In-season pattern (typically early Apr – late Aug/early Sep); most likely finished for 2026 as of 18 Sep · Sailings shown by frequency — exact times from the operator. · Representative sailings only — check the operator for today's full timetable
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Operator
Handa Ferry (Roger and Danny, independent boatmen)
Map – Handa Island Ferry
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £25.00 |
| Child (under 14) | £10.00 |
| Child (under 5) | Free |
Cash only – the operators are not set up to take cards. There is no online booking or fixed departure time; the fare is paid to the boatman at Tarbet. All fares in pounds sterling (GBP).
The Handa Island ferry is a short, open-boat crossing from Tarbet, near Scourie in Sutherland, to Handa Island, a Site of Special Scientific Interest run as a seabird reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT). It is one of the best places in Britain to see nesting puffins, guillemots, razorbills and great skuas, alongside regular sightings of otters, seals and passing whales and dolphins. The ferry itself is run independently of SWT by two local boatmen, Roger and Danny, who take visitors across on demand rather than to a fixed timetable.
There is no advance booking: crossings depend on the weather and on how many people turn up at the jetty at Tarbet, and the operators specifically ask people not to try to book a time. In season, the ferry normally runs Monday to Saturday, with outward sailings from around 9am to 1.30pm and the last boat back from the island at 5pm; it does not run on Sundays. The Scottish Wildlife Trust describes the visitor season as running from early April to late August or early September, and neither the Trust nor the ferry operators publish an exact closing date for a given year. Today, 18 September 2026, falls after that usual window, so the ferry has most likely already stopped for the year; nothing on the operator's own site or the reserve's page yet announces 2027 dates, so check the Handa Ferry Facebook page or telephone before planning a visit this late in the year.
Fares are £25 for an adult and £10 for a child under 14, with under-5s free, payable in cash only, since the operators are not set up to take cards. Handa has no shop, café or shelter of any kind, so everything needed for the day, including food, water and waterproofs, has to be carried across; dogs cannot travel, because of the ground-nesting birds and the limited space on the small boat.
- Arrive at the slipway a few minutes before departure; vehicle queues build quickly in summer.
- Check the operator's notices before travelling — tides, weather and maintenance affect sailings.
- Confirm accepted payment methods: several crossings are contactless-only.
Frequently asked questions
It is unlikely. The Scottish Wildlife Trust describes the visitor season as early April to late August or early September, and by 18 September the ferry has most likely already stopped for the year. Neither the Trust nor the operator publishes an exact closing date, so phone ahead before travelling this late in the season.
£25 for an adult and £10 for a child under 14; children under 5 travel free. Cash only – the operators cannot take card payments.
No. The operators do not take bookings; crossings depend on the weather and on how many people are waiting at the jetty at Tarbet on the day.
When running, the ferry operates Monday to Saturday, with outward crossings from about 9am to 1.30pm and the last boat back from the island around 5pm. There are no Sunday sailings.
No. Dogs are not permitted on the ferry, for passenger comfort, safety and space, and because of the large numbers of ground-nesting birds on the reserve.
None. There is no shop, café or shelter, so visitors need to bring their own food, water and waterproof clothing for the day.
Independent local boatmen Roger and Danny run the ferry from Tarbet. The island itself is managed as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which does not operate the boat.
The ferry operators say summer – May, June and July – is best overall, while the Scottish Wildlife Trust specifically recommends mid-May to July for puffins.