Craigleith Island

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.

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.

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.

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. +1

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.