|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
(Above is a map showing clearly where the Isles of Scilly are in the UK).
Getting there: I live in Kent (South East of England), so
first of all I had to get a train from Paddington in London to
Penzance in Cornwall. Upon arriving at Penzance I got on a
shuttle to the heliport. At the airport all my luggage had to be
weighed to see if it exceeded the limit of weight allowed. A
short wait in the waiting room followed by a video briefing
before boarding the helicopter and you are ready
to leave! The journey takes roughly 20 minutes, but the time
passes quickly. Alternatively: You can
also take the ferry 'Scillonion'; which takes 2
and a half hours and is slightly cheaper than the helicopter. If
you get sea sick: You can try taking the plane.
This is the most expensive option, but probably the most
enjoyable.
Diving and Air: Who you dive with depends on what island you are staying on. On St Martin's there is a good dive centre run by Tim Allsop, but booking in advance is recommended. If you are staying on St Mary's you can dive with Mark Groves (Underwater Safari's); which is the most popular option, even if not the best. Also on St Mary's there is a guy called Jim Heslin who runs the dive charter service 'Underwater Centre'. Probably your best bet and you will need to book in advance.
For Non-Divers: The list of things to do for Non-Divers is endless! The obvious and most popular thing people do is island hopping. It's very easy to do because boats are leaving from the quay at St Mary's on a very regular basis. I recommend having a look at Samson if you can, it's an amazing island. If you want to check out other watersports there is the Sailing Centre in Tresco, Porthmellon (in St Mary's); which does various activities like Windsurfing, Sailing, Kayaking, Powerboating, etc. There is very good bird watching and fishing. A guy called Alec Hicks runs a boat called the 'King Fisher' and can give you a great time far offshore doing excellent fishing, even shark fishing at the right time of year and catering for bird watchers too. Otherwise it's just a photographers paradise and a walkers heaven.
DIVING WITH SEALS> (Photos from my trip to the Eastern Isles to dive with Grey Seals)