isle of may

Lovely island to explore, lots of birds, very peaceful to take a picnic and enjoy the surroundings, well worth a visit on a nice sunny day

There are daily boat trips to the island that are timed with the tides, so inquire early if you are planning to go. Another good reason to check and book ahead is that the trips are popular and can sell out, or be cancelled if the weather is bad. The boat journey takes about 40 minutes each way, with 2-3 hours on the island. There is tea, coffee and chocolate available for purchase on the boat. It's excellent: the guides are friendly and very helpful, and the wildlife varies depending when you visit (check their website for when to see puffins or seals). Bring binoculars and/or a big camera lens for the best experience.

Rather disappointing , we were not told before boarding the boat that the birds had migrated the previous week., between May and July is the best time of the year to see the many thousands of wonderful seabirds that breed there so we were told after we had got there. Quite a lot of History .The Beacon Scotlands oldest Lighthouse worked for 179years and was the scene pf a terrible tragedy. The engine room powerful engines that generated electricity and compressed the air for the foghorns. Low light cottage , Low light tower there is plenty to see for anyone not particularly interested in seeing only birds

Our first attempt to land the May Isle aboard the May Princess was unsuccessful. The sea had her way, and was unwilling to admit us to the tiny (and totally obscured) harbour entrance. I did feel disappointed, but the skipper was more so. It was the first day in 2 years that he had been unable to land! As I was aboard with my family, all 5 of us were sad not to make it to the island. But, all was not lost! The crew of the boat were very gracious, and offered a free trip the next day for anyone who wanted another go. The next day crossing was on the early tide, and when we woke up, the weather looked against us. I texted the office, and asked if was possible to postpone to the following day. An unusual request, and they had every right to refuse it...but they didn't! We did indeed set sail the next day, and it was well worth it. The island is lovely, but I really wanted to post this to thank the staff of the boat company for being so generous.

A beautiful day in September for our boat trip to the Isle of May. The island was peaceful after the departure of thousands of sea birds. We enjoyed the singing of the seals during our 2 and1/2 hours ashore. Staff on the island informative and extremely helpful. Staff on the boat likewise. Useful but unobtrusive commentary on journeys to and from the island harbour.

Fantastic trip to the Isle of May mm the RIB OSPREY. Very informative and great fun. Made all our teenagers scream!!!! Thank you Roy

The crossing was a bit choppy (and too much for a couple of the guests) but the staff were great about it. The island is fantastic (we went with 5yo and 4yo) with lots to see. The time on shore went by really quickly. Probably more wildlife earlier (or later) in the year but still a joy to be there.

We were fortunate enough to head to the Isle by ferry on an exceptionally calm and sunny day, although anything other than torrential rain could not spoil a trip to this special place during the spring and early summer. Do take care to note that the seabirds begin to leave the island by the end of July or so--if its puffins you'd like to see, you will be disappointed later in the season, although the island itself is a place of great beauty replete with ruins and a lighthouse. Aside from the puffins that are the big tourist draw, during the height of the season you can't help but see razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, terns (which will dive bomb you if you approach their nests) and with any luck bottlenose seals. The captain will make a point to seek out sea mammals on the return journey and to note other interesting sightings. While some may prefer the high speed boats, the ferry allows you to enjoy the sea life and scenery on a fine day.

My wife and I visited the island with our 3 & 5yr old kids during the summer holiday. We opted for the fast rib boat route rather than the ferry, it is a little bit more expensive yet only takes 20min rather than 1hr and the kids really enjoyed it and the skipper was excellent. The island itself was lovely and the kids enjoyed hunting for the landmarks from their kids treasure maps that we picked up at the visiter centre. In total it cost £80 for the four of us yet I felt it was well worth it, the rib boat only takes 12 people so be sure to pre book.

I liked the boat but it was a very rough day to go, we had great laughs enjoyed it even if weather wasn't so good, Lots to see

This is a place of natural beauty. Our trip, whilst a little choppy, was accompanied by a gorgeous puffin busily flying alongside the boat, I will never forget it.Despite visiting this location some time ago, Isle of May is often remembered. We were fortunate to enjoy spectacular weather, but I admit the delight of seeing puffins and their habitat would overcome any cloudy day.I hope oneday to take my daughter to this little treasure Island.

What a gem! Like many others I have cast my eye over to the isle of may over many years and kept putting off the trip. The May Princess was either over booked or time and tide went against me but yesterday 20th July 2014 was the ideal opportunity. An early high tide meant an early start and the east coast sea haar would surely burn off with the glorious weather of late. Well no it didn't and I was robbed of the no doubt fantastic views back to the mainland. But I wanted to see the island afterall and it didn't disappoint. A bird watchers paradise. The sea birds and particularly the puffins were also marooned on the island by the haar and they were present in their thousands. Dozens of grey seals were seen and picked out by the 1st class skipper of the May Princess who also provided an excellent running commentary of what was to be seen. Great value for money and the 4 hours flew by. Will I go back? Yes: of course.

The highlight of a very good week holidaying in this area,the crew of The Princess couldn't have been more charming and helpfull,the actual visit on the Island was a very memorable one as the weather changed from one of glorious sunshine to dark and stormy which made for a very different journey back! The rainbow appearing behind the Island as we left was wonderful,not to mention the birds! The history of the Isle of May is also very fascinating.A highly recommend trip.

My husband and I after years of intending to visit the Island set sail on the Inflatable Osprey boat . We were handed our waterproofs and life belts, given our safety talk and then onto the boat. What an exhilarating experience bouncing up and down on the Firth of Forth. The Skipper was wonderful ,and for me a 68 year old vertically challenged individual the skipper ensured a safe drop in and exit from the boat. On our approach to the Island the skipper gave us a tour round the island to see the large colony of seals, the thousands of birds perched on cliff ledges and the various historical landmarks. On landing on the Island we were given a chat from one of the wild life officers regarding the current bird population and care to be taken for the safety of the birds. The artic terns greeted everybody by diving bombing only to protect their young. No extremes measures need to defend to yourself, simply wear a hat. We love our birds but even if you were not an avid bird watcher it was truly wonderful with little puffins flying everywhere with sand eels in their beaks for their young, fledglings testing out their wings the who experience was just magical. The Nature Reserve officers were usually visible and there for advice and to ensure that visitors stuck by the rules to ensure bird safety... Many thanks to all for a memorable experience.

Sailed on May Princess which was about an hour.Lovely sail,lots of sea birds and some grey seals keeping us company.regular commentary from the captain just incase you miss anything.boat crew very helpful. Arrived on Isle of May,weather could not have been better,lovely warm sunshine.Absolutely stunning rock formations and views from the Island.you have to run the gauntlet of protective mothers,those kittyhawkes are very protective and swoop on you when you least expect it,but all adds to the beauty of the island.Puffins in abundance as well as many other bird species.A great day out,not to be missed if you are in the area.only negative was not long enough on the Island to see everything so a second trip needed,but worthwhile.