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

Beneath the Waves

A Whale of An Adventure!

Lighting the way: lighthouses on Scilly

The Puffins Return

Endeavour Rib Service

Let us transport you between the islands safely at speed and in style. We offer a private water taxi service (specials) between the islands at a time…

Raptor Boating

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

Sea Quest Glass Bottom Boat

Join Jo on SeaQuest, the Glass Bottom Boat, for the ultimate wildlife safari. Experience the unique wildlife, landscape & history of Scilly above…

St. Agnes Boating Wildlife Safaris

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…

Hut 62 Watersports Hire

Come to Hut 62 for the ultimate Scilly experience At Hut 62 we have motor boats, sailing boats, stable sit on top kayaks, transparent kayaks…

Kayak Scilly

Fancy a great day out on the open water? Here at Kayak Scilly we love the great outdoors and what better way to experience an Area of Outstanding…

St. Martin's Watersports

If you want to have an adventure out on the water and to explore the beauty of the islands from the sea, simply book your kayak and paddleboard…

The Sailing Centre

Fully qualified staff available to teach full certificated course or quick taster sessions in all watersports activities. Hire dayboats, dinghies and…

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…

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…

World Pilot Gig Championships

May 2, 2025 - May 4, 2025

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

May 02

Creative Scilly Festival

May 18, 2025 - May 28, 2025

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to explore something new, this year’s Creative Scilly Festival…

May 18

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

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