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Arrival at Anstruther Harbour and Easy Online Booking

Our day began in the charming fishing village of Anstruther, where the harbour was already alive with quiet anticipation. We had pre-booked our boat trip to the Isle of May online with Anstruther Pleasure Cruises, which made the whole process simple and reassuring, especially during the busy birdwatching season when trips can fill up quickly.

Arriving at the quay, we watched the boat gently bobbing on the water while seabirds circled overhead. There was a relaxed feel as passengers gathered, cameras ready, all clearly excited for what lay ahead.

Setting Sail on the May Princess

We boarded the May Princess and headed straight for the top deck. It was the perfect choice, offering uninterrupted views across the Firth of Forth and a real sense of being out at sea. The journey to the island takes around an hour, although it felt much shorter thanks to the ever-changing scenery and wildlife. Gulls followed in our wake and we spotted seabirds skimming the surface of the water as well as seals occasionally popping their heads above the waves.

A real highlight was the live commentary from Alex, our skipper, whose knowledge and enthusiasm added so much to the experience. He pointed out wildlife, shared stories about the area and kept everyone engaged from start to finish.

First Impressions of the Isle of May

On arrival, we were met by one of the resident wardens who warmly welcomed us all, explaining the importance of protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. We were given around three hours to explore the island, however this varies depending on tide times. For us, three hours felt like the perfect amount of time to take in the island without feeling rushed.

The Isle of May is a nationally important nature reserve, sitting at the mouth of the Firth of Forth. Each year it becomes home to vast numbers of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Puffins are undoubtedly the stars of the show as they are small, colourful and full of character.

We were reminded to stick to the paths at all times as the ground is riddled with puffin burrows. It’s incredible to think just how many birds nest here, and how easily their homes could be damaged by a misplaced step.

Walking the Island and Birdwatching

Setting off along the winding paths, we quickly found ourselves surrounded by wildlife. Birds were everywhere — perched and flying, with the rugged cliffs in particular teeming with activity.

Guillemots crowded together on narrow ledges, razorbills stood in neat lines and kittiwakes clung to the rock faces, their calls echoing across the island. Puffins darted back and forth often appearing suddenly at our feet before disappearing into their burrows.

Visitor Centre and Facilities

We stopped at the visitor centre, which offers informative displays about the island’s history and its incredible wildlife. This added helpful context to everything we were seeing around us.

There’s a toilet block nearby, but there isn’t a café on the island itself. However, the boat remains open throughout the visit so we took the opportunity to return on board for a warming cup of coffee which was very reasonably priced and very welcome after a breezy walk.

Exploring the Lighthouse

One of the most fascinating features on the island is the Isle of May Lighthouse, standing proudly against the rugged coastal landscape. The current lighthouse was designed by the renowned Stevenson engineering family, most notably David Alan Stevenson and Charles Alexander Stevenson who were responsible for many of Scotland’s iconic lighthouses.

First lit in 1816, the lighthouse served as a vital navigational aid for ships travelling through the busy and often treacherous waters of the Firth of Forth. Earlier warning systems had existed on the island, but this structure marked a significant advancement in maritime safety. Originally powered by oil lamps and later modernised over time, the lighthouse remained in use for over 170 years before being automated in 1989, ending the era of resident lighthouse keepers.

Visitors can step inside parts of the lighthouse complex, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once worked there in isolation, maintaining the light in all weather conditions. Standing beside it nowadays, with sweeping sea views in every direction, it’s easy to appreciate both its beauty and its historical importance.

The Fog Horn Experience

Equally compelling is the Isle of May Fog Horn, a remarkable piece of engineering designed to guide ships when visibility dropped. Installed in the early 20th century, the foghorn was essential during periods of thick fog, when even the powerful beam of the lighthouse could not be seen. The horn worked using compressed air to produce a deep, resonant blast that could travel for miles across the sea. It sounded at regular intervals, warning ships of the island’s presence and helping them navigate safely. The noise was said to be incredibly powerful, so loud it could be felt vibrating through the ground as well as heard.

Today, visitors can enter the foghorn building and see the original machinery up close. Its sheer size and complexity highlight the ingenuity behind early maritime safety systems. Standing inside, it was easy to imagine the dramatic sound echoing across the water, cutting through dense fog to reach unseen vessels. Together, the lighthouse and foghorn tell the story of a time when constant vigilance and clever engineering were essential for safe sea travel. Although we had been inside lighthouses before, it was our first time inside a foghorn making the visit even more special.

A Day to Remember

Our trip with Anstruther Pleasure Cruises was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the peaceful harbour departure to the wildlife-filled island, the fascinating lighthouse and foghorn, it was truly memorable. With stunning scenery and incredible birdlife, a visit to the Isle of May is a definite highlight to a holiday along the Fife coast.

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We were guests of Anstruther Pleasure Cruises and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.