Gearing up for the summer holidays? Here’s our pick of 9 fun family adventures suitable for those staying on the islands or day trippers. From 1-hour experiences to a full day on Scilly, there’s something for all abilities and ages with plenty of fun factor.
Coasteering Scilly’s rocky coast
Kernow Coasteering offers family-friendly coasteering adventures in the Isles of Scilly, providing an exciting way for families to explore the coastline together. The beginner coasteering sessions are tailored for families, including young children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Swim through sea caves, explore hidden gullies and discover various coastal features. Most equipment provided, ensuring safety and comfort for your on-island adventure. Book here.
Image credit: Kernow Coasteering off Peninnis Head, St. Mary's
Scenic sea safari tours
Raptor Boating offers wildlife and scenic tours, water taxis, and private charters around the Isles of Scilly. Their 11-metre RIB seats up to 12 passengers, with outdoor and indoor options. The 90-minute tours visit seal colonies and offer chances to see dolphins, porpoises, and birds like puffins (April–July) and gannets. Guided by a local skipper, each trip covers stunning sights, adapting to weather and conditions for a unique experience. Book here.
Image credit: Sightseeing tours with Raptor Boating
Kayaking and paddleboarding from St. Martin’s
The best moments happen at sea! The crystal-clear waters off Par Beach, St. Martin's are the perfect location for kayaking and paddleboarding fun. Create family memories, explore uninhabited islands or visit a magical sandbar. Discover neolithic settlements, find your favourite deserted beach for a picnic and paddle over beds of sea grass - home to crabs, fish and anemones - you may even have an encounter with a grey seal! Use the experience and local knowledge of the team at St. Martin’s Watersports to help you make the most out of being on the water. Ideal for pre-school (accompanied by an adult), primary and secondary. Book here.
Image credit: Kayaking off Par Beach, St. Martin's with St Martin's Watersports
Scilly Rockpool Safaris
Ever tried rock-pooling but never make that grand discovery? Scott & Samaya Reid of Scilly Rockpool Safaris will take you on a wondrous adventure of marine discoveries including species rarely seen. Discover what animals live beneath the crystal-clear waters of Scilly including the customary starfish, crabs, and sea anemones. Whether you are a lone traveller, a family with children, or a group of friends Scilly Rockpool Safaris is a unique and special experience for everyone. Book here.
Image credit: Rock-pooling is a firm family favourite on Scilly
Hut 62 Bryher Boat Hire
Hiring boats from Bryher since 1962, Hut 62 are the experts for all your watersport needs if based on the island (although they do make provision for other islands). From motorboats, sailing boats, stable sit on top kayaks, transparent kayaks, SUPs to pedalboards – hire by the hour, day or week! Their knowledge is second to none and have all the great tips to ensure you have fun on the water, safely! It’s the perfect get-away-from-it-all antidote, exploring the clear waters of Scilly at your own pace. But it also enables you to visit uninhabited shores, fish from your own boat, take a picnic and more up. Book here.
Image credit: Hut 62 owners heading out on the water, photo by Victoria Walker
The Sailing Centre
Located on sandy sheltered Porthmellon Beach, on the west coast of St. Mary’s, The Sailing Centre is the only RYA, BSUPA & AALA licensed provider on the islands offering high quality, safe watersports tuition and activities for all levels. Offerings include taster sessions and courses in sailing and windsurfing for groups or private hire, plus kayak tours and special excursions, the hiring of day boats, dinghies, and paddleboards. For thrill seekers, the Centre’s RIB speedboat ‘Endeavor’ is available for wildlife watching (dolphins, seals, porpoise sometimes whales!) private charter, inter-island taxis, and thrill rides. The company also operates from Ravensporth Beach as Ravensporth Sailing Base on Tresco, so visitors are well-covered when it comes to watersports across the islands. Book here.
Image credit: Kids paddleboarding with The Sailing Centre, St. Mary's
Scilly Carts, St. Mary's
A fun and easy way to explore St. Mary’s, just book a Scilly Cart! This family-run business owned by Emma and Mark Humphries has a fleet of 26 carts. It’s a green (all carts are electric) and easy way to explore the entire island of St. Mary’s in an enjoyable, comfortable way. Whether you’re here for a day or longer, they offer 2, 4 and 6-seater carts, providing options for both couples and families. Each cart has a daily range of 20-24 miles (that’s 3 times around the island!) from a full charge, with lighting for evening use, plus safety belts on all seats and even child and booster seat options. There’s third party insurance for named drivers and full instructions will be given on collecting your cart. Drivers must be at least 21 and hold a full UK driving license for at least a year. Book here.
Image credit: Hire a Scilly Cart and get to know more of St. Mary's in less time.
Sea Quest Glass Bottom Boat
Sea Quest 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. Sea Quest trips depart from St. Mary’s and St. Martin’ and encompass the Eastern Isles, Northern Rocks and lighthouses. These beautiful scenic trips take in the abundance of wildlife around the islands. From seals, puffins, dolphins to 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 a 1 hour Round Island Lighthouse, Tean, St Helens & Menavaur Circuit- or a 2-hour Eastern Isles or Northern Rocks Explorer - there is something for everyone! Book here.
Image credit: Extraordinary sightseeing on board the Sea Quest Glass Bottom boat
See Scilly by horseback
St. Mary’s Riding Centre, the only equestrian facility on the Isles of Scilly, offers a range of experiences for riders of all ages and skill levels. Situated near Maypole on St. Mary’s, the centre provides scenic treks along coastal bridleways, beaches, and private farm tracks, with options for one-hour or two-hour rides. Private lessons also available.
Approved by the British Horse Society, the centre is known for its well-trained horses and friendly staff, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. With stunning views of St. Mary’s coastline and tailored services, this is an unmissable way to explore the island's beauty on horseback. Book here.
Image credit: Explore St. Mary's on horseback for a unique perspective
