Craigleith Island
A small island off North Berwick, famous for its vast puffin colonies and seal sightings, best viewed by boat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Puffins are most active
Craigleith Island
Best Time
Puffins are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small island off North Berwick, famous for its vast puffin colonies and seal sightings, best viewed by boat.
"So many puffins, unbelievable!"
Book Boat Tours Early
Puffin season boat trips sell out fast! Book your spot with the Seabird Centre in advance. :ticket:
Embrace the Smell!
Seabird colonies are famously pungent. It's part of the authentic wildlife experience! :nose:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Puffin Colonies
Craigleith Island
Witness thousands of puffins nesting and returning to shore. An unforgettable wildlife spectacle!
Seal Sightings
Around Craigleith Island
Keep an eye out for curious seals basking on the rocks or swimming near the island.
Coastal Views from North Berwick
North Berwick Harbour
Enjoy stunning views of Craigleith Island and Bass Rock from the charming seaside town.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Boat Trips
Puffin Season & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Boat Tours Early
Puffin season boat trips sell out fast! Book your spot with the Seabird Centre in advance. :ticket:
Embrace the Smell!
Seabird colonies are famously pungent. It's part of the authentic wildlife experience! :nose:
Binoculars are Key
Enhance your wildlife viewing. Essential for spotting puffins and seals from shore or boat. :binoculars:
Check Boat Status
Boats can be broken. Confirm tour availability before you go to avoid disappointment. :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Boat Tours Early
Puffin season boat trips sell out fast! Book your spot with the Seabird Centre in advance. :ticket:
Embrace the Smell!
Seabird colonies are famously pungent. It's part of the authentic wildlife experience! :nose:
Binoculars are Key
Enhance your wildlife viewing. Essential for spotting puffins and seals from shore or boat. :binoculars:
Check Boat Status
Boats can be broken. Confirm tour availability before you go to avoid disappointment. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unbelievable number of puffins on Craigleith Island, calling it a fantastic spot for bird watching. While some note the island's distinct, pungent smell due to the seabird colonies, the overall experience via boat trip from North Berwick harbour is highly praised as great and memorable.
"So many puffins, unbelievable"
Sa Zi
"Stinky but pretty"
nadia maria
"Visited via a boat trip bookable from North Berwick harbour, great spot for bird watching. Great experience."
Nekomarimo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Craigleith Island is an uninhabited island and cannot be visited directly. The best way to experience it is via boat trips departing from North Berwick harbour. You can take a train to North Berwick from Edinburgh, and the harbour is a short walk from the station.
Yes, the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick offers boat trips that go around Craigleith Island and the Bass Rock. These are very popular, especially during puffin season.
Absolutely! You can take a train to North Berwick and then access boat tours from the harbour. This makes it a great birdwatching destination without needing a car.
You can get excellent views of Craigleith Island from the coastline in North Berwick. Walking along the beach or promenade offers great vantage points.
Boat trips typically last around 1-2 hours, depending on the tour operator and route. This allows ample time for wildlife viewing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need tickets to see Craigleith Island from the shore. However, if you wish to take a boat trip around the island, you will need to book tickets in advance with a tour operator like the Seabird Centre.
Prices vary depending on the tour operator and duration. Expect to pay around £20-£30 per adult for a standard trip. Booking online is recommended.
Boat trips typically run from spring through autumn, with more frequent departures during peak season (April-July). It's best to check the specific schedule with the Seabird Centre.
While same-day bookings might be possible, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak puffin season, as tours can fill up quickly.
Craigleith Island is a nature reserve and is not accessible for public landing. There is no entry fee as you cannot go ashore.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, especially for capturing wildlife. The golden hour can create beautiful shots.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing puffins and seals. A good zoom lens will allow you to get close-up shots without disturbing the wildlife.
Yes, you can take photos from the shore in North Berwick. However, the island is quite distant, so a zoom lens will be very beneficial.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography from the boat tours or the shore, as long as you are respectful of the wildlife and other visitors.
The puffins are the main stars, but also look out for seals, cormorants, guillemots, and the dramatic coastal scenery.
🎫 🦭 Wildlife & Nature
Craigleith Island is a haven for seabirds, most famously puffins. You can also spot guillemots, cormorants, and seals.
The puffin breeding season typically runs from April to July. This is when they return to their burrows on the island to nest.
Yes, seals are frequently seen around Craigleith Island, often basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters. 
The SOS Puffin project was established to combat the invasive Tree Mallow plant that was preventing puffins from nesting. Conservation efforts continue to protect the puffin population.
It's important to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. Boat tours are designed to observe from a safe and non-disruptive distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Seabird Centre in North Berwick is also a great resource, offering interactive exhibits and information about the local wildlife. Tips for families: Book boat tours well in advance, especially during school holidays. Dress in layers as it can be breezy on the water. Bring binoculars for the kids to get a closer look at the puffins. The novelty of seeing so many birds and potentially seals will captivate younger visitors.
🐦 Birdwatchers & Wildlife Enthusiasts
+1Recommendations: Consider booking a longer boat tour for more time observing the wildlife. Bring high-quality binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens. Research the best times of day for bird activity, which often aligns with early mornings and late afternoons. The proximity to North Berwick also allows for easy access to other coastal birding spots.
📸 Photographers
+1Photography tips: A telephoto lens is essential for capturing detailed images of the puffins and other birds. Consider the lighting conditions; early morning and late afternoon light can create dramatic effects. Be patient, as wildlife photography often requires waiting for the perfect moment. Remember to also capture the wider seascape and the charming town of North Berwick for a comprehensive portfolio.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Puffins of Craigleith Island
+2Seeing puffins up close is a truly special experience. While you cannot land on the island, boat tours provide excellent vantage points. Remember that puffins are wild animals, and it's crucial to observe them from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing their nesting behaviour. The sheer number of puffins can be overwhelming, creating a vibrant and noisy spectacle.
Conservation efforts, such as the 'SOS Puffin' project, have been vital in protecting the puffin population from threats like invasive plants. These initiatives highlight the importance of preserving habitats for these beloved birds.
Boat Tours and Wildlife Encounters
+2Many visitors describe these boat trips as incredible experiences, with some even spotting seals underwater during paddleboarding excursions. The proximity to wildlife, combined with the stunning coastal scenery, makes for a memorable adventure. It's advisable to book these tours in advance, especially during peak season, as they are very popular.
+1Be prepared for a unique sensory experience; the island's dense seabird population contributes to a distinct, strong smell. This, along with the calls of the birds and the sight of seals, creates an immersive natural encounter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit