Book Tickets Online
All Inclusive Searbird Saver
Send a E-Postcard

Boat Trips

Boat Trips

The Scottish Seabird Centre operates boat trips  to see the spectacular Forth Islands and their amazing wildlife: These trips are very popular and early booking is stongly advised by calling +44 (0) 1620 890202 or by email at info@seabird.org.  Our boats are also available for private trips - please contact us for more information. See details of where we are and how to get here.

You will be accompanied on your trip by an experienced wildlife guide. As members of Wild Scotland  and WiSE, the Seabird Centre follows a careful wildlife watching code that allows a wonderful experience for visitors, without disturbing the animals. The Scottish Seabird Centre is a charity and income from our boat trips supports our conservation and education work. There are three popular boat trips to choose from:

1. One hour Seabird Seafari RIB trips to Craigleith and around the Bass Rock daily (numbers and weather permitting) from North Berwick.
2. Three and a half hour Seabird Seafari RIB trips to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, with at least two hours ashore
3.  Exclusive Bass Rock Landing Trips  with fishing boat 'Fisher Lassie' from Dunbar Harbour (five and a half hours).

In addition, we can also cater for private groups which costs £275 for the first hour and £150 per hour thereafter. The price for all trips includes waterproofs and an experienced guide.

Why not make it a day to remember and get your photograph taken professionally on Seabird Seafari trips?  See the gallery and ask for more details at the booking office.

Details of each of the three public trips are shown below:

1. Bass Rock Seabird Seafari

Leaving from North Berwick Harbour, this round trip takes an hour. Our new rigid inflatable boats quickly whisk you out to the islands to allow you to enjoy lots of time observing the wildlife. You will slowly cruise around the island of Craigleith, home to our SOS Puffin project, and the famous Bass Rock, described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the twelve wildlife wonders of the world" and the largest single island gannet colony in the world (over 150,000 gannets).

The trips are fast and waterproofs are provided. The minimum age for children is eight. The price is £22 for adults and £17 for children (less 10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre). Income from the Seabird Seafari trips supports the SOS Puffin project. Due to their popularity, trips book up quickly and advance booking is recommended by calling +44 (0) 1620 890202. Please note, tickets for these trips cannot be purchased online. You can also hire a set of binoculars, in advance, for your trip at a cost of £3.

2. NEW!!! Trips to the Isle of May

The Isle of May (a National Nature Reserve) is internationally famous for its amazing wildlife. A quarter of a million seabirds, including thousands of puffins, are attracted to the island every year to breed. The island is owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. Take a virtual tour of the Isle of May. 
 
You will be accompanied by an experienced wildlife guide and enjoy at least two hours ashore. Departing from North Berwick, en route the boat will pass under the spectacular cliffs of the Bass Rock with its famous gannet colony.
 
The trips are fast and waterproofs are provided. The minimum age for children is eight. The price is £38 for adults and £32 for children (less 10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre). Income from the Seabird Seafari trips supports the SOS Puffin project. Due to their popularity, trips book up quickly and advance booking is recommended by calling +44 (0) 1620 890202.Please note, tickets for these trips cannot be purchased online.  You can also hire a set of binoculars, in advance, for your trip at a cost of £3.
 
Spaces are limited (maximum group size: 12) and the trips are very popular. Advance booking is therefore strongly recommended.  Sailing dates are shown below.
 
 
Wednesday 28th July departs NB 10am Guided Tour Sold Out
Friday 30th July departs NB 10am Guided Tour 2 Spaces
Saturday 31st July departs NB 9.15am Guided Tour Optional Sold Out
Sunday 1st August departs NB 12pm Guided Tour Sold Out
Monday 2nd August departs NB 10am Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Wednesday 4th August departs NB 11.45am Guided Tour Optional Sold Out
Friday 6th August departs NB 9.20am Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Saturday 7th August departs NB 10.30am Guided Tour Optional 1 Space
Sunday 8th August departs NB 11.30am Guided Tour Optional 8 Spaces
Monday 9th August departs NB 12.20pm Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Wednesday 11th August departs NB 1.50pm Guided Tour Optional 3 spaces
Friday 13th August departs NB 2.30pm Guided Tour Optional 4 Spaces
Saturday 14th August departs NB 10am Guided Tour Spaces
Sunday 15th August departs NB 10am Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Monday 16th August departs NB 10.30am Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Wednesday 18th August departs NB 10am Guided Tour Spaces
Friday 20th August departs NB 10am Guided Tour Spaces
Saturday 21st August departs NB 11.15am Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Sunday 22nd August departs NB 12noon Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Monday 23rd August departs NB 12.30pm Guided Tour Optional Spaces
Wednesday 25th August departs NB 10.30am Guided Tour Spaces
Friday 27th August departs NB 10.30am Guided Tour Spaces
Saturday 28th August departs NB 10.30am Guided Tour Spaces
Sunday 29th August departs NB 10.30am Guided Tour Spaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Bass Rock Exclusive Landing Trips

Our exclusive five and a half hour landing trips to the Bass Rock are an unforgettable experience.  With a highly experienced crew, guests enjoy the amazing spectacle of "chumming" (gannets diving for fish at 60mph (100kmph)) and the awesome spectacle of the Bass Rock gannet colony - see Bass Rock Landing Trips for more information.
 

Gift Vouchers

Seabird Centre Vouchers make a great gift and can be used for boat trips or anywhere in the Centre. Vouchers make an excellent gift and can be purchased from our Online Shop or by calling +44 (0)1620 890202 – advance booking is strongly recommended.
 

Terms and Conditions

  • Boat trips will only sail with a minimum of 8 passengers.*
  • Please note if you are pregnant or have back problems, these trips are not recommended.
  • The Scottish Seabird Centre reserves the right to cancel or change the times of boat trips.
  • Boat trips are subject to weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, in the first instance passengers will be offered an alternative date or alternatively a full refund will be given.
  • The minimum age for this trip is 8 years old and an adult must accompany children between 8–15 years. Other boat trip operators can accommodate younger children, please contact the Seabird Centre for more information.
  • The Scottish Seabird Centre reserves the right to refuse entry onto the boat.
  • Full payment must be made at the time of booking.
  • All bookings are subject to the above terms and conditions.

[Back]

Get Closer
Chritmas Shopping