Wild Experiences

Tours for Two: Scilly Cetacean & Seabirds

Our journey includes offshore trips that will likely yield stunning views of shearwaters and cetaceans.
If you enjoy sunny days with wildlife or you are a keen to up your birding list, July on the Isles of Scilly offers incredible opportunity to get close views of marine wildlife. This is a trip to be treasured.

Sandy shores and rare breeders, this trip to the Isles of Scilly is truly a seabird fanatic’s dream. Explore the Isles of Scilly and the incredible cetacean and marine life on offer. View the Isles of Scilly with an experienced Wildlife Guide at your side. This trip includes an amazing 7 hour Pelagic boat trip to search for rarities like Wilson’s Petrel, Cory’s and Great Shearwater, as well as likely views of dolphins and whales.

The island is steeped in rich history, culture and an immense amount of wildlife. As many of the island’s residents are also bird enthusiasts, rarities tend to show up in unexpected places so our guide will be kept up to date with rare appearances. You’ll be staying at the Bellrock Hotel, centered at the heart of the Scilly Isles and overlooking the harbour’s beautiful blue waters.

Our journey includes offshore trips that will likely yield stunning views of shearwaters and cetaceans.

If you enjoy sunny days with wildlife or you are a keen to up your birding list, July on the Isles of Scilly offers incredible opportunity to get close views of marine wildlife. This is a trip to be treasured.

Add upgrades to make your Tours for Two customisable, including extra night’s stay, snorkel with seals, book a Gin School experience for two, rent a Kayak/Paddleboard and add a tour and tasting experience at a Vineyard.

What’s included

  • Accommodation and all meals
  • Guided Wildlife Experiences
  • Travel during the trip
  • Pelagic Boat Trip
  • Ferry to and from Island
  • Inter-island ferries
  • Accommodation, all meals

What’s not included

  • Travel Insurance
  • Initial travel to hotel


Day One

We’ll depart from Penzance to the islands on the brand-new Scillonian IV. This will give you ample opportunities to observe scarce seabirds such as shearwaters, petrels and dolphins on our way there. There is the option of flying on to St Mary’s should you wish. When we arrive, we’ll explore the island and after a few hours, our guide will take you to the hotel where we will settle in before an evening meal at a nearby restaurant.

Day Two

Taking us offshore, your guide and boat crew will take you to witness the magic that is summer seabirds on Scilly. We’ll be searching specifically for birds like Wilson’s Petrel, Cory’s & Great Shearwaters that will be feeding around the boat as we explore the sea. This is also a fantastic time to look for dolphins as we cruise around the islands. We will be at sea for seven hours looking for cetaceans and birds.
When we arrive back to the Islands, you’ll have dinner in one of the local restaurants, famous for their locally sourced and delicious cuisine.

Day Three

We’ll be heading offshore again to another island and we will be spending the day birding the clifftops, looking for breeding seabirds and visitors to the island. This will also allow us to attend any upgrades booked on.

Day Four

On our final morning, we’ll explore more birding spots and then return on an afternoon ferry to return to Penzance, where we’ll be searching the seas on our return for cetaceans and seabirds.
The tour will remain flexible and sites can change depending on species sighting, weather and time of year.

Upgrades available for this tour:

  • Seal Snorkeling – £90pp
  • Gin School – £150
  • Kayak/Paddleboard Rental – £50 for 3 hours (double kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard)
  • Vineyard Tour & Tasting – £25pp

We will contact you on confirmation to arrange your upgrades.

*Per person prices based on two guests. Prices may vary per person for three guests.


  • Terrain will be uneven in some locations – walking sticks are recommended.
    This is primarily a walking tour.

Accommodation & Travel Details

Accommodation Address:

Bellrock Hotel, St Mary’s

Meeting:

We will be meeting at the Penzance Harbour ready for our journey to the island. It is possible to arrange pick-up at a local station or flights to St Mary’s for an additional fee.

Meet Your Guide

Billy Heaney

Billy is an outgoing, adventurous wildlife presenter, fun-loving Zoologist, filmmaker, and keen paddle-boarder.
He is a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s nature comedy show Nature Table, he has appeared on BBC One’s Countryfile showcasing the reintroduction of pine martens into the Forest of Dean.


Cornwall Winter Birding Dates & Prices

Book your experience Date and pay the Deposit. Full tour amounts are due 60 days prior to departure.
*note only the start date will show on our booking system, confirmation of tour dates are below.

Date

Availability

July 2027

Available

Price

Adults: £1,500 per person
Deposit on booking: £300

Balance due 60 days prior (split payments available).
Upgrade costs due on balance.