About the Port
Fair Isle sits in isolated waters between Orkney and Shetland, one of the most remote inhabited islands in the United Kingdom. Its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, moorland, and green fields make it a landfall point for migrating seabirds, and the island's bird observatory has long drawn ornithologists and wildlife photographers tracking rare arrivals. A small, close-knit community maintains a quiet way of life shaped by crofting and the sea.
The island is equally known for its distinctive knitwear, with patterned designs passed down through generations of island knitters and still produced locally. Landings depend on weather and sea conditions given the island's exposed position, so visits are treated as a highlight rather than a guarantee. Travelers who do go ashore find a landscape of dramatic cliffs and open sky, best explored slowly and on foot.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Fair Isle.
Bird Watching at the Observatory
Join staff at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory to spot migrating seabirds and rare arrivals along the cliffs; a short walk from the landing point, it's the island's scientific and social hub.
Browse Local Knitwear
Seek out island knitters selling traditional Fair Isle patterned sweaters and accessories, a craft passed down through generations and still made by hand on the island.
Walk the Cliff Paths
Follow open moorland trails along the red sandstone cliffs for sweeping sea views and a firsthand sense of the island's raw, windswept isolation; wear sturdy shoes and watch the weather.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Fair Isle
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 27 | $19,800 | |
| May 9, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 11 | $10,320 | |
| May 20, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 11 | $9,840 | |
| May 31, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 11 | $9,920 | |
| Jun 7, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 26 | $26,898 | |
| Jun 7, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 40 | $43,298 | |
| Jun 11, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 14 | $13,860 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 28 | $31,598 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 14 | $16,798 | |
| Mar 11, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 81 | $62,368 | |
| Mar 11, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 96 | $76,948 | |
| Mar 21, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 71 | $54,997 | |
| Mar 21, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 86 | $71,197 | |
| Apr 24, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 68 | $67,397 | |
| Apr 24, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 52 | $51,198 | |
| Apr 24, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 82 | $84,498 | |
| Apr 24, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 37 | $34,998 | |
| Apr 26, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Endeavour | 12 | $12,400 | |
| May 6, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 56 | $56,597 | |
| May 6, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 25 | $24,198 |
Showing the next 20 of 40 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.