On Water

For those looking for fun in the water, there are a host of activities for you to choose from. It's a wonderful place for all the family to learn how to sail, or, if you fancy something a little more racy, hiring a powerboat is an excellent way to explore the secluded beaches and coves of Scilly. Alternatively, you can relax by one of the four swimming pools available to guests.

Boat trips and island hopping

There are regular trips between Tresco and the main islands of Scilly provided by Tresco Boat Services.

The times of boats are posted on notice boards around the island. As Scilly experiences big tides, the times and departure points will vary and are posted the day before.

You can find out more here, or by calling Tresco Boat Services on +44 (0)1720 423373 or the Island Office on +44 (0)1720 422849.

Swimming

In addition to the giant pool surrounding Tresco (which admittedly is a tad chilly at times), guests will find indoor swimming pools at the Tresco Island Spa and at the Sea Garden Cottages. There are also three heated outdoor pools – two at the Flying Boat and one at the New Inn.

Boat Hire & Watersports Instruction

Tresco Sailing Centre offers hire of sailing dinghies, sit on top kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) from their base next to the Ruin Beach Café at Old Grimsby, Tresco.

The Sailing Centre also offers full RYA courses in dinghy sailing, windsurfing and powerboating, from taster sessions to full certificated courses for any age or ability. Or, enjoy a guided kayak tour amongst the islands off Old Grimsby to Tean and St Helen’s, cruising the shallows along St. Martins or Tresco, or the regular holiday-time 'Splash Squad' water and beach group sessions for 7 - 15 year olds.

The centre is fully open in July and August but available to arrange activities and hire from April - September.

For information, please call +44 (0)1720 424919 or visit their website.

Hut 62 on neighbouring Bryher also has motor boats, sailing boats, stable sit on top kayaks, transparent kayaks, SUPs and pedalboards to hire by the hour, day or week, with a delivery service available to Tresco. To book or discuss options, please call Dan on +44 (0)7979 393 206 or visit their website.

Isles of Scilly Boat Hire, again based on neighbouring Bryher, offers hire of larger vessels including the Sealegs amphibious RIB, Powercat and Orkney powerboats and Island Pilot gaff rigged sailing boats. To book or discuss options, please call Richard on +44 (0)1720 422702 or visit their website.

Gig Rowing

From May to September there are regular gig races between the island clubs, and Scilly hosts the World Gig Racing Championships every May.

During the main season, men race on a Friday night and ladies on a Wednesday night. Tresco Boat Services offer frequent boat trips out to watch the races - a true Scillonian experience. See the boat boards for details.

You can learn more about the Tresco & Bryher Rowing Club here.

Diving

Isles of Scilly Diving School on St Martin’s organise diving and swimming with seals. Call +44 (0)1720 422848 for more information.

Fishing

A popular activity off the quay, beaches and shores.

Coasteering

Kernow Coasteering offers an adrenaline-filled experience at the magnificent Peninnis Head on St Mary's. Find out more here.

From never having sailed at all, our three children finished a very enjoyable week's tuition at the Sailing Centre confident and eager to do more. Thanks to all the friendly and brilliant staff. The Ruin cafe's terrace was also perfectly situated to allow us to monitor their progress with glass in hand!