Fair Isle (Shetland Scotland)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Ireland - UK - British Isles
Local Time
2026-11-07 19:08
51°F 10.3°C
Gentle breeze4.2 m/s
51 °F / 11 °C 49 °F / 10 °C
Port Fair Isle cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Fair Isle, Shetland Scotland. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 May, 2027 Thursday |  MS Spitsbergen | ||
| 17 May, 2027 Monday |  Silver Wind | 06:00 | 13:00 |
| 23 May, 2027 Sunday | Silver Wind | 12:00 | 21:00 |
Fair Isle (port locode GBFIE) is an island located in northern Scotland, around halfway between the Orkney islands and mainland Shetland. Fair Isle is famous for its bird observatory and traditional knitting style. The largest settlement is Stonybreck (population around 100).
Fair Isle is the UK's most remote inhabited island. It is administratively part of Dunrossness parish, Shetland Scotland, and is almost equidistant from Sumburgh Head (24 mi / 38 km) to the northeast on Mainland Shetland and North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 27 mi / 43 km to the southwest. Fair Isle is 3 mi / 5 km long and 1,5 mi / 2,4 km wide. It features an area of 3 mi2 (8 km2), making it the 10th largest of the Shetland Islands. Fair gives its name to a British Sea Area.
The majority of the 60 islanders live in the crofts on the island's southern half. The northern half consists of rocky moorland. Fair Isle's western coast features cliffs of up to 200 m (660 ft) in height.
Fair Isle cruise terminal
Cruise ships to Fair Isle dock (anchor) at Stonybreck - port town on the southern coast.
Independent sightseeing is possible with planning. Fair Isle is best explored on foot, but landing arrangements, weather and the time available ashore will determine how far you can go. Guided walks are useful for wildlife watching and for visitors unfamiliar with exposed island terrain.
Getting Ashore and Around
Cruise ships anchor offshore and take passengers ashore by tender or launch. The landing point can vary, so confirm it with the ship before planning a walk. Wind and swell can delay or prevent landings.
There is no cruise terminal or dependable taxi service to rely on. Walking is the main way to explore; check with your cruise line in advance if you need transport or assistance. Carry a map and note the last tender time before leaving the landing area.
Best Ways to Spend Your Time
Bird Observatory and Wildlife
The Fair Isle Bird Observatory, near North Haven, welcomes day visitors and is a useful place to learn about recent bird sightings. Allow approximately 1–2 hours for a visit and a short walk in the area, plus the journey from your landing point.
Puffins are generally present from May to mid-August, while other seabirds and migrating birds vary with the season. The observatory's ranger offers guided walks, subject to availability; arrange one in advance if it needs to fit your ship's schedule.
Island Life and Knitwear
In the southern crofting area, the George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum displays local artefacts and knitwear. Stackhoull Stores is the island's shop and post office, and local makers may have knitwear or other crafts available. Allow 1–2 hours in the area, plus walking time from the landing point. Check opening and workshop availability ahead of the call.
Coastal Scenery and Lighthouses
Fair Isle has a lighthouse at each end of the island, as well as cliffs, sea stacks and views across croftland. The North Lighthouse can be included in the walk below if you land at North Haven. The South Lighthouse is another option when landing nearer the southern part of the island; visits inside require advance arrangement and should not be assumed available.
Guided Island Walk
A ship-organized or prearranged guided walk is a good choice for learning about seabirds, island life and the landscape without navigating unfamiliar ground. Routes and duration vary, so check the terrain and return time before booking.
Self-Guided Walking Tour
North Haven, North Lighthouse and Bird Observatory
Start and finish: North Haven jetty, only if this is your ship's landing point. Distance: approximately 6 km (3.7 mi). Walking time: about 2 hours; allow 2½–3 hours with stops. Difficulty: moderate for cruise visitors, with some ascent and a short section of uneven, pathless coastal ground.
- Start at North Haven jetty and follow the quiet road away from the harbour.
- Continue along the road towards the North Lighthouse, enjoying views across the island.
- View the lighthouse and nearby coastal scenery from safe ground.
- Follow the mapped coastal route past the blowhole, keeping well back from cliff edges.
- Return towards the Bird Observatory, where you can check recent sightings or take a break.
- Follow the road back to North Haven and the tender landing.
Pick up a walking map at the observatory and check the route and conditions before setting out. If visibility is poor, the ground is slippery or time is short, turn back along the road instead of continuing over the coastal section. This route does not include travel from a southern landing.
Practical Tips
- Allow extra time for tender queues and changing weather, and return well before the ship's stated last tender.
- Wear sturdy footwear and bring waterproof, windproof layers. Paths and grass can be wet or slippery.
- Keep well back from cliff edges and steep grassy slopes. Do not approach nesting birds or attempt to reach Sheep Rock.
- Close gates, use stiles and follow local access guidance, particularly during lambing and the nesting season.
- Public toilets are available at the Bird Observatory, the airstrip waiting room, the village hall and Stackhoull Stores.