Isle of May Landing trips

Isle of May landings

This stunning National Nature Reserve is steeped in history and is a haven for wildlife, supporting internationally important colonies of breeding seabirds in the summer and grey seals over winter.

Onboard our 12-seat RIB (rigid inflatable boat), you will travel to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, which is owned and managed by NatureScot. Click HERE to see a video of our RIB trips. 

The Isle of May is the largest puffin colony on the east coast of Britain (see puffins from April to July) and a quarter of a million seabirds breed on the island.

(c) Greg Macvean

Look out for different wildlife throughout the seasons - click HERE for the wildlife calendar with details of what you may see during your boat trip. You might also be lucky enough to see seals and even dolphins.

(c) Karen Munro

These boat trips leave North Berwick Harbour and you will also travel past the Bass Rock (weather permitting), the world's largest colony of Northern gannets and BBC Countryfile Magazine's Nature Reserve of the Year 2014/15 & 2015/16.

Check out the Isle of May page on the Scotland's National Nature Reserves website and the Isle of May blog.

All Isle of May landing trips must be booked in advance and due to the popularity of these trips we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for trips in May, June and July. For boat trips terms and conditions, click here. 

The facts:

• Trips run April to Autumn, subject to weather and sea conditions
• Boats are fast. Waterproofs are not provided - please bring your own.
• 10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre
• Not suitable for anyone with back ailments or who is pregnant
• 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
• Keep to the paths on the island at all times

Key things to note

• Our boat trips are led by experienced guides. They will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on the island and will also guide around the island.
• We are members of Wild Scotland and WiSE and follow the wildlife watching codes.
• Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Delta or Switch.
• Please present your booking confirmation on arrival - arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to your departure.  
• Binoculars are available to hire from our Boat Office.

We are pleased to provide our members with a 10% discount on boat trips - this is applicable to the named member(s), who must also be the passenger(s). Full ticket price will be applicable at the time of booking - when you collect your tickets from the Boat Trip Booking Office you will get your refund on presentation of a valid membership card. Alternatively, you can get the discount at the time of booking at the Boat Trip Booking Office. 

Terms and conditions

Please refer to the T&Cs for your trip – when you book, you will be asked to confirm that you have read these.  

If you are unable to book online, bookings can be made over the phone. 

For safety reasons, some of our boat trips have age and fitness level restrictions, so please check that you will be able to travel.

Safety is our priority and all boat trips are subject to weather, sea conditions and demand (minimum passenger numbers apply). Weather and sea 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 reasons above. 

We recommend advance booking: if your trip has to be cancelled or delayed we will try to contact you as soon as possible. Please provide a mobile number, at the time of booking, so we can contact you if required. The Scottish Seabird Centre and its partners cannot be held responsible for any of your costs resulting from cancellation, amendment or delay of your trip. 

Header Image (c) Greg Macvean