Boreray, St. Kilda, Scotland

Remote and rugged, Boreray rises dramatically from the sea in the windswept St Kilda archipelago.

A massive, rocky sea stack on the uninhabited island of Boreray, a major gannet nesting site in the remote St. Kilda archipelago of Scotland.

Overview

Boreray, St. Kilda, Scotland Cruise Port

Boreray is a rugged and dramatic island within the remote St Kilda archipelago, located in the North Atlantic, far off the west coast of Scotland's Outer Hebrides. The entire St Kilda archipelago, including Boreray and its two impressive sea stacks (Stac an Armin and Stac Lee), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for both its outstanding natural beauty and its unique cultural heritage. Boreray is renowned for hosting immense colonies of seabirds, making it a critical ornithological site. It is exclusively a destination for expedition and small-ship luxury cruises that specifically focus on remote Scottish islands, wildlife, and historical exploration, as direct landings on Boreray are extremely rare and highly restricted.

A visit (or more accurately, a scenic cruising) of Boreray offers cruise passengers an unparalleled opportunity to witness one of Europe's most significant seabird sanctuaries and some of the UK's highest sea cliffs. It's an ideal stop for those seeking a profound connection with raw nature, a glimpse into a truly wild environment, and an appreciation for the sheer scale of the natural world.

Top Things to Do in Boreray, St. Kilda, Scotland

Witness Massive Gannet Colonies on Boreray and its Stacs

Boreray and its two towering sea stacks, Stac an Armin and Stac Lee, are home to the largest colony of Northern Gannets in the world, with tens of thousands of breeding pairs. Scenic cruising around these islands allows for breathtaking views of these magnificent birds nesting on every available ledge and plunging into the sea for fish.

Tip: Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens. The sheer number of birds is awe-inspiring, and your onboard naturalists will provide commentary.

Observe Other Seabird Species

Beyond gannets, the cliffs of Boreray support vast numbers of other seabirds, including Fulmars, Atlantic Puffins (especially on grassy slopes if conditions allow a very rare closer view), and various petrels and shearwaters. The cacophony of their calls and the sight of them wheeling overhead are unforgettable.

Tip: Early summer (June-July) is often the peak breeding season for many seabirds, offering the most active viewing.

Admire the Dramatic Volcanic Landscape

Boreray is part of an ancient volcanic archipelago, and its landscape is intensely dramatic, with sheer, dark cliffs plunging into the North Atlantic. Scenic cruising allows you to appreciate the raw, powerful beauty of these geological formations.

Tip: Dress warmly in layers, as even on sunny days, the wind can be bracing in this exposed location.

Spot the Rare Boreray Sheep

Boreray is also home to a unique and extremely rare breed of sheep, the Boreray sheep, which survived as a feral flock after the last human inhabitants left St Kilda in 1930. Keep an eye out for these hardy, horned sheep grazing on the slopes.

Tip: They are small and can be hard to spot from a distance, but your naturalists might point them out.

Understand the UNESCO Dual Heritage Status

As you cruise, naturalists on board will explain why St Kilda (including Boreray) holds a rare dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural significance (seabirds, geology) and its cultural heritage (evidence of 4,000 years of human occupation in extreme conditions, primarily on the main island of Hirta). While Boreray was not continuously inhabited, it was vital for the St Kildans' survival.

Tip: Participate in onboard lectures to deepen your appreciation for this unique site.

Experience the Remote Isolation

Boreray's extreme remoteness, located 41 miles (66 km) west of the nearest larger island (Benbecula), offers a profound sense of isolation and untamed wilderness. The journey to St Kilda is often weather-dependent, adding to the feeling of reaching a truly extraordinary, far-flung destination.

Tip: Embrace the unpredictable nature of the weather; sometimes mist adds to the dramatic atmosphere. Enjoy the quietness and the vastness of the ocean.

Overview

Boreray, St. Kilda, Scotland Cruise Port