For general booking inquiries for the Bird Observatory download the booking form below, or contact the Bookings Secretary: Mark Newell on 07909 707971 or by emailing bookings@isleofmaybirdobs.org
To visit the isle of May National Nature Reserve as a day visitor boat trips are available from several operators including:
from Anstruther: www.isleofmayboattrips.co.uk www.isleofmayferry.com and from North Berwick/Dunbar: https://www.seabird.org/boats https://bluewild.co.uk/
Bird Obs Bookings
Bookings for staying at the Obs in the 2026 season are now full. Bookings for 2027 will open to members of the IOMBO Trust on 1st November and to non-member ornithologists on 16 November. Bookings for all others open on 1st December.
The 2026 booking form is available to download below:
The observatory can accommodate up to 6 visitors usually staying for a week, arriving and departing on a Saturday, though individual arrangements can be made where bookings and boat arrangements allow. The observatory is open from end-March through to early November. Those staying are expected to carry out the observatory duties during their stay including keeping up the daily bird census and migration logs and recording other wildlife sightings.
All prospective visitors are encouraged to contact the Bookings Secretary for up to date news on availability and to receive a booking form. The weekly charge (including the boat) for 2026 is £200 (this may change in 2027).
Transport to the island is provided by the RIB ‘Osprey’ or the “May Princess” subject to weather, tide and other logistics, these boats also run regular day trips to the island from Anstruther. For further information, check out their websites: www.isleofmayboattrips.co.uk www.isleofmayferry.com
Additional information on visiting the island and its status as a National Nature Reserve can be accessed through the Nature Scot website.
The Isle of May is a remote island, with difficult access, uneven terrain, cliffs, deep water and other hazards. All Observatory guests are asked to take great care and suitable safety precautions when staying with us. Health & Safety Risk assessments for Observatory residents are available by clicking here
Isle of May Bird Observatory 
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