Port information & tips for Isle of May
The Isle of May is an untouched natural paradise in the Scottish Firth of Forth and impresses as an important bird sanctuary with its rugged, original beauty. The island enchants visitors with its mystical atmosphere, dramatic cliffs, and impressive wildlife, while the salty sea breeze underscores the authentic Scottish coastal feeling. Fascinating highlights include the historic Stevenson Lighthouse, the ruins of the medieval St. Adrian’s Chapel, and the massive colonies of puffins that can be observed here at close range. As the island is a protected sanctuary, shore leave takes place via the small jetty in Kirkhaven, from which the natural beauties and hiking trails are directly and easily accessible within a few minutes' walk.
The Isle of May is a fascinating National Nature Reserve in Scotland that has no direct connections for large cruise ships. Instead, you can reach the island easily via regular boat trips, which primarily depart from the charming fishing village of Anstruther in Fife, but are also offered from Dunbar and North Berwick. The island is accessible seasonally from April to September, and due to the required boat crossing, early planning and possibly an overnight stay in the surrounding area are recommended when traveling from the DACH region.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is easily accessible from German, Austrian, and Swiss airports. From there, the drive to Anstruther is approximately 76 to 82 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes by car. A comfortable option is a private transfer that takes you directly to the ferry port. Alternatively, bus connections offer a good travel option: you can take buses from Edinburgh Airport to transport hubs such as Halbeath Park & Ride or Edinburgh Bus Station and from there continue to Anstruther with Stagecoach buses, for example, line X61 with a change to line 95. The entire bus journey can take about 2 hours and 21 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Car
Anstruther is excellently accessible thanks to good road connections within Scotland. From the direction of Edinburgh, you can reach the A92 via the M90 motorway, followed by the A915 and finally the A917, which leads you directly into the coastal village. The picturesque Fife Coastal Route also passes through Anstruther. Parking is available in Anstruther, including paid parking spaces near the harbor and free alternatives within walking distance, for example near the Co-op supermarket or at the St Andrews Road Car Park. The harbor parking lots are only about 200 meters from the boat departure points.
Train & Bus
Although Anstruther does not have its own active train station (the old station was closed in 1965), you can reach the village easily via nearby train stations. The nearest relevant stations are Leuchars and Kirkcaldy. From Leuchars, about 24 kilometers away, you can reach Anstruther by bus (e.g., line 99 with one change) in around 52 minutes. From Kirkcaldy, which is approximately 35 to 43 kilometers away, there is a good bus connection with line X61, which takes you to Leven, where you then change to line 95, which goes directly to Anstruther. This bus journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes. Bus line 95 also serves the entire coastal region and connects Anstruther with other charming fishing villages and St Andrews.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Isle of May is a fascinating National Nature Reserve in Scotland that has no direct connections for large cruise ships. Instead, you can reach the island easily via regular boat trips, which primarily depart from the charming fishing village of Anstruther in Fife, but are also offered from Dunbar and North Berwick. The island is accessible seasonally from April to September, and due to the required boat crossing, early planning and possibly an overnight stay in the surrounding area are recommended when traveling from the DACH region.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is easily accessible from German, Austrian, and Swiss airports. From there, the drive to Anstruther is approximately 76 to 82 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes by car. A comfortable option is a private transfer that takes you directly to the ferry port. Alternatively, bus connections offer a good travel option: you can take buses from Edinburgh Airport to transport hubs such as Halbeath Park & Ride or Edinburgh Bus Station and from there continue to Anstruther with Stagecoach buses, for example, line X61 with a change to line 95. The entire bus journey can take about 2 hours and 21 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Car
Anstruther is excellently accessible thanks to good road connections within Scotland. From the direction of Edinburgh, you can reach the A92 via the M90 motorway, followed by the A915 and finally the A917, which leads you directly into the coastal village. The picturesque Fife Coastal Route also passes through Anstruther. Parking is available in Anstruther, including paid parking spaces near the harbor and free alternatives within walking distance, for example near the Co-op supermarket or at the St Andrews Road Car Park. The harbor parking lots are only about 200 meters from the boat departure points.
Train & Bus
Although Anstruther does not have its own active train station (the old station was closed in 1965), you can reach the village easily via nearby train stations. The nearest relevant stations are Leuchars and Kirkcaldy. From Leuchars, about 24 kilometers away, you can reach Anstruther by bus (e.g., line 99 with one change) in around 52 minutes. From Kirkcaldy, which is approximately 35 to 43 kilometers away, there is a good bus connection with line X61, which takes you to Leven, where you then change to line 95, which goes directly to Anstruther. This bus journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes. Bus line 95 also serves the entire coastal region and connects Anstruther with other charming fishing villages and St Andrews.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Isle of May is a protected natural paradise in the Firth of Forth and, thanks to its location, is conveniently reached by tender boat or excursion ship.
Tender Service and Excursion Boats
Arrival takes place directly at the protected landing stages of Kirkhaven or Altarstane. These small jetties serve as the central starting point for all explorations and also offer direct access to the rangers' information centers.
On Foot
The entire island can be excellently explored on foot and offers well-maintained paths to the cliffs and the lighthouse. Thanks to the island's compact size, you can reach all important observation points for puffins and seals in about 15 to 30 minutes.
Nature Trails
The marked circular routes lead you directly through the nature reserve and simultaneously allow for safe observation of the wildlife. Since the island is car-free, you can enjoy complete peace and quiet here and reach the historic ruins of St. Adrian’s Priory comfortably on a relaxed walk.
To make the most of your stay on the Isle of May, we recommend exploring the easy-to-walk hiking trails that lead directly to the fascinating natural wonders and historical treasures of this pristine island.
The Bird Colonies & Puffin Cliffs
The island is considered one of Scotland's most important nature reserves and offers the rare opportunity to observe thousands of puffins as well as impressive grey seals up close in their natural habitat. This natural spectacle is perfect for animal lovers and simultaneously offers spectacular photo opportunities against the backdrop of the rugged North Sea coast.
The Beacon & Stevenson Lighthouse
As a landmark steeped in history, the island is home to the Beacon, Scotland's oldest lighthouse building; additionally, the imposing Stevenson Lighthouse creates a majestic silhouette over the Firth of Forth. These architectural monuments are ideal for a walk into the maritime past and, thanks to their location, offer a wide panoramic view over the sea.
St Adrian’s Priory
The venerable ruins of this medieval monastery lend the island a mystical aura and serve as a reminder of its importance as a major early Christian pilgrimage destination. The historical site is a fascinating cultural highlight and can be wonderfully integrated into a hike across the island's green plateau.
Puffin Colony and St. Adrian's Chapel
The Isle of May is easy to explore via short hiking trails immediately after landing at Kirkhaven and, thanks to its protected status as a National Nature Reserve, offers one of the most spectacular seabird colonies in Great Britain. A visit is particularly worthwhile for observing the charming puffins, as well as for visiting the historic chapel ruins and the striking lighthouse, which offers a magnificent view over the Firth of Forth. A small visitor center also provides useful information about the island's history, and the well-maintained paths allow for a relaxed nature experience amidst the wild coastal landscape. Ideally, plan your tour directly after arrival in the morning to experience the busy activity of the birds in peace, and be back at the pier about thirty minutes before the last tender ride to enjoy the continued journey of your ship in a relaxed manner.
The way back from the natural wonders of the island to the landing stage is safe and straightforward thanks to the clear path guidance and the manageable size of the Isle of May.
On foot
The well-maintained hiking trails lead you directly from the birdwatching points and the historic lighthouse back to the main landing stage Kirkhaven or to the alternative landing stage Altarstanes. Thanks to the open landscape and the prominent landmarks, you can easily keep your destination in view at all times and reach the pier comfortably within a short time.
Boat transfer
Since the island is a protected nature zone with no road traffic, transport to the cruise ship takes place exclusively via tender boats or local ferries. These depart regularly from the designated landing stages and, thanks to organized schedules, will bring you back on board your ship punctually and comfortably.
Ranger information and orientation
NatureScot staff are present at the visitor center as well as along the main paths and will be happy to provide you with helpful information regarding the return journey time. In addition, the information boards at the central crossing points serve as a reliable orientation aid so that you can plan the last boat trip back to the ship safely and without time pressure.
