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.
