Beach camping in Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Just a few miles off the coast of the charming fishing port of Anstruther, the Isle of May packs a lot into its petite size. The island has a history rich in stories of Vikings, pilgrims and smugglers but today it is best known for its seabirds. In early summer, the cliffs that ring the island heave with breeding birds, including razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots and more than 40,000 pairs of puffins, while the shoreline is dotted with seals. Visitors can experience the dazzling, noisy spectacle from along the clifftop path and the sheltered visitor center. The island is a designated national nature reserve, which you can only visit as part of a day tour. While you can’t camp on the island, nearby mainland options include Silverdyke Caravan Park in Anstruther and Sauchope Links Holiday Lodge and Caravan Park in Crail.

The Isle of May is open to visitors from early April through the end of September: it remains closed over winter in order to protect the large number of seal pups born around its shores. May and June are the best months to see breeding seabirds, which number up to a quarter of a million at the peak of breeding season.

• Boat trip options include journeys by ferry and rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Note that the RIB is open to the elements (waterproofs are provided).
• Once onshore, you are free to explore independently until departure time. Your tour operator will provide maps of the island.
• Rangers greet visitors at the pier and can answer your questions.
• There is an accessible restroom in the island’s visitor center.
• While most trips depart from Anstruther, RIB tours also depart North Berwick.
• During winter, you can watch the seal pups via live camera feed at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.