island tours hoy

Island Tours of Hoy

Types of Tours

Island of hoy day trip  (5.5 h ours).

(Thursday Only)

£89  (per guest)

Bespoke tours.

£400 (per tour with up to 8  guests)

About island tours of hoy.

Island Tours of Hoy offer bespoke private tours throughout the year.  We also offer scheduled group tours which take place every Thursday.   We also provide guided coach tours and tours for visiting cruise ships.  We facilitate visits for journalists, travel writers/bloggers and TV crews.

A warm welcome awaits you here on the Island of Hoy, the second largest island in the Orkney archipelago with a population of approximately only 400 residents.  

Hoy is unique, and very different from the Orkney Mainland and other isles, it is often compared to the Scottish Highlands.  Much of the isle is designated as 'Wild Land', one of only forty-one sites in Scotland.

The vertical cliffs are the highest in the British Isles, there are vast swathes of wilderness, an abundance of wildlife, with a history stretching from the Neolithic era to modern day.

Island Tours of Hoy is part of Orkney Travel which also provides tours on the Mainland of Orkney. For more information, please visit the Orkney Travel website.

Island Tours of Hoy 

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01856 881700

Mobile: 07810099976

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Island Tours of Hoy

Ness House, Longhope, Hoy, KW16 3PG

A warm welcome awaits you on the Island of Hoy, the second largest island in the Orkney archipelago with a population of only 400 residents, at least 4 Eagles and 1 iconic Old Man (of Hoy).

Island Tours of Hoy are available daily for private and group tours be they for wildlife, coastal scenery, hill walking in wild land, trips to the Old Man of Hoy or the island’s extensive and fascinating history. Or you might just like a little bit of everything, which is what most folk opt for. You may have a particular interest, which we will also be able to cater for.

Hoy is both remote, unique and is very different from the Orkney Mainland and other isles. The vertical cliffs are the highest in the British Isles, there are vast swathes of wilderness, an abundance of wildlife with a history stretching from the Neolithic era to modern day. You will visit sites which only a resident of this beautiful island would know of and are easily missed by the casual visitor.

Hoy is only a 30-minute ferry journey over the majestic Scapa Flow with all its amazing views, all tours start and end at the ferry terminals. Mainland ferry terminals are served with connecting bus links and free carparks, and we will be happy to offer advice on all travel arrangements from wherever your start point may be. We will make it easy for you.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing our wonderful island with you in a very safe manner. Please see our trip advisor reviews, we are very proud of them and our Travellers' Choice Award.

Group Tours available on Thursdays for Maxi Tour (full day - £59 pp) or Standard Tour (3/4 day - £49 pp). Private tours on every day from £240 per day.

Business Hours

Open All Year Round.

Group Tours available on Thursdays for Maxi Tour (full day - £59 pp) or Standard Tour (3/4 day - £49 pp). Private tours available everyday from £240 per day.

Contact Details

Ness House Longhope Hoy KW16 3PG

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Island Tours of Hoy

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Island Tours of Hoy - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Island Tours of Hoy

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Island Tours of Hoy - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Island Tours of Hoy

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Island Tours of Hoy - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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The Island of Hoy Standard Tour

Hoy derives from the old Norse word Haey, which means high. It is the highest and arguably the most beautiful scenery in Orkney. This tour covers the northern half of Hoy. It starts and ends at the ferry terminal in Lyness, Hoy.

We travel straight from the ferry terminal in to wilderness and on to the Hills of Hoy, Rackwick Bay, cliffs (highest vertical in the UK) & beach, where we stop for a picnic (please bring a packed lunch).  We then visit the mysterious Dwarfie Stane and Betty Corrigall’s grave.

We will break for free hot/cold drinks and snacks at Lyrawa Hill (111m) for breath taking panoramic views of the whole of Scapa Flow, looking from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea, the Pentland Firth and the Orkney South Isles. We also travel through the former WW1 & 2 Naval Base and the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, for an opportunity to hear of Hoy’s dramatic wartime history.  

Our guides have a sharp eye for wildlife, so will be looking for sea eagles, hen harriers, red throated divers, merlins, curlews, otters, seals, mountain hare and the omnipresent and infamous bonxie (great skua)!

Due to there being so much to see, unfortunately we can't fit the three hour return walk to the Old Man of Hoy in to this tour,  (please see private tour).

The tour will end with a visit to the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre (temporary exhibition) or a short cliff top nature walk at the Hill of White Hamars, where the most fascinating coastal geology and many types of seabird can be seen.   After which, we will transfer you back to the ferry at Lyness.

From £49 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

March — October

Contact details

• ++44 (01856) 701632
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Driver guide
• Small Group (1-16)

Tour prices

From £49 Per Adult £24 Per Child

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Island tours of hoy.

Hoy, the second largest island in the Orkney archipelago with a population of approximately only 400 residents. Hoy is unique, and very different from the Orkney Mainland and other isles. The vertical cliffs are the highest in the British Isles, there are vast swathes of wilderness, an abundance of wildlife, with a history stretching from the Neolithic era to modern day.

Visit Island Tours of Hoy

Opening times

March to October 08:00-18:00

Other tours from this company

The Island of Hoy Private Tour

Departs: Hoy

We will design a tour of this wonderful island with your specific interests in m...

Price from:

The Island of Hoy Maxi Tour

Hoy derives from the old Norse word Haey, which means high. It is the highest a...

£59pp

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

HOY ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Channel Islands Kayak Tours

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour

OUR MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Overview Experience the stunning beauty of Channel Islands National Park on our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. On this tour, you’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the unparalleled natural wonders of this unique area. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts.

Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am

Tour Time (~4 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~2.5-3 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 2.5-3 miles

Level of Difficulty Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ferry Tickets The 10:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 9am or earlier from Ventura Harbor. The 9:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 8am. Check-in is one hour prior to departure.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 4:30pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Questions? Visit our FAQ’s page .

Public tours: $205 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $187 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($52)* Private tours: $1,640 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,992 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,488 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

• Preparing for your trip

Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Our Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. For 1-1.5 hours you’ll kayak through stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-timers visiting the island, this tour allows you to pack in multiple experiences into one day, from hiking and snorkeling to birding and exploring endemic species. Don’t miss out on the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this national park has to offer.

Availability February-November: Most days

Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am and/or 10:30am as well as 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm (meet times depend on the ferry schedule to Santa Cruz Island – Scorpion Anchorage)

Tour Time (~2.5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 1.25 miles

Ferry Tickets The 9:30am tour requires an 8:00am ferry departure (7am check-in time). The 12:30pm tour requires a 10:00am ferry departure or earlier (check-in is one hour prior to ferry departure). Ferry options typically will be 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am. The 1:30pm tour requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Public tours: $145 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $127 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($52)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $1,160 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,032 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $3,046 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview The longest of our kayaking tour options, the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour is for the true ocean adventurer. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline.

This tour is best for 1. Intermediate-Advanced kayakers who are looking for a longer day on the water, must have 8am ferry departure and 4:30pm return 2. Campers on their 2nd day at the island, so they can enjoy a first full day exploring the island on land

Availability This tour is offered on Friday-Sunday and Wednesdays from May through November. Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~3-4 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 4-5 miles

Level of Difficulty Intermediate – Advanced

Ferry Tickets This tour requires a ferry departure of 8am (check-in at 7am) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return.

Ferry return times vary daily, departing at 4:30pm or 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 6:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Public tours: $275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $66 / children 12 and under $52)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $2,200 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,240 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $6,360 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface on our expert-led Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and the island’s pristine coastlines. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through marine ecology and the rich history of the island. Get up close with sea life and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.

This tour is best for

1. Guests who already have previous kayaking and snorkeling experience. Guests should be comfortable in the ocean and comfortable swimming with a snorkel. 2. Campers who are already on the island and want a full day of adventure on & in the water

Availability Our Snorkel & Kayak Tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am from mid-June through September 30th on days when there is an 8am ferry departure

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr 45 min – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hr – Kayaking ~15 min – Lunch ~45 min – Snorkeling ~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the tour. All guests  MUST  know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is  REQUIRED .

Includes • Snorkel & Mask* • Fins • 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit • Snorkel flotation device • PFD (personal flotation device) for kayaking • Ocean kayak** • Knowledgeable guide(s) on exploring sea caves as well as the local natural history and marine ecology

*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them. *We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so. **By default, even-numbered parties will be paired in a tandem (2-person) kayak. For single or odd-numbered parties, single (1-person) kayaks will be provided.

Ferry Tickets This tour requires an 8am ferry departure (7am check-in) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later return.

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Happy Adventurers

You have fun. We’ll handle the rest.

An Awesome Time!

Thanks for an incredible sea kayaking adventure on Santa Cruz in Channel Islands National Park! Well worth the money, especially with the wetsuits and extra outfitting that made paddling super comfy. "

One of the Best Family Days!

"Six of us went Kayaking in the Sea Caves and loved every minute. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and was incredibly enthusiastic about the adventure. On the way home, we saw two whales and two pods of dolphins. Cannot imagine a better day!"

A Bucket List Adventure!

"An awesome adventure! While the Painted Cave is the highlight of the tour all of the caves are incredible. The wildlife is amazing along with the plants and everything else. The guides were super friendly and very informative."

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Last updated: May 9, 2023

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