Over recent years, the Isles of Scilly has become a popular cruise visit destination and now regularly welcomes around 50 small to medium sized cruise ships between April and October.

Visiting cruise ships will generally arrive early in the morning and anchor in St. Mary’s Roads (the channel between St. Mary’s and Samson) or at Watermill, on the eastern side of St. Mary’s.

Tenders then operate throughout the day, ferrying passengers from and to the ship – often via St. Mary’s quay, from where a range of excursions and sightseeing trips can be enjoyed.

Often, on the days when a cruise ship is visiting the islands, there are additional local craft and produce markets, particularly in Hugh Town.

On occasions, tours and certain activities can get booked up in advance, so if you’re already staying on the islands, you may wish to plan your activities around these.

For further pilotage information please contact the islands' Port Agent Scillonian Marine Consultants.