The Isles
of Scilly are 28 miles from Lands End, Cornwall and
are notorious for their shipwrecks, rare marine life,
wildlife, unique scenery and azure seas.
How
many Islands are there?
There
are five inhabited islands, surrounded by several
hundred outcrops and rocks world famous for their
superb scenery and near sub tropical climate. During
the summer months (from Easter onwards until the end
of October) the islands are an extremely popular tourist
destination for visitors from all over the world.
There are numerous boat trips daily to all islands,
around the rocks and out to the Bishop Rock Lighthouse.
They are the most south westerly point of the British
Isles. On the main island St.Marys there are numerous
guest houses, self-catering accommodation units, hotels,
shops, four pubs, restaurants and cafes.
What
is there of interest for visitors?
The Isles of Scilly are a walker’s paradise,
with so much to see and explore. Day boat trips leave
the quay on St.Mary's every morning and throughout
the day, offering all types of trips to the various
off islands or around the rocks to see the seabirds,
seals and lighthouses etc. Most days the Scillonian
III passenger ferry arrives around midday bringing
more visitors to stay or on daytrips.
How
do I get to the Isles of Scilly?
Book your
dive charter, your ferry and accommodation and when
the time arrives for you to depart for the islands.
Head for the M5 to Exeter then follow the A30 exit
for Launceston, Bodmin to Penzance, either drive over
night if you live relatively near or plan a B&B
/ travel lodge in or near Penzance, before the Ferry
which usually departs early Saturday morning.
How
long does it take to get to Scilly?
It is
a 42 mile ferry trip from Penzance and a 2.25 hour
cruise along the picturesque Cornish coast past Lands
End and over to the Islands, the views are stunning
often catching sight of porpoise’s sharks and
dolphins along the way, or you may just like to knap
after the drive but do not miss the initial view of
the islands on arrival, this can be quite spectacular.
The Scillonian is relatively comfortable with several
decks, she carries 600 passengers, has two buffets
and a bar plus loads of seats and benches if you want
to get your head down.
Where
can I stay in Penzance, if I drive down previous day
and have to stay the night in Penzance?
There
are numerous Bed and Breakfast guest houses, hotels,
pubs in Penzance near to the car park and ferry departure
point or failing this a Travel Lodge 8 miles away
Hayle. I have heard good reports of the Dock Inn from
previous dive groups this is very near the ferry.
Where
do we leave our vehicles in Penzance?
Several
options, there is a long stay car park just along
from the Scillonian ferry and several other lock up
car parks. It is best to ask for details when booking
the ferry which operates under the name of the 'Isles
of Scilly Steamship Company', they have an office
50 metres from the docks.
What
do we do with our diving kit at the ferry?
At the
docks you need to locate the St. Mary's diving container
presuming you have opted for this arrangement, and
deposit your 2 cylinders, weights, dive kit bags etc.
What
do we do with personal bags suit-case’s?
Once you
have dropped of your dive kit off take your Personal
baggage, including woolly bear, to the normal passenger
container clearly labelled with your name and accommodation,
there is no charge for personal baggage, this will
be delivered by Island Carriers to your B/B or let
for a small charge, about £1.50/bag and you
just walk off the quay and enjoy the rest of the day,
with out the stress of standing around for an hour
in the crowd trying to find your case.
Who
are we what do we do?
Tiburon
is a local charter boat operated by commercial diver,
photographer, rov pilot David McBride, offering boating,
sightseeing, adventure and dive trips around the islands.
How
long is your season?
Starts
around Easter time and runs through to the end of
October; however the dive season starts May to the
end of September.
What availability do you have?
Best to phone and request an information pack and
have a chat with Sarah or Dave who should have a year
planner at their finger tips.
What
is the diving like in Scilly?
Generally
absolutely fantastic, lots of wrecks an unbelievably
dynamic seabeds, superb walls and reefs full of life
and brilliant colours.The islands are also home to
Inquisitive and well spoken seals, occasional porpoises
and pods dolphins etc.
How to book?
Contact
by telephone 01720 - 423162. Or alternatively contact
us by email from this web site.(Dave or Sarah) we
will be pleased to send you a free information pack
or discuss available dates, (We can usually cover
more by telephone and can discuss tentative dates,
sort deposit once certain.
On initial
enquiry we supply an accommodation list plus there
is a tourist information centre website with all island
accommodation and availability on screen.
How do we book sea travel?
The Isles
of Scilly Steamship company e-mail address is www.ios-travel.co.uk
Dive
kit?
The cheapest
way to get your dive kit to the isles of Scilly en-mass
is by cargo container...(The isles of Scilly steamship
have now asked us to share a large container between
2 groups, provided both boats are booked that week),
due to their size I am assured there will be no problem,
talk to us first as this will save even more money
Any
other Questions please do not hesitate to call 01720
423162
