A Taste Of Island Life
Service Description
A 2-hour cruise from Kirkwall, visiting Thieves Holm and Shapinsay, sounds like a wonderful experience! The combination of exploring beautiful locations, enjoying fresh seafood cooked on the BBQ, and tasting Orkney produce, including local whiskies, gin, and ales, promises a delightful culinary and cultural journey. Adding a touch of Orkney's Viking history and folklore with a local historian's insights will enrich the experience, providing a deeper understanding of the region's heritage and traditions. Guests are sure to be captivated by the stories and legends that have shaped Orkney's past and continue to resonate in its present-day culture. This cruise offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, gastronomy, and cultural immersion, making it a memorable and enriching experience for those looking to explore the history, flavors, and natural beauty of Orkney.
Cancellation Policy
Step aboard Boy Ryan for a relaxed and immersive wildlife experience shaped by Orkney’s sea, seasons, and stories. Each trip is unhurried and personal, giving guests the chance to encounter seals, porpoises, seabirds, and—when conditions align—passing orcas. Every outing reflects the real Orkney: its wildlife, its people, and its traditions. What to Expect Our excursions blend wildlife, scenery, and genuine island hospitality. Sightings vary with weather, tides, and the natural movements of animals, and while orcas are occasionally seen, they cannot be guaranteed. Each trip follows the natural rhythm of the sea, with routes adjusted by the skipper to ensure comfort, safety, and responsible wildlife viewing. Onboard Hospitality A selection of food and drinks is available to purchase throughout your trip, including: Hot and cold drinks Mince rolls Toasties Homemade soup A small, carefully chosen range of alcoholic and non‑alcoholic drinks For guests wishing to elevate their experience, A Taste of Island Life can be pre‑booked (£40pp). This includes BBQ scallops and lobster cooked onboard, served with wine and local Orkney produce such as bere bannocks, Orkney cheese, and oatcakes — a true sea‑to‑plate experience. Safety & Age Requirements Safety is our highest priority. Guests must follow all instructions from the skipper and crew. The minimum age for excursions is 8 years old. Children under 8 may join only with prior approval before booking. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn when instructed. Please wear warm, waterproof clothing, as conditions can change quickly. If you have mobility concerns or medical conditions, please contact us before booking so we can advise on suitability. Weather & Cancellations All trips are weather‑dependent. The skipper may cancel or adjust the route for safety reasons. If we cancel: You will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. If you need to cancel: Cancellations more than 48 hours before departure receive a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours, late arrivals, and no‑shows are non‑refundable. If illness or exceptional circumstances arise, please get in touch — we will always try to help where possible. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and do not qualify for refunds. Final Notes A Wildlife Excursion aboard Boy Ryan is more than a boat trip — it’s an invitation to experience Orkney as islanders know it: shaped by the sea, enriched by wildlife, and grounded in warm hospitality.
Contact Details
Ferry Terminal Bldg, Kirkwall KW15 1HU, United Kingdom
07453270545/07824697628
info@orcaventures.co.uk