Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Ltd was formed on 26th March 1920 and the first Scillonian began regular trips on Thursday 2nd February 1926. Since then the company has continually operated the shipping service which is a life line for the Isles of Scilly operating not only Scillonian III passenger ferry but the Gry Maritha freight vessel between Penzance and the islands and inter-islands.
In 1984 Skybus was formed and began scheduled commercial passenger flights in April 1987 to fly to the Isles of Scilly.
Scillonian III has carried well over two million passengers to the Isles of Scilly. Comfortable seating, a bar and buffet are provided on board. There is an interesting exhibition of island life, past and present, and you can buy souvenirs and day-excursion tickets to Tresco.
A commentary is broadcast as you sail past Newlyn, Mousehole, the Minack Theatre nestling in the cliffs above Porthcurno, and the Wolf Rock Lighthouse. You approach the Islands through Crow Sound at high tide, with Tresco and St. Martin's to starboard, and through St. Mary's Sound at low tide with Gugh and St. Agnes to port. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours 40 minutes.
Advance booking is strongly recommended. It is not possible to reserve seats, and there are no private cabins.
You should be on the quayside at least 30 minutes before sailing. Scillonian III usually sails from Lighthouse Pier, Penzance. Parking is not allowed on the quay, but is available at several privately-operated car parks nearby.
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