of early Christian chapels. The island of Samson, next to Bryher, was home to several farmers and fishermen until the mid-1800s. The haunting remains of granite houses, barns and boatsheds remind us of these more recent times.

Many of Scilly’s uninhabited islands pay tribute to the tragic shipwrecks that have taken place over the centuries. The Western Rocks are a permanent memorial to the countless seamen lost on Bishop Rock – a 50-metre rock column that is totally covered at spring high tides – and on which the UK's most south-westerly lighthouse now stands.

Today you can take a boat trip and witness many of these rugged and wild outcrops from the water, marvelling at the abundant bird life, colonies of seals and stunning seascapes along the way.

Samson

Samson, the largest uninhabited island, was inhabited until 1855. Enjoy stunning beaches and explore old ruined cottages on North Hill and South Hill.

Tean

Teän, west of St. Martin’s, offers stunning views from the top of Great Hill (40m). Discover Bronze Age remains and an early Christian chapel.

Annet

West of St. Agnes is the low lying island of Annet, a bird sanctuary. It's closed to the public, but boat trips head there, so take your binoculars!

Western Rocks

The final frontier before the Atlantic meets America, and a sanctuary for wildlife. Boat trips provide close-up views of Bishop Rock Lighthouse.

Eastern Isles

Take a boat trip to this beautiful cluster of islands, close to St. Martin's and a haven for seals and sea birds. Ideal for wildlife watching.

Norrard (Northen) Rocks

West of Bryher, the Norrad Rocks include Gweal and Mincarlo. A sanctuary for seabirds and seals, best explored by wildlife safari.

St. Helen's

St. Helen's features the 1764 Pest House, built to quarantine plague cases. Also, explore the medieval remains of St. Elidius Hermitage on the island.

A Renowned Shipwreck Expert and Maritime Historian

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We have teamed up with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust to bring you wildlife safaris every Wednesday departing St Agnes at 13.00. We have a…

St. Mary's Boatmen's Association Trips & Tours

There are daily trips to the islands and out to see the wildlife and lighthouses. Boats leave from 10:15am and return until 4:45pm. The service is…

Falcon Boating

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Hut 62 Watersports Hire

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Kayak Scilly

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Raptor Boating

Raptor Boating provides wildlife & scenic tours, water taxi and private charter services. Raptor is an 11 metre Redbay cabin RIB powered…

Scilly Fishing & Boat Charters

Join us for an adventure, experience the breathtaking, crystal-clear Scilly waters, on an exciting fishing trip, a wildlife trip to see the seals or…

Scilly Yacht Charters

A truly unique experience, why not make your holiday complete by spending a day sailing the crystal clear, azure waters of Scilly aboard our 50 foot…

Sea Quest Glass Bottom Boat

Experience The Isles of Scilly by glass bottom boat. Family-friendly boat trips that offer glimpses into the islands’ thriving marine…

St. Martin's Watersports

No visit to Scilly is complete without some time spent out on the water. We offer kayak, paddleboard and snorkel hire from the beautiful island of St…

Tresco Boat Services Trips & Tours

Tresco Boats offers island-hopping day trips, wildlife and scenic tours and arrival & departure transfers for the islands of Tresco & Bryher…

Christmas Festival on Scilly

We are delighted to announce the line-up for this year's Christmas Festival on Scilly! On Friday 4th December in the…

Dec 04

Walk Scilly Festival

Apr 8, 2027 - Apr 17, 2027

Walk Scilly Festival invites you to experience the Isles of Scilly at their very best — a celebration of…

Apr 08

World Pilot Gig Championships

Apr 30, 2027 - May 2, 2027

The World Pilot Gig Championships are an annual gig racing event held during the May…

Apr 30

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