Scottish Seabird Centre
Scottish Seabird Centre
Scottish Seabird Centre
4.3
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Enjoy great days out at the seaside with the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre, an education and conservation charity and visitor attraction based in the beautiful coastal town of North Berwick. With incredible views of the Bass Rock, the world’s largest Northern gannet colony and the Isle of May the biggest puffin colony on the east coast of Britain, there is different wildlife to see throughout the year. Dive into Scotland's incredible marine world with a visit to the interactive Discovery Experience with exhibits, games and films. Enjoy exhilarating wildlife boat trips around the local islands (April - September), coastal wildlife tours along the beach, family friendly beach cleans, and fun evening events all designed to help visitors learn about Scotland’s incredible marine wildlife and habitats. The Seabird café has stunning coastal views and the Seabird giftshop is full of local treats and sustainable gifts. Well behaved dogs are welcome. We look forward to welcoming you.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.3
1,125 reviews
Excellent
674
Very good
281
Average
94
Poor
39
Terrible
37
Mack
Hannover, Germany57 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
I've wanted to see puffins in the wild since I was a child. When my friend and I planned our trip to Scotland, I immediately googled where and when to see puffins, and this place got mentioned several times. North Berwick is just half an hour away by train from Edinburgh, which makes it the ideal day trip.
We booked tickets for one of the catamaran tours organised by the centre and I recommend booking them early enough because they might sell out. The weather kept switching between beautiful sunshine and sudden rain that day, but fortunately everything went well, and the sea was actually really calm.
The crew of the catamaran was friendly, helpful, provided information in an entertaining way and distracted me from my fear of getting seasick (which didn't happen, but I'm not used to being on boats, so it's great to have a little safety briefing and have someone to listen to during the trip).
We did see dozens of puffins, which made me happy beyond words, as well as gannets, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, seagulls, eider ducks and even some seals. We did not spot any whales or dolphins, but were informed some whales had been spotted earlier.
The duration of the trip (roughly an hour) was perfect for someone like me, who is not used to boat trips. It's enough to enjoy the birds, but not long enough to make you nervous.
We also checked out the gift shop and café of the centre afterwards. I bought some souvenirs. Unfortunately, the experience section of the centre is closed because of flood damage at the moment. I also want to mention there are benches outside in case you need to wait for your boat trip or just want to relax for a couple minutes.
We booked tickets for one of the catamaran tours organised by the centre and I recommend booking them early enough because they might sell out. The weather kept switching between beautiful sunshine and sudden rain that day, but fortunately everything went well, and the sea was actually really calm.
The crew of the catamaran was friendly, helpful, provided information in an entertaining way and distracted me from my fear of getting seasick (which didn't happen, but I'm not used to being on boats, so it's great to have a little safety briefing and have someone to listen to during the trip).
We did see dozens of puffins, which made me happy beyond words, as well as gannets, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, seagulls, eider ducks and even some seals. We did not spot any whales or dolphins, but were informed some whales had been spotted earlier.
The duration of the trip (roughly an hour) was perfect for someone like me, who is not used to boat trips. It's enough to enjoy the birds, but not long enough to make you nervous.
We also checked out the gift shop and café of the centre afterwards. I bought some souvenirs. Unfortunately, the experience section of the centre is closed because of flood damage at the moment. I also want to mention there are benches outside in case you need to wait for your boat trip or just want to relax for a couple minutes.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen P
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
The 3 island seabird safari on the RIB was fantastic. It always helps when it is bathed in sunshine but seeing the Gannets, Puffins and seals up close is always a treat. Out guide Karen was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and passionate about her job. Our skipper Steve was excellent and stopped specially for us to view some puffins up close and to try to get a second glimpse of a whale. For anyone nervous about travelling by RIB it felt incredibly safe and not at all rough.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fionasmithkenya
Liverpool, NY20 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We went on the fabulous boat trip to Craigleith and the Bass rock. The trip lasts around an hour and was brilliant from start to finish. The staff were very helpful throughout including helping those less steady on their feet to board. The seats were comfortable and throughout the journey a member of the crew was available to give information and answer any questions. They were very knowledgeable with a good sense of humour ! We saw so many different birds including the gorgeous puffins ,guillemots,razor bills ,gannets ,Kittiwakes and even some young seals. The scenery is beautiful with lovely views of Tantallon Castle.
We were blessed with sunshine and calm seas. All in all a memorable trip.
We were blessed with sunshine and calm seas. All in all a memorable trip.
Written 26 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim Y
Glasgow, United Kingdom151 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
My wife and I enjoyed a great day out on the seabird catamaran trip expertly skippered around Craigleith and the Bass Rock. Informative commentary from Ian. There was a bit of a swell with brilliant sunshine. You have to see the seabirds up close to appreciate their powerful presence and strong instincts like "kissing" their partners every time they return to the nest. We saw Shags,Kittiwakes and the Gannets . Unfortunately the Puffins had gone for the season. Good view of the coast, North Berwick, Tantallon Castle, and across to the Firth of Forth. Highly recommended
Written 29 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DHC92
Cockburnspath, UK48 contributions
Apr 2024 • Business
I haven't visited the Seabird Centre restaurant for several years and was delighted to find that it retains its its high standards. No surprise to find it queued as soon as it opened!
Excellent value and quality bacon roll and Americano, coupled with great North Berwick weather, made a business meeting a most pleasant experience.
Excellent value and quality bacon roll and Americano, coupled with great North Berwick weather, made a business meeting a most pleasant experience.
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike the Diver
Edinburgh, UK254 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
Been here a few times with my now 9 year old.
Yesterday we took part in a beach clean organised by the centre ( 2nd one we've done this year ).
Really good that they're encouraging ecological learning and running activities like this regularly.
Valle who ran it taught us loads about microbeads and nurdles... I'd never seen either and by the end of the cleanup we were finding loads.
The centre itself is lovely with a splendid setting and views, and good food in the cafe.
Lovely day out and thankyou Valle!
Yesterday we took part in a beach clean organised by the centre ( 2nd one we've done this year ).
Really good that they're encouraging ecological learning and running activities like this regularly.
Valle who ran it taught us loads about microbeads and nurdles... I'd never seen either and by the end of the cleanup we were finding loads.
The centre itself is lovely with a splendid setting and views, and good food in the cafe.
Lovely day out and thankyou Valle!
Written 1 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cruiser47346108641
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
Amazing trip today with skipper Steve and wildlife guide Sophie. We did the 3 island trip and really enjoyed the amazing bird life. Sophie was extremely knowledgeable and Steve boat skills kept us dry despite the choppy seas.
Would highly recommend the trip, amazing day and professional crew
Would highly recommend the trip, amazing day and professional crew
Written 13 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma L
4 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
Excellent private hire boat trip. We took a private hire RIB boat trip for my mums birthday to the bass rock and other islands. It was a foggy day but this made the trip magical and mysterious.
The landscape and the birds were amazing. We saw seals! The knowledge of the guide Sophie was exceptional. We had a friendly and warm welcome and opportunity to hire waterproof trousers. The skipper Robin gave us a brilliant ride.
We would highly recommend it! We have visited north Berwick many times, so it was brilliant to see the bass rock up close, seeing the bird colony there absolutely spectacular!
The landscape and the birds were amazing. We saw seals! The knowledge of the guide Sophie was exceptional. We had a friendly and warm welcome and opportunity to hire waterproof trousers. The skipper Robin gave us a brilliant ride.
We would highly recommend it! We have visited north Berwick many times, so it was brilliant to see the bass rock up close, seeing the bird colony there absolutely spectacular!
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob50M
Ayrshire, UK598 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Didn't go into the exhibition part which looked on first impressions but instead enjoyed a coffee at their cafe which had an outdoor terrace so could take our dog. Nice gift shop and friendly staff. Great views from it and from the beach nearby.
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela M
Arlington, VA37 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We signed up for the Three Islands Seabird Seafari. It was an extraordinary experience. The boat ride itself was exhilarating. (Be prepared to get splashed as it cuts across the waves.) But go for the birds! We were lucky enough to see puffins, gannets, great black-back gulls, kittiwakes, and more. We even got a peak at some seals. If you care about wildlife and conservation, book with the Scottish Seabird Centre rather than a private organization. Your money goes to protect those seabirds, as well as outreach and education.
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Struggling to book tickets for next Wednesday 18th Nov . Are you open? If not could you please update your opening hours on your website and trip advisor.
Thank you
Sandra Summers
Written 12 November 2020
How easy is it to change your ticket after you've made a booking?
We want to buy tickets as a gift and would love to be able to rearrange if it doesn't work for our giftees..! :)
Thanks,
Kylld
Written 17 December 2019
Hi there - we are coming to Edinburgh this June and wanting to get out to the Isle of May. We are both tall and large Americans (ok - even overweight!) and wondering about "fitting in" the waterproof suits...can you advise? Also, do the RIBs still run in rainy weather?
Written 25 March 2019
Don't worry about suits. You better book in a nearly fully booked boat. Otherwise it will be canceled in your face 5 minutes before departure cause it is not profitable for them. This people are not reliable.
Written 1 August 2019
Do you think there is enough for very young children on a wet winter day?
Written 10 February 2018
Do you think there is enough for very young children on a wet winter day?
Written 10 February 2018
I think so - there’s plenty going on indoors & they have a film programme in the in-house cinema too. Lots of activities for children to participate in.
Written 11 February 2018
when is it best to see the puffins,can you see them returning to their nests,how many puffins actually nest there
Written 17 January 2018
Hello, the puffins will return during April and will nest on the Isle of May and Craigleith. They will be here until July. There are approximately 55,000 puffins nesting at this time, in the Firth of Forth.
Kind regards,
Carrie
Written 24 January 2018
Hi there. There is a wildlife calendar on our website, which will provide a guideline on the wildlife you might see during your visit. This is in the Wildlife section.
It states: Eiders, peregrines, shags, cormorants and gulls in evidence, as well as knot, purple sandpipers and turnstones. First fulmars return after 3 months at sea. Grey seal numbers dwindle, but a few pups and adults are still around into late December.
Kind regards Laura
Written 27 November 2017
Are there boat tours during the month of october? If then, how long does the tour take?
Written 28 September 2017
Hi Celina, our very last boat trips of the season take place this weekend. Pop onto our website to book your seats now! Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next Easter, when they start up again.
Best wishes
Jill
Written 13 October 2017
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