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wildlife · Copinsay Island

Copinsay Seabird Colony: Private Zodiac Landing & Guided Walk

Step ashore on one of Britain's most untouched wildlife sanctuaries — Copinsay RSPB reserve. Towering sea cliffs host tens of thousands of guillemots, razorbills, and puffins in a landscape utterly unchanged for centuries.

What to expect

Your Zodiac lands on Copinsay's rocky foreshore, where a specialist naturalist guide leads you along cliff-top paths alive with seabird noise and salt spray. The reserve's James Fisher Memorial status means no commercial crowds — just your small group and half a million birds. You'll observe guillemots in their packed 'apartment block' colonies, scan for white-tailed eagles, and watch grey seals haul out on wave-worn skerries below. The return crossing gives sweeping views of the uninhabited island from the sea — a perspective granted to very few.

Book it with
Orkney Guided Tours (private charter)
GBP 280–320 per person (private small-group Zodiac landing, minimum 4 guests)
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Good to know

Pre-book well in advance — private landings on Copinsay require RSPB liaison and calm sea conditions. Wear waterproof layers and non-slip deck shoes. All-aboard times are tight on tender ports; confirm your pickup window with the operator at booking.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Copinsay Island — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Seabourn · Seabourn Venture
11 nights · calls at Copinsay Island
from $10,999
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