Throughout the season, Scilly offers a wide array of guided tours, both on the islands and around its shores. From scenic walks and archaeological explorations to wildlife adventures, marine excursions, and sunset trips – which will you choose?
Island Wildlife Tours
Head on an island wildlife tour encompassing some of the islands best eating spots at hotels, pubs or cafés and wildlife habitats for a half or full day tour across the archipelago! On Tresco, explore the inland pools and hides, perfect for observing resident and migratory waterfowl. On St. Agnes, explore the pool and the patchwork of fields that surround it. On Bryher, begin your day strolling the coastal paths of the tranquil southern beaches, then journey past the pool to the rugged beauty of Hell Bay later in the day. Begin your visit to St. Martin's with the sheltered farmland, followed by an afternoon coastal walk to spot passing seabirds and explore the local flora. After inspecting the town beaches of St. Mary’s for sea and shore birds, end the morning in Lower Moors, take lunch at Porth Hellick, before returning via the coastal path to Hugh Town.
Island Rover Minibus Tours
If you’re keen to make the most of your time on island, a bus tour could be just the thing! Island Rover run 60-minute tours on St. Mary’s offering light-hearted but informative commentary, stopping at selected viewpoints trailing the coastline to capture that once-in-a-moment photo to show loved ones back home. Due to the time spent on the bus and the nature of the tour, dogs or children under 5 are not permitted. Head to Holgate’s Green, Monday to Friday, to meet the 10.15 or 13.30 tour.
Raptor Boating
Raptor is an 11 metre cabin RIB, licensed for 12 passengers, all of whom can fit outside on the deck – the perfect platform for enjoying the islands on the ocean! The boat, skippered by resident Dan May, is available for private charters, water taxis and their new popular Wildlife and Scenic Tours. The 90-minute tour includes a visit to one of the seal colonies where passengers get close up views of the resident Atlantic grey seals. Wildlife sightings can also include dolphins, porpoise and a variety of birdlife such as puffins (from April – July), gannets, guillemots, fulmars, cormorants and razorbills. Raptor’s speed enables the tour to cover many miles and different islands, greatly increasing the chances of wildlife encounters. Private charters are bespoke and tailored to the perfect Scilly itinerary, the convenience of having your own speedboat with expert skipper and island-guide is a ‘must-do’ box to be ticked. Should you wish to dine on an island different to your accommodation, Raptor Boating can pick you up at any time, meaning an aperitif, suppers and evening plans needn’t be confined to one island.
St Martin’s Vineyard, Winery & Visitor Centre
St Martin's Vineyard & Winery is a unique coastal vineyard working towards organic production of white, red and rose wines. Explore wildflower-filled fields and finish your tour with a tasting flight of our wines. Take a bottle home from the cellar door shop or enjoy a glass of wine right on the vineyard! Self-guided tours begin at the Visitor Centre and take you through the site and up to the top field with panoramic views out over the Eastern Isles and the Daymark before returning for al fresco wine tasting in front of the winery.
Sea Quest Glass Bottom Boat
SeaQuest 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. SeaQuest trips depart from St. Marys and St. Martin’s. Tours encompass the Eastern Isles, Northern Rocks and Lighthouses, beautiful scenic trips taking in the abundance of wildlife around the islands - seals, puffins, dolphins, 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 1- or 2-hour wildlife and underwater safaris to the Lobster Takeaway Sundown Safari to Bryher, there is something for everyone.
Scilly Carts
For a fun and easy way to explore St. Mary’s, book a “Scilly Cart!” Family-owned cart hire service provides an ideal, green, easy way for visitors to explore the island of St. Mary’s in an enjoyable, comfortable way offering 2-, 4- or 6-seater electric carts! Perfect for a day trip, to make the most of your time, or an experience during your vacation for one or more days. Great for anyone with disabilities or for that child that doesn’t like to walk! Each cart has a daily range of 20-24 miles (that’s 3 times round the island) from a full charge, with lighting for evening use too, plus safety belts on all seats and even child and booster seat options. Driving licence needed! More here.
