Can I arrange a boat trip from Rousay?
Yes, private charters can be arranged with local operators, subject to availability and sea conditions. Agree the departure point, route and price with the operator before booking. Eynhallow has no regular ferry service; visits depend on a charter or organised trip, with any landing decided by the skipper.
Boat charter operators
Most of these operators can arrange a private charter from Rousay. You can agree where to go, where to meet and when to return with them. Shared trips may leave from the other ports listed below.
DEPARTURE BY ARRANGEMENT · PRIVATE VESSEL CHARTER
Northerly Marine Services
You can charter a boat for wildlife watching, fishing or photography. The team can help plan your day and confirm the boat, passenger arrangements, departure point and price.
KIRKWALL HARBOUR · WILDLIFE EXCURSIONS
Orkney Boat Charter
Regular wildlife trips last around 90 minutes. The operator can help with available dates and timings for getting back to Rousay.
KIRKWALL HARBOUR · SMALL GROUPS & PRIVATE CHARTERS
Experience Orkney
You can book boat trips and private charters to destinations including Rousay and Egilsay. The operator can confirm your route and any landings.
STROMNESS FOR HOY CRUISES · OTHER ROUTES BY ARRANGEMENT
Orkney Nautical Charters
Wildlife and history cruises around Hoy and Scapa Flow, with seasonal sailings and private charters. The operator can confirm the departure port for each trip.
VARIABLE DEPARTURE POINT · RHIB ADVENTURES
Satzoomer Boat Trips / Orcades Marine
Coastal and wildlife trips in a rigid-hulled inflatable boat, with shared and private bookings. The departure point depends on conditions and the group’s plans. There’s more in the trip and booking details.
ST MARGARET’S HOPE · SOUTH RONALDSAY
Orca Ventures
Wildlife cruises aboard Boy Ryan, plus private fishing trips and other charters. Scheduled trips leave from St Margaret’s Hope, so the journey includes the ferry to Tingwall and the drive across Mainland. The operator can discuss private trips separately. The link goes to its VisitScotland listing.
Eynhallow: an uninhabited island
Eynhallow is a great option for a charter to an uninhabited island. It’s in Eynhallow Sound, between Rousay and Orkney Mainland. A charter operator can arrange a trip from Rousay and discuss a landing.
Eynhallow’s history
People lived on Eynhallow until 1851. The old church and remains of the crofts are still there. There are stories about it being a vanishing island too. Orkney.com’s stories from Eynhallow Sound has more of the history and folklore.
The island and its views
The boat trip gives you a different view of Rousay and Mainland. On the island, there’s the old church and crofting remains to explore, with plenty to interest anyone who enjoys history, photography or sketching.
Getting to Eynhallow
There’s no regular public ferry to Eynhallow. Visits are by private charter or organised excursion. The Orkney Heritage Society runs occasional trips.
The skipper decides whether a landing is possible, depending on the weather and sea conditions. The operator can explain the route, time ashore and return journey. The Heritage Society describes rough ground and no facilities on the island.
Arriving outside ferry times
You can arrange a private boat charter to reach Rousay outside ferry times. Crossings are arranged in advance.
We’re happy to help through your cottage’s Airbnb listing, or you can speak directly to an operator. They can confirm where the boat leaves and lands, the time and price, luggage space and transport to the cottage. The final arrangements depend on availability and sea conditions.
A car needs its own vehicle-ferry booking. Our Rousay arrival guide explains the options.
Booking a charter from Rousay
The operator can help plan your trip from Rousay around your group and what you’d like to do. They can also explain which boats suit children, dogs or anyone with mobility needs.
They’ll confirm where and when to meet on Rousay, the price, what’s included and the cancellation terms. They can also explain any landings, including what happens if the weather prevents a stop on Eynhallow.
For a regular trip leaving from Mainland, there’s the Rousay–Tingwall ferry and then the journey by road. An early start or a longer excursion may mean a night on Mainland.
More trips around Orkney
These trips are further afield, with extra travel to the departure island.
- Pomona Prefect — Stronsay. Private North Isles charters for wildlife, exploring, fishing, snorkelling and diving. Travel to Stronsay is separate unless the operator agrees another pickup point.
- Holm of Papay boat trips / Papay Ranger — Papa Westray. Boat visits to the neighbouring Holm and its archaeology. The trip also involves getting to Papay; the organiser can help with the details.
A few more questions
Can I book a boat charter departing from Rousay?
Yes, most of these operators can arrange a charter from Rousay. Dates, the departure point and where you’ll go are agreed directly with them.
Can I book a boat charter to an uninhabited island?
Yes, Eynhallow is a great option. There’s an old church, crofting remains and views across Eynhallow Sound. The operator can discuss a landing, which depends on weather, tides and access on the day.
Can I arrive on Rousay outside ferry times?
Yes. It’s easy to arrange a private boat charter. We or the operator can help with the crossing, pickup and getting you to the cottage. Boats are subject to availability and suitable sea conditions.
Is there a regular ferry to Eynhallow?
No, visits are by private charter or organised excursion. Orkney Heritage Society also runs occasional trips and announces the dates directly.
Can children join a boat trip?
The operator can tell you which trips suit families, any age limits and what getting on and off the boat involves.
Find out more
From Stay Rousay. Practical information checked 17 September 2026. The links go to the operators and local organisations for the latest details.