OSPREY

Our boats are purpose built Rigid Hulled Inflatables or RHIBs built by Humber world renowned for their strength of construction and sea keeping ability. They are very safe, very stable and perfect for your trip. They are fitted with the much demanded bench seats for your comfort and full waterproofs are supplied if needed. Crossing time from Anstruther to environs of Isle of May is typically 20 -25 minutes at a comfortable cruising speed. Our skippers Rab, Stef, Simon, Billy and Roy all have masters certificates and many years experience on the Firth of Forth.

Osprey and Osprey III are officially licensed both by the Marine Coastal Authority (MCA) and Fife Council. Osprey is also one of 3 boats licensed by NatureScot (SNH) to land 12 passengers on the Isle of May for a wonderful and exclusive experience. They carry a full complement of safety equipment including lifejackets, waterproofs etc. and are maintained to the highest standards.

Whilst primary focus is on running family friendly wildlife trips, the Ospreys are also available for private charter for a more exclusive experience tailored to your needs. We are also available for a variety of commercial tasks for example safety boat work or photographic and filming work (over recent years we have worked with the BBC, ITV, and various research groups). Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

Meet the Team

  • Rab

  • Simon

  • Stef

  • Billy

Saltwind

The Saltwind is a spacious 40ft Category 2 certified vessel with all the relevant safety equipment. A very capable seafaring boat along with its skippers. The Saltwinds passenger capacity is 12 making it the perfect setting for a more intimate tour. Officially licensed both by the Marine Coastal Authority (MCA) and Fife Council.

Designed for a smooth and comfortable sailing and fitted with much demanded bench seating, the Saltwind offers it’s passengers the full package with the use of toilet facilities on board.

Also available for private charter for a more exclusive experience tailored to your needs.

 FAQs

  • No, unfortunately we do not allow any pets, even well behaved sea fairing ones.

  • Yes! Our trip is suitable for children aged 5 and up and we have lifejackets/waterproofs to fit. Our biggest concern for little ones is wind chill so please make sure that they are wrapped up.

    Babies and toddlers are not permitted on our trips

    *Our child tickets are for children aged 5 to 15 and MUST be accompanied by an adult*

  • At the Isle of May there is always something to see, whether it's puffins flying to and from their burrow, one of the resident seals sunbathing on a rock or some mischievous dolphins playing with our boats. Whilst we cannot guarantee sightings of everything all year round, we’re confident you’ll spot something

  • Unfortunately there are no refreshments available onboard the Osprey boats. Picnics are very popular and are what we would recommend brining as there are benches dotted around the island.

  • Please remember that all our boats are open. On rainy or windy days there is a risk of getting wet.

    We always recommend passengers dress as if they were going hill walking with warm layers and waterproofs, even on warm sunny days, as it is invariably cooler out at sea.

    We can provide waterproofs for your comfort but it is recommended to bring your own.

  • Yes! We get extremely busy and recommend that you book in advance to secure your space.

  • No, although our boats are purpose built and designed to provide a safe and comfortable voyage safety is paramount. Ultimately the skipper has the final say as to whether a trip will run.

  • If you are at all concerned about sea sickness please be assured that it is unlikely that you will become unwell on our Osprey boats. This is due to the boats characteristics, your momentum is forward, meaning your balance isn’t affected.

  • If you have any conditions, disabilities or injuries, you need to contact us via phone or email and let us know before booking, so we can advise whether or not our trips are suitable. Failure to do so may result in you not being able to sail with us, loosing out on your trip, for which no refund will be given as it will be regarded as a last minute cancellation. It's always better to check before booking than leaving disappointed.

  • All trips must be pre booked and prepaid, preferably online as we are unable to accept payment over the phone. However, you can in person at our booking kiosk, where cash and most cards are accepted.

  • We do have toilet facilities aboard the 'Saltwind' on our photography session and fishing trips.

    Unfortunately there is none on our Osprey boats. The nearest toilets, are opposite 'The Waterfront' Restaurant, about 100m from our check-in hut. Please feel free to ask our staff for directions. There are also public toilets on the Isle of May (for landing trips),at the visitors centre.