Brief History
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Ltd was formed on 26th March 1920.  The company was set up by the inhabitants of the Islands with the aim of providing regular, cost effective and enjoyable travel between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly.


The first Scillonian vessel began regular trips from Penzance to St Mary’s on Thursday 2nd February 1926.  Since then the company has continually operated the shipping service.
Scillonian III has made in excess of 6392 return voyages up until the end of 2008 and will continue to provide the vital connection between the mainland and Isles of Scilly for many years to come.


The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company purchased the Norwegian coaster, Gry Maritha in September 1989, she was named at Kolvereid, Norway in June 1981 after Captain Tor Sevaldsen’s daughter.  The Gry Maritha operates an all-year round freight service proving a life line service to the Isles of Scilly catering for the increasing amount of freight required on the Islands. There are three return voyages a week, departing Penzance on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, stopping over night at St Mary’s and returning the following day.


In 1984 the company expanded by developing Skybus, an alternative to travel by sea.  Skybus began scheduled commercial passenger flights in April 1987 launching the flights with a Britton Norman Islander aircraft.  Skybus now has a fleet of six planes; three De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otters and three Britten Norman Islanders. Skybus operates regular scheduled flights to the Isles of Scilly from Land’s End, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton. 


Skybus

In spring 1984 the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company applied to operate a scheduled daily passenger and freight service between Land’s End and St Mary’s.  The intention was to provide a service complimentary to that of the Scillonian service.  Skybus* was formed and began scheduled commercial passenger flights to the Isles of Scilly on 9th August 1984.  This year Skybus will celebrate 25 years of service.

Skybus operates regular scheduled flights to the Isles of Scilly from Land’s End, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton.  March 2008 Skybus launched a new direct route from Newquay Airport to St. Brieuc (France).

The Twin otter planes offer a maximum of 19 seats and the Islanders 8 seats.

Approximate flights times to St Mary’s:
Land’s End    15 minutes
Newquay        30 minutes
Exeter             60 minutes
Bristol             70 minutes
Southampton 90 minutes

Approximate flight times from Newquay:
St Brieuc        80 minutes

The success of the extended 2008 services means that Skybus will continue to offer a service to the Isles of Scilly six days a week (in peak periods) from Southampton, Bristol, Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End.

The aircraft used for the St Brieuc route is a Twin Otter which can seat 15 people, operating from the end of March until Mid September. Flights depart from Newquay Airport, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Flight time to St Brieuc is 80 minutes with fares starting at £79 each way.

Skybus operate the Isles of Scilly service Monday to Saturday all year round, schedules and prices vary according to the season.  Day trips to the Islands from Land’s End and Newquay are priced at £86.00 and £96.00 per adult including airport charges (reduced rates for children) please check the website or call for details and special offers.

*ATOL exempt


Scillonian III

Scillonian III celebrated 30 years in service during 2007. Scillonian III was commissioned and built for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company by Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd in Devon with work starting in 1973.  She sailed her maiden voyage on 19th May 1977 and since then has become a signature sight of the Islands and a preferred method of travel for many visitors and islanders alike.

Scillonian III sails from Penzance to St Mary’s (the main island) daily from 30th March until 31st October 2009 Monday to Saturday including Bank Holidays.

The ship sails from Penzance at approximately 0915 in the morning, departing from St Mary’s at 1630 (times are approximate as some dates are affected by extreme tides).

The 2 hour 40 minute journey takes you past Newlyn, Mousehole, the Minack Theatre and Wolf Rock Lighthouse.  Dolphins, seals and basking sharks are regular sightings from the top deck, especially during early summer.  Onboard refreshments are served at the bar or buffet, also souvenirs, gifts and guide books are available from the passenger shop.  Other facilities include a stair lift and baby changing room.

Day trip tickets are £35 per adult (reduced rates for children and family tickets are available).

Alternatively, experience both with Air and Sea Day Trips.  Take an early flight to the Islands enjoying the stunning aerial views, and then return on a leisurely cruise, taking in the dramatic Cornish coastline, or vise-versa (available from Land’s End Only) costing £70 per adult.


Land's End Airport

Land's End Airport is owned and run by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.  There are commercial flying activities available such as Aerial photography and charter work can also be arranged.

Please feel free to contact us for more information: Isles of Scilly Travel Quay Street Penzance TR18 4BZ Tel: 0845 710 5555 Email: sales@islesofscilly-travel.co.uk