St Marys Scilly Isles Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do, Walkability & Local Tips

Quick Take

Port Type

Historic small tender port

Best For

Cruisers seeking a quiet, genuine small-island atmosphere; short walks and local pubs; low-pressure exploration.

Avoid If

You dislike tender logistics; want beach swimming or water sports; need full-day activities or shopping.

Walkability

Very high. The town is 10–15 minutes on foot end-to-end. Streets are narrow, flat, and easy.

Budget Fit

Budget-friendly. Most attractions are free; pubs and cafes are modest; no entrance fees to town.

Good For Short Calls?

Poor fit due to tender delays. Plan for 3–4 hours actual ashore time after tender boarding.

Port Overview

St Marys is the largest island in the Scilly Isles, 28 miles southwest of Cornwall. Ships anchor offshore and tender all passengers ashore to a small quay in Hugh Town—a ten-minute ferry ride and often a 20–40 minute wait for a tender slot. The town itself is tiny: fewer than 2,000 residents, a single main street (High Street), a handful of pubs and cafes, a parish church, and a rugged garrison viewpoint. There is no beach resort infrastructure, no cruise terminal, and no commercial tourism machine.

St Marys appeals to travelers seeking genuinely quiet, off-the-beaten-path island life—the kind of place where you sit in a harbor-view pub, watch fishing boats, and chat with locals who have lived here for decades. It is not a day-trip destination for shopping, dining variety, or structured activities; it is a place to slow down and absorb. If you have 8+ hours ashore, a walk to the outer beaches or a visit to Tresco (nearby sister island) is possible via inter-island ferry. Most cruise passengers get 3–4 actual hours ashore, which is enough for a leisurely stroll, a drink, and a genuine sense of the place—but you will not 'do' St Marys in a conventional sense.

Is It Safe?

St Marys is extremely safe. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent. The island has a small police presence and a tight-knit community. Petty theft is rare. The main safety concern is the weather and tender logistics—rough seas can make tender boarding uncomfortable or impossible, and passengers should always check conditions before heading down to the tendered quay.

The island has no major hazards or rough neighborhoods. Walking alone at any hour is safe. The main risk to cruisers is becoming so absorbed in the quiet pace that you misjudge time and miss your tender departure—set an alarm on your phone and plan to return 15 minutes earlier than you think necessary.

Accessibility & Walkability

St Marys town center is flat and easy to navigate on foot. High Street has uneven stone paving in places, but is wide enough for walkers and suitable for most mobility levels. The Garrison viewpoint has a gravel path with a gentle slope—not wheelchair-accessible and not suitable for those with severe mobility issues.

The tender itself can be challenging for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users; seas may be rough, steps may be steep, and crew assistance is available but the process is slower. Inform your ship's accessibility office well in advance if you need mobility support; they can advise on feasibility and arrange assistance if the tender is operating.

Outside the Terminal

As you step off the tender at Hugh Town Quay, you are immediately in the town center. To your right and left, the harbor stretches out—small fishing boats, sailboats, and a few larger pleasure craft. Ahead, High Street climbs gently, lined with modest stone cottages, a few shops, and the Church of St Mary the Virgin's steeple visible in the distance. The air is salty and often breezy; the pace is unhurried. There are no crowds, no touts, and no rush. Within 50 meters you will see at least two cafes and a pub. This is not a port with a 'tourist zone' separate from a town—you are already in the entire town.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

St Marys has no fine dining, no chain restaurants, and no 'foodie' scene. Instead, expect modest cafes, small pubs, and fish-and-chips shops serving locals and cruise visitors alike. Options include The Mermaid pub (harborside, solid ales and casual food), a handful of independent cafes on High Street (tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches), and a chip shop. Food is straightforward, portions are small, and prices are reasonable (£8–15 USD for a main course or fish & chips).

If you have dietary requirements or are vegetarian, call ahead to a pub to confirm; options may be limited. Grocery stores are tiny and stock basics. The consensus among regulars is to eat beforehand or treat a St Marys meal as an experience rather than an event. Do not expect to be impressed by food; expect to be welcomed by a bartender who will chat about the island while you eat.

Shopping

Shopping on St Marys is functional, not touristic. A single small supermarket (CO-OP) stocks groceries and basics. A few independent shops sell postcards, gifts, and local crafts, but nothing substantial. There are no fashion stores, no bookshops, and no souvenir malls. If you want to buy something, it will be small: a postcard, local honey, a hand-knitted item, or a drink. Budget for browsing, not spending.

Money & Currency

Currency

British Pound Sterling (GBP)

USD Accepted?

No

Card Payments

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted in pubs, cafes, and shops; some smaller venues cash-only. ATM on High Street (check it is in service before relying on it).

ATMs

One ATM near the supermarket on High Street. May have limited cash or be offline in rare cases—withdraw cash before your visit if possible.

Tipping

Rounding up or leaving 10% in pubs is customary but not obligatory. No tipping in shops.

Notes

Contactless and chip-and-pin card payments are standard. Bring some GBP cash as backup; USD is not accepted anywhere.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

May–September. Days are long, temperatures range 55–65°F (13–18°C), winds are moderate, and rain is less frequent.

Avoid

November–February. Gales are common, days are short, temperatures drop to 45–50°F (7–10°C), and tender operations are unreliable.

Temperature

April–October: 50–65°F (10–18°C). Layers and a windproof jacket are always necessary.

Notes

St Marys is extremely windy year-round. Expect wind and spray even on 'calm' days. Rain is frequent. Sunshine hours are low in winter. High season is May–September, but the island never feels crowded.

Airport Information

Airport

Land's End Airport (St Just) or Exeter Airport (primary alternative)

Distance

Land's End is ~25 miles away; ferry to St Marys adds 2.5 hours. Exeter is ~100 miles away.

Getting there

Air service from Exeter to St Marys runs via Skybus (45 minutes flight time). Ferry from Penzance (mainland Cornwall) to St Marys takes 2.5–5 hours depending on vessel and seas. No cruise terminal; most cruisers embark/disembark directly from the ship or via Penzance ferry.

Notes

St Marys is not a typical cruise port with pre-cruise hotel deals or airport shuttles. Independent pre-cruise stays are possible via Penzance ferry or air, but require detailed planning. Most cruise itineraries treat St Marys as a port of call only, not an embarkation point.