Step aboard Boy Ryan for a relaxed and immersive 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—orcas moving through local waters. Along the way, we share the deeper layers of the islands: Viking history, Scapa Flow’s wartime past, and the landscapes that hold centuries of island life.
As we travel, guests hear about places such as the Howe of Hoxa, long linked to Thorfinn Skullsplitter, one of Orkney’s most powerful Norse earls, and St Margaret’s Hope, named for the Maid of Norway, the young heir to the Scottish throne who died here in 1290. These stories sit alongside the modern history of Scapa Flow, whose sheltered waters shaped both World Wars and left a legacy still visible today.
What guests can enjoy onboard
Hospitality is a central part of the journey, with a warm and welcoming selection of food and drinks available throughout the trip. All food and drinks are charged additionally onboard. Guests can enjoy:
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Hot and cold drinks
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Mince rolls
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Toasties
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Homemade soup
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A small, carefully chosen selection of drinks to accompany the experience
For guests wishing to elevate their trip, the A Taste of Island Life experience can be pre‑booked. This includes BBQ scallops and lobster cooked onboard, served with wine and accompanied by local Orkney produce such as bere bannocks, Orkney cheese, and oatcakes. It’s a true from‑the‑sea‑to‑your‑plate experience — fresh, simple, and enjoyed in the very environment it comes from, offering something no restaurant can replicate. (£40pp)
The experience
Each excursion blends wildlife, scenery, Viking heritage, wartime history, and genuine island hospitality. Whether guests are here for the wildlife, the stories, the food, or simply the peace of being on the water, the experience is crafted to feel warm, memorable, and authentically Orkney.
Another Great Offer for Our Passengers
We’re pleased to offer passengers an exclusive overnight stay onboard for £75 per person (minimum 2 guests). After your excursion, you can unwind in the hot tub, fire up the BBQ, or head ashore to explore local dining — a perfect way to end your day in Orkney.
If there is a 09:00 departure the following morning, an 08:30 checkout is required so we can prepare the vessel for the trip. If there is no early sailing, checkout is by 10:00.
This rate applies to evening stays only and does not include 24‑hour access.
You’ll find this on our Home Screen under “Overnight Stay – Special Passenger Rate”.
There isn’t any parking available at the pier. Please arrive early and park your car in St Margaret’s Hope before making your way down.
