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A Bass Rock boat trip

An hour-long RIB (rigid inflatable boat) trip from North Berwick to an amazing wildlife wonder - check out this video clip made by videographer Rob McDougall of an example trip! Just click on the image below to view.

The RIB leaves North Berwick Harbour and whisks you out to Craigleith, home to the Centre's SOS Puffin project, then out to the world-famous Bass Rock.

The largest single island gannet colony in the world, the iconic Bass Rock is home to over 150,000 gannets in the summer and this boat trip is a fantastic opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

As you travel around the Bass Rock, you will see thousands of gannets, close-up and nesting on the cliffs towering above you. You may also see many other seabirds (depending on the time of year) including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, shags, cormorants, razorbills and fulmars. You may also be lucky enough to see seals and even porpoises or dophins. 

You will return to North Berwick along the coastline and see the mighty Tantallon Castle.

Before you go, or on your return, zoom in on the Bass Rock action in our Discovery Centre.

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 16 March to October, weather dependent - initially weekends only.

Boats are fast and waterproofs are provided.

The minimum age is 8 years.

Prices: £22 for adults and £17 for children under 16 (10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre).

Please arrive 20 minutes before departure for safety briefing.

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

How to book

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.

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! 

Your feedback!

If you book a boat trip we would love to get your feedback. You can do this via Facebook, twitter or TripAdvisor and you can also upload images to our Flickr gallery. We also welcome feedback in person, on the phone or in writing.

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 phoning us on +44 (0)1620 890202 within 24 hours before your sailing for the latest on the likelihood of your trip going ahead. 

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