Our exclusive five and a half hour landing trips to the famous Bass Rock - described by Sir David Attenborough as 'one of the twelve wildlife wonders of the world' - are an unforgettable experience and run in partnership with Dunbar based trawler ‘Fisher Lassie’.

With a highly experienced crew and guide, you’ll enjoy time ashore this iconic island, see the amazing spectacle of ‘chumming’ (gannets diving for fish at 60mph/100kmph!) and the awesome sight of the 150,000 strong Bass Rock gannet colony.

Gannets diving around the Bass Rock has been voted number one in Chris Packham's Nature's Top 40, which you can view here. Wow!

New for 2012!

We have increased the number of dates available, with a range of Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday sailings - morning and afternoon. You can now also book your Bass Rock Landing trip online. See the table below for our 2012 scheduled trips.

The facts!

• Trips run April to September, weather dependent
• The minimum age for children is 8 years
• Prices: £98 for adults and children (10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre) plus £7 landing fee which the Centre pays to the owners
• Trips must be booked in advance and are limited to 11 people
• Departure is either from Dunbar Harbour or North Berwick Harbour
• A Waiver of Liability must be completed and given to your guide on the day

Please note that the Bass Rock is an exposed island and landing is not always possible. Passengers on this trip must be fit and clothed appropriately. Changing sea conditions may result in trips being cancelled at short notice.  63% of trips were successfully completed within the last two years.

Private charters

We can also cater for photographic groups or camera clubs with our private group option which offers an exclusive landing on the Bass Rock. The trips cost £150 per hour (minimum charge of £300 plus time on the Bass Rock), £85 per load of bait for chumming (optional) and £7 landing fee per person. These trips can only be booked by phoning +44(0)1620 890202.

Should you have any questions, please see our FAQs.

How to book

Prior to booking: It is important that you read the important information and our terms and conditions. In the case of a private trip, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your requirements. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for a trip, please contact us on +44 (0)1620 890202.

To book: You can now book online. Enter your preferred date and relevant departure time. Full details are on our 2012 schedule below. Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Payment can be made by Visa, Visa debit, Visa electron, MasterCard or Maestro.

Confirmation of your Booking: Your booking will be confirmed by email.

2012 schedule

What to expect on a typical day - a guide by Maggie Sheddan 

Your journey begins in the picturesque fishing town of Dunbar. A ‘lively’ kittiwake colony has taken over a wall of Dunbar Castle that overlooks the Harbour. Your guide meets you next to the Royal National Lifeboat shop at the harbour.

At a steady speed you begin your transfer out to the Bass Rock, which takes approximately one hour. On arrival at the Bass Rock, the skipper, Gordon Easingwood and your guide, Maggie Sheddan, assess the landing stages and confirm if it is safe to land. If it is not safe, the skipper will sail around the Rock and proceed to the gannet feeding ‘chumming’ - this is one of the most memorable sights of the trip where gannets perform their spectacular 100kmph dives next to the boat. Please note: you will be refunded with 50% of your trip if we are unable to land, for any reason. For a more in-depth idea of what to expect on your trip, Maggie has written an article of "A Typical Day" - it's worth a read!

Guest reviews and photos

• Julie Howden
• David Stevenson
• Paul Hancock
• Photographers on Safari
• Photo Answers
• Gannet Gallery
• Claire Witham
• Graham Olley
• Robert Lawrence
• Beautiful Scotland
• Bill Lockhart
• Steve Race

What's happening on the Bass Rock?

Useful information

Below are some links for planning your journey:

• Dunbar Town map
• Dunbar information
• Visit East Lothian

Accommodation in Dunbar

• Bayswell Hotel
• Belhaven Caravan and Camping Park
• Hillside Hotel
• Rosedene Bed & Breakfast
• Rossborough Hotel
• Springfield Guest House
• Tantallon Caravan and Camping Park
• Woodside Bed & Breakfast

• The Crown Hotel, East Linton
• Press Mains Cottages