Anstruther Pleasure Cruises

This weekend, sail through a window in time with celebrated archeologist Peter Yeoman. 🌊 🕰️ ⛴️ 🕰️ During the 1990s, Peter Yeoman led a 5-year campaign of excavations around the Isle of May’s 7th century monastery. 🕰️ During this time, his team uncovered evidence relating to 1000 years of Christian community, including some of Scotland’s oldest church buildings, a 5th or 6th century burial site, and the remains of a pilgrim buried around 1300, with a scallop shell from Santiago de Compostela in Spain placed in his mouth. 🕰️ Wander amongst the island’s still visible church ruins and listen to stories about ancient artefacts, Viking raids, and the religious community’s eventual move to Pittenweem Priory on the mainland, as you soak up the history written into crumbling walls and whispering tides. 🦭 💡 AND there’s more! The Stevenson Lighthouse is open daily until the end of September and seals are gathering in their thousands for pup season! 🎫 Book your passport to the past! Visit anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk and meet the crew of May Princess on Anstruther harbour….

🌊 🌋 Shaped by molten rock, the ravages of nature, and a few man-made interventions, the Isle of May is a dramatic land and seascape of towering columns and cliffs, arches, caves, and sea stacks, cut through by fault lines dividing the island into islets - North Ness, Rona and the main island - clearly visible as intertidal channels. Get as close as you dare to vertical drops, crashing waves, a turbulent history, and the sea life that inhabitant this wild place. ⛴ Book your passage on the May Princess at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com and we’ll meet you on Anstruther harbour. #HiddenScotland #Anstruther #EastNeuk #VisitFife #WelcomeToFife #VisitScotland

Book an illuminating trip to the Isle of May at anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk and get up close to the island’s magnificent history, wildlife, and heritage. #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #HiddenScotland

🐬 🌊 ⛴️ Up close with playful dolphins swimming and leaping alongside the May Princess just off the Anstruther coastline. Thanks to Linda Dick for capturing these shots. 🎥 Just another day in paradise on a sail to the Isle of May! ✨ 🎫 Book at https://www.isleofmayferry.com. #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #HiddenScotland

Wonderful to see the magical Isle of May, run by @naturescot, featured on @stvnews. 🐧 🌊 ⛴️ 🎟️ The May Princess is now fully booked for June but we do have some availability for the summer holidays!⛴ Book your tickets at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com and set a course for an unforgettable adventure…#IsleOfMay #NatureScot #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #HiddenScotland #StAndrews #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #BirdWatchingScotland #PhotographyScotland #NaturePhotographyUK

Earth Day on the Isle of May

#HappyEarthDay from the #IsleofMay! 🌏 💕 🌊 Wherever you are in the world, take a virtual sail with us to this spectacular National Nature Reserve, a wildlife haven cared for by NatureScot. You’ll find the island - home to a puffin colony, seal colony, an abundance of sea birds, historic lighthouses, an ancient priory ruin, hair-raising Viking history, superstitions and folklore - floating on the edge of the North Sea, 5 miles out from #Anstruther in the enchanting East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. “We want everyone to know they can make a difference by caring about our natural world.” - NatureScot | Isle of May NNR blog Love the Isle of May? Help support this magical place (and other NNRs) from anywhere on planet earth by:- 🌊 being inspired to reduce your ecological footprint at earthday.org/earth-day-tips/ 🌊 donating to your favourite NNR via mypark.scot/Appeal/support-national-nature-reserves 🌊 choosing lower impact vacations or staycations that support small, local businesses and celebrate our natural world 💕 For a few months of the year, the May Princess is privileged to sail under a @NatureScot licence to the Isle of May. 🎟️ ⛴️ Book your passage at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com and join us for this adventure of a lifetime. #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #StAndrews #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #ScotlandIsNow #BirdWatchingUk #BirdWatchingScotland #BirdLovers #PhotographyScotland #NaturePhotographyUK #NaturePhotography #staycationscotland #Scotland

Never the same voyage twice! Ahead of Doors Open Days, take a peek inside the historic buildings and lighthouses you’ll have access to on the Isle of May during THIS WEEKEND and there are always a few surprises, too. Recent ones include… 🤩 getting jaw-dropping close to caves, sea stacks, and 45 meter cliffs 🐧 meeting a puffling being cared for by @naturescot until ready for its slightly late departure 🌊 gliding through crystal clear waters 🦭 waving to bathing seals 🐋 glimpses of a pilot whale 🥂 and maybe a cheeky Prosecco from the bar on board May Princess 😉 ⛴️ Thirsty for adventure? We have a few spaces left on the May Princess, departing from Anstruther Harbour! 🎫 Book your passage at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com and hop aboard…. #HiddenScotland #Anstruther #EastNeuk #VisitFife #WelcomeToFife #scotlandiscalling #naturescot #visitscotland #isleofmay

Happy World Folklore Day - the perfect time for our story about selkies... 🦭✨ According to many Scottish legends, the selkie is a seal-like creature that sometimes comes ashore, casts off its pelt, and assumes human form as it dances on the beach. 🦭🧜‍♀️ However, it's also said that if you steal a selkie fur, it can't return to the water until they find it again. In fact, there are many tales of female selkies being stolen away by unscrupulous menfolk who decide to keep them from going back to the sea! It rarely works out though. The selkie always seems to find her seal skin eventually and returns to the water as soon as she gets the chance... 🦭🌊 The Isle of May is home to its own large colony of seals which will soon expand rapidly during seal pup season! Hop aboard the May Princess to visit our seals (or should we say selkies?) and discover more of the island... ⚓ Book at www.anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk and we’ll meet you on Anstruther harbour!

💕 “[It’s been] 50 years since I previously did the May Island trip and I wish I'd done it much sooner. Fabulous day out. About 45 minutes journey time each way and about 3 hours on the island. Captain and crew very informative and knowledgeable which made the whole experience interesting and enjoyable. I highly recommend this trip, folks.” THANK YOU so much for time to leave us such amazing reviews on Trip Advisor in 2023. We really appreciate every single one! Here are a few more of our favourites from the last few weeks… 💕 "In today’s fast-paced digital world, customer service and personal treatment all too often fall by the wayside. That is definitely NOT the case with Anstruther Pleasure Cruises.” 💕 "Fantastic experience for all ages. We did the 5 hour trip. Allowing us to be on the Island for 3 hours. A brilliant skipper and crew adding value to the whole experience.” 💕 "Friendly and helpful staff from booking office to crew on the boat who are also extremely knowledgeable about the area and wildlife and happy to pass it on. First class service throughout." 💕 “…taken this trip four times now and always a genuine pleasure. Great crew on the boat over and the wildlife on the island never disappoints.” Our sailing season runs until the end of September so hop aboard The May Princess and discover the magical Isle of May.... Book your passage at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com and we’ll meet you on Anstruther Harbour. #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #HiddenScotland

💡 Happy National Lighthouse Day! 💡 ⛴ Discover THREE of Scotland’s most historic and interesting lighthouses on the Isle of May via a boat trip on the May Princess. Book ticket at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com and let us a shine a light on the many treasures of this special wee island... #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #HiddenScotland

As a haven for wildlife, you can be sure the Isle of May has a ViP seal of approval! 🦭The UK is home to 40% of the world's grey seal population and a high proportion of them choose to make the Isle of May their home. You can see grey seals all year round on and around the island and during pupping season in Autumn, numbers increase dramatically. More than 2200 pups are typically born on the island. Remember though, cute as they are, seals don't like to be disturbed, so if you see one on the beach or rocks, please steer clear and leave them to rest, sunbathe, or swim in peace. 🦭 Ready to haul anchor? ⚓ Book at www.anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk and we’ll meet you on Anstruther harbour! #greyseal #isleofmay

Hopping aboard this summer holidays? 🎟️ 🙌⛴️ Don’t miss our TOP TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP to the Isle of May…. 🌮 👛🍹Picnic and/or Pocket Money We have a bar offering refreshments, snacks, and maybe even your favourite tipple, so carry some pocket money. If you prefer though, bring a little something of your own in a small rucksack! If you’re short on time or ingredients, treat yourself to a picnic from a cafe along Anstruther Harbour. Also, seafaring is thirsty work, so don’t forget to take a bottle of water. 💦☀️Waterproofs + Sunscreen The East Neuk has a micro climate and it’s known for being drier than the rest of the country. But it’s still Scotland! So bring your sunscreen AND err on the side of caution with handy waterproofs. Just incase… 📷 🔋🐬Camera You’ll likely be reaching for your camera every few seconds; shots of the boat, sea, Anstruther disappearing in the distance, the Isle of May drawing closer, wild sea birds, the seal colony, 50ft cliffs, the Stevenson Lighthouse, Scotland’s oldest lighthouse, the impressive foghorn, maybe a pod of dolphins, wait, was that a whale... 🤔 🐳 So, take a fully charged camera, maybe a spare battery pack, too, and bring home your best memories of the Isle of May! 📸 Ready to haul anchor? ⚓ Book at www.anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk and we’ll meet you on Anstruther harbour! #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #HiddenScotland

When it rains look for…ancient lighthouses, wild sea birds, seal colonies, thirst-quenched island flowers, a simple shelter full of stories, bright horizons, and safe harbours. Don’t let the occasional summer showers rain on your voyage! 🌧️ Just wrap up, bring your waterproofs, and find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 🌈 🌊✨ Hop aboard the May Princess and discover the many treasures on the Isle of May! ⛴ Book your passage at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com and we’ll see you soon... #IsleOfMay #NatureScot #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #HiddenScotland #StAndrews #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #BirdWatchingScotland #PhotographyScotland #NaturePhotographyUK #naturephotographyuk

All your ducks in a row? Let’s go! At just a couple of days old, the Eider Ducklings of the Isle of May are captured on camera as they’re gathered into a crèche by grown-ups and head off to the island’s loch or open sea. These sea ducks can live for up to 25 years and the species also holds the record for the fastest level recorded flight (76.5.km/h) of a bird! This special moment was captured by the @naturescot reserve’s assistant warden, Thomas Skinner. See more when you visit the Isle of May with the May Princess. ⛴ Book your tickets and hop aboard at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com. #EiderDuck #IsleOfMay #NatureScot #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #HiddenScotland #StAndrews #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #BirdWatchingScotland #PhotographyScotland #NaturePhotographyUK

It doesn’t get much better, returning from a cracking day at the May to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers playing on the pier to finish off a fabulous Anstruther harbour festival weekend. Thanks to Gill Gardner for the video.😁

After being on the magical Isle of May it can be tough returning to the mainland BUT Anstruther has its own charms including sandy beaches off the main street, award-winning chip shops, AND the Anstruther Harbour Festival - happening this weekend! So if you can, stay a while and soak up the live music, feasting, and boat loads of excitement... ⛴️ Set your sights on a summer sail? We still have a few seats on board the May Princess! Check dates, availability, and book your voyage at www.anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk. We’ll meet you on Anstruther harbour! #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #ScotlandIsNow #BirdWatchingUk #BirdWatchingScotland #BirdLovers #PhotographyScotland #NaturePhotographyUK #NaturePhotography #staycationscotland #Scotland

After being on the magical Isle of May it can be tough returning to the mainland BUT Anstruther has its own charms including sandy beaches off the main street, award-winning chip shops, AND the Anstruther Harbour Festival - happening this weekend! So if you can, stay a while and soak up the live music, feasting, and boat loads of excitement... ⛴️ Set your sights on a summer sail? We still have a few seats on board the May Princess! Check dates, availability, and book your voyage at www.anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk. We’ll meet you on Anstruther harbour! #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #ScotlandIsNow #BirdWatchingUk #BirdWatchingScotland #BirdLovers #PhotographyScotland #NaturePhotographyUK #NaturePhotography #staycationscotland #Scotland

Repost from @anstrutherpleasurecruises • 🐋 🐧 🛥️ 🌊 🦭Sightings of a visiting Humpback and a Minke whale; playful porpoises; the puffins burrowing in for summer; our resident seal colony keeping watch over all the comings and goings; and the magical Isle of May at the heart of it all. 💕 We’ve had boatloads of excitement and plenty to see this week! Could there be a better time to visit this wildlife haven? You decide. 😉 Hop aboard the May Princess and set sail on a voyage of adventure... ⏰ Most days we land and explore the island (typically approx 5 hour trip) but if you’re short on time, we have a mini 2 hour sail around the island - only on a Wednesday - until the end of June… 🎫 ⛴️ Book your passage at isleofmayferry.com and we’ll meet you on Anstruther Harbour. #HumpbackWhale #WhaleSighting #MinkeWhale #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #HiddenScotland #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife

It’s busy waters out there! 🐋 🐳 Unlike our pals at Isle of May Boat Trips, we haven’t managed to get such an amazing close-up with a whale (filmed last week) BUT we can report seeing our visiting humpback AND a minke whale today! 🌊 🐋 ⛴️ Will you get lucky, too? Repost from @isleofmayboattrips 🐋 Humpback sighting🐋 At 3pm today whilst out on our Sea Safari our passengers spotted a humpback whale! This is only the 3rd time in 9 years they’ve been spotted at the May😱 Sea safaris can be an amazing experience especially at this time of year as breeding season is kicking off for many of the birds they are arriving in their thousands and they all need to feed! There’s always something exciting to see as I’m sure our lucky passengers from today will tell you. #humpbackwhale #isleofmay #seasafari #boattrip #wildlife

Say hello to a wee 'selkie' of Pilgrim's Haven. 🦭🌊 On a recent trip to the Isle of May, one of our crew almost stumbled over this camouflaged seal while it took a break from the waves. Luckily, it barked a warning to steer clear; they get very stressed when humans come close, so it's always best to leave them in peace. Also, incase you didn't know, 'selkie' is an old Scottish word for seal, but it's also the term given to a mythical seal-like creature. 🧜‍♀️ A story for another time... ✨ If you want to observe seals (or selkies) there's no better place than the Isle of May. A 300-500-strong seal colony live around the island all year long. ⛴ 🎟️ Set sail on the May Princess and discover an island teeming with wildlife. Book at anstrutherpleasurecruises.com. #IsleOfMay #NationalNatureReserve #MayPrincess #Selkie #Selkies #EastNeuk #Anstruther #VisitScotland #VisitFife #FirthOfForth #NorthSea #ScotlandIsNow #GreySeal #AtlanticGreySeal #SealColony #SealPup #BirdWatchingUk #BirdWatchingScotland #BirdLovers #PhotographyScotland #NaturePhotographyUK #NaturePhotography #staycationscotland #Scotland