Getting around once you're on Scilly

St. Mary's

On arrival, there is a choice of transport to your accommodation. Taxis meet scheduled flights at the airport and if you arrive by boat, it is a short walk into Hugh Town (you can arrange for your luggage to be delivered) or you can take a taxi if your accommodation is elsewhere.

For travelling around the island, there is a community bus service which departs from opposite the Town Hall (timetable available from the Tourist Information Centre). This will get you to town in the morning in time for a trip on the boats or take you from Hugh Town to within minutes of deserted sandy beaches. There are several taxis which are very reasonably priced. You can hire an electric cart seating up to 6 people. Or the more energetic can hire a bicycle and wander at will around the quiet lanes - the highest point of St Mary's, Telegraph, is only about 150 feet (45 metres) above sea-level, so it shouldn't strain your legs too much. Bus tours provide a leisurely introduction to the island, with an entertaining and informative commentray from the drivers.

Boating
There are 15 or so passenger boats that work from St. Marys. Most work together as the St. Mary's Boatman's Association which provides the main passenger service between the islands, including circular trips to view the seals and seabirds.
In addition to the Association, several smaller independant boats run a more personal and individual service, including The Crusader run by Dave Hooper. Trips vary according to the time of year and the weather - notice boards on St. Mary's quay and in the town provide up to date information. Boats are also available for hire.

Contacts:

Tour buses / cars
Island Rover - (01720) 422131
Classic Car Tours - (01720) 422479
Dial a Doux Taxis and Tours - (01720) 421011 / 07799 242220

Private Hire Vehicles (basically taxis)
Toots Taxis* - (01720) 422142 / 07570 624669
Dial a Doux* - (01720) 421011 / 07799 242220
Island Taxis - (01720) 422126 or 422635
Q Cabs - (01720) 422260
DJ Cabs - (01720) 423775
Scilly Cabs - (01720) 422901

*These taxi operators also offer a Sunday service (most others don't normally operate on Sundays).

Bicycle/electric cart hire
St Mary's Bike Hire (the Strand) - 07796 638506
Book a Bike on Scilly (delivered to your holiday accommodation) - (01720) 422786 or 07887 841033.
The Scilly Cart Co (Porthmellon) - (01720) 422121

Airport transfers
Paulgers Transport: (01720) 423701
Every flight landing at St Mary's airport is met by one of the Paulger's Transport drivers; they will take you and your luggage to wherever you are staying or to the quay for off-island visitors. There is no need to book. The charge is £4 per person, one way.

Boats
St. Mary's Boatman's Association - Rose Cottage, The Strand, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly TR21 0PT. For bookings and information: (01720) 423999
Hicks & Sons Boat Hire - (01720) 422541
The Crusader (Dave Hooper) - 07917 891962 (or tickets available at Bourdeaux shop)
Sea Quest (glass bottomed boat) (Alfred Hicks) - (01720) 422511
Island Sea Safaris (rib with underwater camera) (Mark Groves) - (01720) 422732
Calypso (Tim Fortey) - (01720) 422187
Blue Hunter (Paul Osborne) - (01720) 423377

Off Islands Boating

Bryher & Tresco: Firethorn, Faldore, Cyclone, Hurricane (David & James Stedeford)  01720 422886
St Agnes: Spirit of St Agnes (David & John Peacock) 01720 422704
St Martins: Voyager, Enterprise, Lightening (Terry Perkins)  01720 422814