Isle of May

The Isle of May is a magical National Nature Reserve sitting about five miles off the Fife coast. It is owned and managed by NatureScot and is one of the most important places in the UK for seabirds and seals. You’ll find the boats leaving primarily from Anstruther Harbour, Fife (Postcode: KY10 3DX).

What to Expect and Enjoy
A trip here is a real mini-adventure. The island feels wild, rugged, and completely different from the mainland.

Puffins: Between April and July, the island is home to nearly 100,000 puffins. They nest in burrows in the ground, and you can get surprisingly close to them. They are incredibly entertaining to watch as they fly back to their burrows with beaks full of sand eels.
The Lighthouses: The island has a long history of navigation. You can see the “Main Light” and the ruins of the “Beacon,” which was the first permanently manned light in Scotland, dating back to 1636.
The Seals: A huge colony of Grey Seals lives here. In the autumn, hundreds of pups are born on the island, and during the summer months, you’ll see the adults bobbing in the water around the pier.
Walking Trails: There are well-marked paths that take you around the cliffs. The views looking back toward the Fife coast and over the North Sea are breathtaking.

Best For and Time Spent
This is a “bucket list” item for nature lovers and photographers. It’s also a great educational trip for older children.

Duration: The whole trip usually takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. This includes the boat journey and roughly 2 to 3 hours of “landing time” to walk the island.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

Seasickness: The boat crossing takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It can be choppy, so if you don’t have your “sea legs,” it’s worth taking precautions.
Clothing: There is no shelter on the island. It can be significantly colder and windier than the mainland, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket even in summer.
No Facilities: There are no shops or cafes on the island. There are basic toilets at the visitor centre, but you must bring all your own food and water.
Cost: While the island itself is free to enter, you have to pay for the boat trip. It’s essential to book these in advance as they are weather-dependent and very popular.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits

Anstruther: Since you’ll start and end your day here, it’s the perfect time to visit the Scottish Fisheries Museum or enjoy the famous local fish and chips once you’re back on dry land.

More Places Nearby

3 Day ‘Best of Fife’ trip Aberdour Castle Adventure Golf Island – Dunfermline Anstruther Pleasure Boat Trips Beach & Coastal Fun Best for a Rainy Day Broughty Castle Museum Burntisland Cairnie Fruit Farm and Maize Maze Cambo Gardens Cluny Activities (Clunys Clays) Craigluscar Activities Craigtoun Country Park Culross Deep Sea World – North Queensferry Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail Dunfermline Palace and Abbey East Sands Leisure Centre – St Andrews Falkland Palace and Garden Fife Coastal Path Hill of Tarvit Mansion History & Photography Gems Inchcolm Island Boat Trips Kellie Castle and Garden Lochore Meadows Country Park Lomond Hills Regional Park Pittencrieff Park Ravenscraig Castle Relaxed & Scenic Outings Scotland’s Secret Nuclear Bunker St Andrews Aquarium St Andrews Castle Ruins St Andrews Old Course St Bridget’s Kirk Tenpin (formerly Bowlplex) – Dunfermline The “Active & High Energy” Day The Forth Bridge The Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife Park Walking, Cycling, and Riding in Fife West Sands Beach

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