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• Isle of May photographic boat trip

The Isle of May, a National Nature Reserve, is internationally famous for its amazing wildlife and these boat trips are a photographer's dream. Check out this video clip made by videographer Rob McDougall of an example trip. Just click on the image below to view. 

It is the largest east coast puffin colony in Britain: a quarter of a million seabirds, including tens of thousands of puffins, are attracted to the Isle of May every year to breed. Imagine puffins parading outside burrows or whirring overhead; cliffs and stacks alive with guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and shags; on the ground, nesting eiders incubating their clutch - there's the chance to experience all of this on these specialist photography boat trips.

Open to amateur and professional photographers alike, the group will be led by an expert guide at all times to ensure the wildlife is undisturbed.

These memorable trips depart from North Berwick Harbour in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and pass the famous Bass Rock to see the awesome spectacle of 150,000 gannets en-route.

Before you go, or on your return, zoom in on the Isle of May action in our Discovery Centre.

For more information on the Isle of May, check out their blog, take a virtual tour of the island and see the Isle of May page on the Scotland's National Nature Reserves website. 

You can also keep up-to-date with what you can see each week via our wildlife sightings blog!

Binoculars are available to hire for only £3 from our booking office at North Berwick Harbour.

The facts:

Trips run from April to July. 

The minimum age is 16.

Boats are fast and waterproofs are provided.

Prices: Adult £45 (10% discount for members).

Trips must be booked in advance and are limited to max 12 people.

Departure is from North Berwick harbour - it takes around 30 to 45 minutes to travel to the island, with around 21/2 hours on shore.

Trips will be outwith general public visiting times to allowing an undisturbed visit.

RIBs are not suitable for anyone with back ailments or who is pregnant. 

There are no food outlets on the island, but there are toilets. Visitors are permitted to take food but must bring all litter back to the mainland and dispose of it properly.

Dates for 2013

Please check this table in advance for confirmation of whether your booked sailing is still going ahead.  

More dates to follow.
 

How to book

Simply click here - it's quick and easy!

Alternatively, we accept bookings by telephone and in person at the Scottish Seabird Centre. You may contact us with your reservation request and payment details and this will enable us to confirm your booking.

If you are a member of the Seabird Centre, or have a voucher, please phone Monday to Friday (09:00-17:00) to make your booking, to enable us to process your discount.

Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Delta or Switch. If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, you will incur an additional payment fee of £12.

Terms and conditions

Please read these before you book! Also read the essential information. 

Your feedback!

All boat trips are subject to weather, sea conditions and demand (minimum numbers apply). Safety is our priority. Conditions can change quickly and occasional cancellations at short notice may be required. Trips are not guaranteed but full refunds or alternative dates and times are offered in the event of cancellation for the above reasons. We recommend advance booking and checking on this page to see if your trip is still going ahead. You can also phone us on +44 (0)1620 890202 within 24-hours before your sailing.

The Scottish Seabird Centre is an independent charity and income from boat trips supports the Centre's conservation and education work.