Wildlife Sea Safari
Wildlife Sea Safari
Guests board the tender at St Mary’s Harbour and depart for a scenic cruise through the Isles of Scilly, a remote archipelago located off the far southwestern coast of Britain. As the vessel moves away from the harbor, the surrounding seascape opens to reveal scattered islands, exposed rock formations, and quiet inlets shaped by Atlantic tides. The route is determined by prevailing weather and tidal conditions, allowing the captain to select the areas offering the best wildlife viewing and sea conditions on the day of operation.
The cruise often circles the Eastern Isles, a tranquil group of uninhabited islands in the eastern corner of the archipelago. These low-lying islands and rocky shores provide one of the best locations in the region to observe Atlantic grey seals resting on the rocks or swimming near the shoreline. Seabirds are abundant throughout this area, and guests may observe species such as Manx shearwaters, storm-petrels, and puffins during their breeding season. The vessel may also pass the Norrard Rocks, rugged outcrops north and west of Samson and Bryher, where seals and seabirds gather around formations such as Mincarlo, Scilly Rock, and Maiden Bower.
As the journey continues, the boat may cruise near Round Island Lighthouse, a prominent maritime landmark positioned between Tresco and St Martin’s. Nearby lie the historic islands of Tean and St Helen’s, areas long associated with the navigation and maritime history of the archipelago. The route also passes Men-A-Vaur, a dramatic rock rising from the sea that serves as an important nesting site for seabirds, with puffins frequently visible until late July. Throughout the voyage, attentive observation may also reveal passing marine life such as cetaceans, turtles, or sunfish before the boat returns to St Mary’s at the conclusion of the safari.
Notes: Tour operation is determined by tide and weather conditions, and the specific route and areas visited may vary depending on prevailing sea and navigational conditions within the Isles of Scilly archipelago. Guests must embark and disembark the tender without assistance, and some steps are required when boarding and disembarking. Sensible shoes are recommended, and clothing should be adapted to changing weather conditions. The cruise takes place in an open maritime environment where light rain, wind, or sea spray may occur. Visibility conditions such as fog or haze may occasionally affect coastal views. Wildlife sightings vary according to season and natural behavior patterns; sightings of seals, seabirds, or other marine life, while common, cannot be guaranteed. Puffins are typically present in the area until late July, while other seabirds may be observed throughout the season. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
A minimum number of participants is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures, and some may have limited capacity. Please book on the Seadream.com website, or onboard, early to avoid disappointment. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departure times will be published on board.
Port: St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly
Duration: 1.5 hours
Current Price: 79 USD
Voyages where this land adventure may be found: