Cruise Elephant Island Cruise Port
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
About Cruise Elephant Island Cruise Port
Port Overview
Elephant Island, part of Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs for exploration. Travelers spot chinstrap penguin colonies thriving on rocky slopes at Point Wild, a historic Shackleton expedition site. Zodiac cruises navigate icy waters, revealing humpback whales and leopard seals. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, November to March, offers milder conditions, though ice restricts access. Photography captures dramatic cliffs and icebergs, ideal for adventure seekers. Dining is onboard, with menus featuring hearty stews. Souvenirs, such as Antarctic maps, are sold in ship shops. Briefings enforce IAATO wildlife guidelines, ensuring minimal disturbance. Kayaking offers close views of glacial landscapes. The harsh polar environment requires insulated, waterproof gear. This remote island’s historical and natural significance makes it a bucket-list stop for polar explorers.
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
39°F / 7°F
avg high / low in May
🚢 Itineraries
5
cruise itineraries
🎯 Excursions
15
available excursions
🛡️ Safety Score
9.5 / 10
#2 of 490 in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
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Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands
Cruise Port Location
Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands cruise port is located in the northernmost part of the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately halfway between Norway and the United Kingdom. The port is accessible by ferry from Lerwick, the main town on the Shetland Islands. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands and wildlife.
What to Do
Cruise Elephant Island Top Activities & Attractions
Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands is known for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, and enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and whales. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of quaint villages to explore, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands has something for everyone.
Cruise Elephant Island Fun Facts
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is a large rock formation located on the east coast of the Shetland Islands. It is said to resemble an elephant, hence its name. The rock is a popular tourist attraction, and is often visited by cruise ships. It is also a popular spot for bird watching, as many species of seabirds can be seen nesting on the cliffs around the rock.
Cruise Elephant Island Cruise Port Excursions
Cruise Elephant Island Popular Shore Tours
Explore the best excursions and tours near Cruise Elephant Island cruise port. From guided sightseeing to adventure activities, find the perfect way to make the most of your time at this cruise port.
Cruise Port Schedule
Cruise Elephant Island Cruise Port Ships & Passenger Count
How many people will be in Cruise Elephant Island cruise port during your visit? Which other ships will be docked? Use the date selector below to find cruise port traffic for Cruise Elephant Island on any date.
No ships scheduled
No cruise ships are in port at Cruise Elephant Island on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Cruise Elephant Island Cruise Terminals
Scalloway Cruise Terminal
Scalloway Cruise Terminal is located in the town of Scalloway, in the Shetland Islands. It is a smaller port than Lerwick, but still offers a range of facilities for cruise passengers. The terminal has a passenger lounge, a cafe, and a shop. It is also close to the town centre, making it easy to explore the local area.
Explore Cruise Elephant Island Cruise Port
Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands is a popular cruise port for tourists looking to explore the area. Excursions include visiting historical sites, taking guided tours of the local wildlife, and exploring the stunning natural scenery. Visitors can also take part in activities such as kayaking, fishing, and horseback riding. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. With so much to do, it's no wonder Cruise Elephant Island is a popular destination for cruise passengers.
The beaches near Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands cruise port are some of the most beautiful in the world. The beaches are made up of white sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beaches are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and stunning views of the surrounding islands. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, with seals, dolphins, and seabirds often seen in the area. The beaches are also great for beachcombing, with plenty of interesting shells and other treasures to be found.
Sumburgh Beach
Sumburgh Beach is a stunning beach located near the Cruise Elephant Island cruise port in the Shetland Islands. It is a long, sandy beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, and is a great spot for a peaceful stroll. It is also a great spot for birdwatching, as the beach is home to a variety of seabirds.
Mousa Beach
Mousa Beach is a stunning beach located near the Cruise Elephant Island cruise port in the Shetland Islands. It is a long, sandy beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, and is a great spot for a peaceful stroll. It is also a great spot for birdwatching, as the beach is home to a variety of seabirds. The beach is also home to the Mousa Broch, an Iron Age fort, making it a great spot for history buffs.
St Ninian's Isle
St Ninian's Isle is a beautiful beach located near the Cruise Elephant Island cruise port in the Shetland Islands. It is a long, sandy beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, and is a great spot for a peaceful stroll. It is also a great spot for birdwatching, as the beach is home to a variety of seabirds. The beach is also home to the ruins of a 12th century chapel, making it a great spot for history buffs.
Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands is known for its unique selection of local crafts, souvenirs, and gifts. The island is home to a variety of independent shops, galleries, and craft studios, offering a range of handmade items, including knitwear, jewelry, pottery, and more.
Shetland Jewellery
Shetland Jewellery is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise to the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide selection of handmade jewellery, crafted from local materials such as Shetland wool, silver, and semi-precious stones. They also have a selection of traditional Shetland knitwear, perfect for keeping warm during your cruise. Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Shetland Arts & Crafts
Shetland Arts & Crafts is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise to the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide selection of handmade arts and crafts, including pottery, paintings, and sculptures. They also have a selection of traditional Shetland knitwear, perfect for keeping warm during your cruise. Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Shetland Soap Company
The Shetland Soap Company is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise to the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide selection of handmade soaps, lotions, and bath bombs, all made with natural ingredients. They also have a selection of traditional Shetland knitwear, perfect for keeping warm during your cruise. Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Cruise Elephant Island Weather Forecast
Average Monthly Weather
May
Typical Weather
Average High
Average Low
Rainfall
Daily average
3.4 in monthly total
Cruise Elephant Island Cruise Port FAQ
Quick answers about Cruise Elephant Island cruise port covering location, safety, weather, excursions, and more.
Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands cruise port is located in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands cruise port is located in the northernmost part of the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately halfway between Norway and the United Kingdom. The port is accessible by ferry from Lerwick, the main town on the Shetland Islands. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands and wildlife.
Yes, Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands is a great cruise port. It is a remote and beautiful island with stunning scenery, wildlife, and history. There are plenty of activities to do, such as kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, with many archaeological sites to explore.
Cruise Elephant Island cruise port has a safety score of 9.5 out of 10, ranking #2 of 490 ports in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands is a very safe cruise port. The Shetland Islands are a very safe place to visit and the port is well-maintained and secure. The port is also monitored by CCTV cameras and security personnel. There are no reported incidents of crime or violence in the area.
In May, Cruise Elephant Island cruise port has average high temperatures of 39°F (4°C) and average lows of 7°F (-14°C).
There are currently 15 excursions and tours available at Cruise Elephant Island cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
Cruise Elephant Island cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Birdwatching, Hiking, Wildlife Watching. Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands is known for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, and enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and whales. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of quaint villages to explore, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands has something for everyone.
The closest car rental option near Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands cruise port is Shetland Car Hire, located in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. Shetland Car Hire offers a variety of vehicles, including small cars, family cars, and vans. They also offer a range of additional services, such as airport transfers, chauffeur services, and car hire for special occasions. Additionally, Shetland Car Hire offers a range of discounts and special offers, including discounts for long-term rentals and special offers for cruise passengers.
Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available at Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands cruise port. However, some of the nearby hotels and restaurants may offer wifi access to their guests.
Cruise Elephant Island, Shetland Islands cruise port is located at the entrance to the harbour of Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The address is:Harbour OfficeLerwick HarbourShetland IslandsZE1 0PXUnited Kingdom
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Cruise Elephant Island today. Use the Cruise Port Traffic tool above to check the cruise schedule for Cruise Elephant Island on any past or future date.