Cliffs, sea and a green landscape attract visitors to Fair Isle.

Fair Isle Island Visit

Guided walk to the bird cliffs and a 1.5 mile walk to the community hall.

Included in your cruise
  • Guided walk to bird cliff.
  • Variety of seabirds.
  • Visit the museum.

  • Difficulty level

    Level 3: Active - good mobility needed

  • Duration

    4h

  • Max. passengers

    200

  • Booking code

    INCL-FAI1

  • Notices

    Appropriate waterproof clothing and comfortable walking boots.

Situated approximately halfway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle is perhaps best known for the intricate and distinctive knitting patterns which originate here.  It is also home to over 200 flowering plants and its own sub-species of wren and field mouse.  However, it is the birds which rule here – over 345 species of birds have been recorded on Fair Isle – more than anywhere else in Britain.  The original bird observatory was built in 1948 by the ornithologist, George Waterston, because of the varied and interesting bird life.  The island is home to large breeding colonies of seabirds, including great and arctic skua, and is often visited by rare migrants. 

During your visit you will be welcomed by islanders.  You will have the opportunity to visit the museum and have tea and home-baking with the islanders in the community hall. 

The Fair Isle Bird Observatory was destroyed by fire in 2019 and is going to be rebuilt. At present plans are being made and they hope to start rebuilding in the spring of 2022. Due to covid delays the reopening is yet to be confirmed. 

Practiacal information: 

  • Included: Refreshments.

  • Language: English.

  • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate waterproof clothing and comfortable walking boots. 

  • Walking information: Approximately 1.5 miles.

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.