
Fair Isle Cruise Port
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Fair Isle is a small island located in the Shetland Islands of Scotland.

The cruise port in Fair Isle,
explained
Fair Isle is a small island located in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It is known for its unique birdlife, which includes the rare and endangered species of the Red-necked Phalarope.
The island is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including seals, otters, and puffins. The island is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
The island is also home to a small community of around 70 people, who are mainly involved in fishing and crofting. The island is renowned for its traditional knitting patterns, which are known as Fair Isle knitting.
The island is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including a Bronze Age burial ground and a Viking longhouse. The island is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to experience its unique wildlife, culture, and history.
Upcoming cruises to Fair Isle
3 cruises stop here in Fair Isle during the next 12 months. These are the next ones to leave, by sail date.



Where is Fair Isle Cruise Port?
Fair Isle is located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, approximately halfway between the Orkney Islands and the mainland of Scotland. It is the southernmost of the Shetland Islands and is the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom. The island is accessible by ferry from the mainland of Scotland, as well as from the Orkney Islands. The cruise port is located in the village of Grutness, which is the only settlement on the island. The port is a small harbour with a pier and a few moorings.
- General location
- Europe
- Category
- Europe - Western Europe
- Coordinates
- 59.53°N, 1.63°W
- Time zone
- Europe/London
What to do in Fair Isle
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Ways to spend the day
3 themesBirdwatching
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a paradise for birdwatchers. The island is home to a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The island also has a large population of migratory birds, including skuas, gannets, and terns. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of rare species, such as the red-throated diver, the great skua, and the great northern diver.
Hiking
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a great place for hikers. The island has a variety of trails, ranging from easy coastal walks to more challenging mountain hikes. Hikers can explore the island's rugged coastline, take in the stunning views of the North Sea, and spot a variety of wildlife. The island also has a number of archaeological sites, including Iron Age settlements and Bronze Age burial mounds.
Wildlife Watching
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a great place for wildlife watching. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The island also has a large population of migratory birds, including skuas, gannets, and terns. Visitors can also spot a variety of marine mammals, such as seals, dolphins, and whales. The island is also home to a variety of land mammals, including red deer, otters, and hares.
Fair Isle cruise port beaches
3 in our guide
Sandwick Beach
Sandwick Beach is a beautiful beach located near Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is made up of white sand and is surrounded by cliffs and rolling hills. It is a great spot for bird watching, as many species of birds can be seen here. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, as the waters are rich with fish. It is also a great spot for kayaking and other water sports.

St Ninian's Isle
St Ninian's Isle is a stunning beach located near Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is made up of white sand and is surrounded by cliffs and rolling hills. It is a great spot for bird watching, as many species of birds can be seen here. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, as the waters are rich with fish. It is also a great spot for exploring the ruins of an ancient chapel and other archaeological sites.

Sumburgh Beach
Sumburgh Beach is a stunning beach located near Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is made up of white sand and is surrounded by cliffs and rolling hills. It is a great spot for bird watching, as many species of birds can be seen here. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, as the waters are rich with fish.
Birdwatching
Fair Isle is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The island is also home to a large number of rare and endangered species, such as the red-throated diver, the great skua, and the Arctic skua. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of waders, such as oystercatchers, curlews, and redshanks.
Knitting
Fair Isle is famous for its traditional knitting patterns, which are known as Fair Isle knitting. The patterns are characterized by their intricate designs and bright colors, and they are often used to make sweaters, hats, and other garments. The patterns are usually worked in two or more colors, and they often feature geometric shapes and motifs. The patterns are also popular with knitters around the world.
Lighthouse
Fair Isle is home to a number of lighthouses, including the Fair Isle South Light, the Fair Isle North Light, and the Fair Isle West Light. The lighthouses were built in the 19th century to help guide ships through the treacherous waters around the island. The lighthouses are still in use today, and they are a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Fair Isle cruise port shopping
3 in our guide
Shetland Jewellery
Shetland Jewellery is a great place to find unique and beautiful souvenirs from the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide range of handmade jewellery, from traditional Shetland designs to modern pieces. They also have a selection of Shetland-inspired gifts, such as mugs, t-shirts, and postcards. The shop is located in the heart of Lerwick, just a short walk from the Fair Isle cruise port.

Shetland Soap Company
The Shetland Soap Company is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide range of handmade soaps, lotions, and bath products, all made with natural ingredients and essential oils. They also have a selection of Shetland-inspired gifts, such as mugs, t-shirts, and postcards. The shop is located in the heart of Lerwick, just a short walk from the Fair Isle cruise port.

Shetland Wool Brokers
Shetland Wool Brokers is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the Shetland Islands. They offer a wide range of Shetland wool products, from traditional Shetland sweaters to modern accessories. They also have a selection of Shetland-inspired gifts, such as mugs, t-shirts, and postcards. The shop is located in the heart of Lerwick, just a short walk from the Fair Isle cruise port.
Which Fair Isle cruise terminal will your ship use?
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
Lerwick Cruise Terminal
Victoria Pier, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland, ZE1 0LLLerwick Cruise Terminal is the main cruise port in the Shetland Islands, located in the town of Lerwick. It is the largest port in the Shetland Islands and is a popular destination for cruise ships. The terminal has a range of facilities, including a passenger lounge, a café, and a gift shop. It is also close to a range of attractions, including the Shetland Museum and the Shetland Bus Memorial.

Scalloway Cruise Terminal
Scalloway Harbour, Scalloway, Shetland Islands, Scotland, ZE1 0QDScalloway Cruise Terminal is located in the town of Scalloway, in the Shetland Islands. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, and offers a range of facilities, including a passenger lounge, a café, and a gift shop. The terminal is close to a range of attractions, including the Scalloway Castle and the Shetland Museum.

Sumburgh Cruise Terminal
Sumburgh Harbour, Sumburgh, Shetland Islands, Scotland, ZE2 9ERSumburgh Cruise Terminal is located in the town of Sumburgh, in the Shetland Islands. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, and offers a range of facilities, including a passenger lounge, a café, and a gift shop. The terminal is close to a range of attractions, including the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and the Shetland Museum.

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port. However, some of the local businesses may offer wifi access to their customers.
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The Shetland Islands are a very safe place to visit, with low crime rates and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The island is also very remote, so there is little risk of crime or other safety issues.
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK
The closest car rental option near Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is Shetland Car Hire, located in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. They offer a range of vehicles, from small cars to larger vans, and can provide a pick-up and drop-off service at the cruise port. They also offer a range of additional services, such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, and additional drivers. Other car rental options in the area include Shetland Self Drive, located in Lerwick, and Shetland Car Rental, located in Scalloway.
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
Fair Isle Cruise Port Weather
- High
- 58°F
- Low
- 39°F
- Rain
- 4.7 in
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
Fair Isle Cruise Port Traffic Today
No cruise ships are scheduled in Fair Isle today, Monday, October 12, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.
Schedule updated
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Fair Isle cruise port, answered
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Fair Isle.
Where is Fair Isle cruise port located?
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is located in Europe. Fair Isle is located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, approximately halfway between the Orkney Islands and the mainland of Scotland. It is the southernmost of the Shetland Islands and is the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom. The island is accessible by ferry from the mainland of Scotland, as well as from the Orkney Islands. The cruise port is located in the village of Grutness, which is the only settlement on the island. The port is a small harbour with a pier and a few moorings.
Is Fair Isle a good cruise port to visit?
Yes, Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a great cruise port. The island is known for its stunning scenery, wildlife, and unique culture. Cruise ships often stop here to allow passengers to explore the island and take in the sights.
How safe is Fair Isle cruise port for passengers?
Fair Isle cruise port has a safety score of 9.4 out of 10, ranking #84 of 1018 ports in Europe. Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The Shetland Islands are a very safe place to visit, with low crime rates and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The island is also very remote, so there is little risk of crime or other safety issues.
What is the weather like at Fair Isle cruise port in October?
In October, Fair Isle cruise port has average high temperatures of 58°F (15°C) and average lows of 39°F (4°C).
How many excursions are available at Fair Isle cruise port?
There are currently 594 excursions and tours available at Fair Isle cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
What are the top things to do at Fair Isle cruise port?
Fair Isle cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Birdwatching, Hiking, Wildlife Watching. Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, and spot a variety of wildlife. There are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. Hiking trails offer a chance to explore the island's unique landscape, while the local museum provides insight into the island's history and culture. Visitors can also take part in traditional Shetland activities such as spinning, knitting, and weaving. With its stunning scenery and abundance of activities, Fair Isle is a great destination for those looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Can I rent a car at Fair Isle cruise port?
The closest car rental option near Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is Shetland Car Hire, located in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. They offer a range of vehicles, from small cars to larger vans, and can provide a pick-up and drop-off service at the cruise port. They also offer a range of additional services, such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, and additional drivers. Other car rental options in the area include Shetland Self Drive, located in Lerwick, and Shetland Car Rental, located in Scalloway.
What is the WiFi situation at Fair Isle cruise port?
Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port. However, some of the local businesses may offer wifi access to their customers.
Where is the cruise terminal at Fair Isle cruise port?
The address of Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland cruise port is Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK.
What is the Fair Isle Cruise Port cruise schedule?
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Fair Isle today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Fair Isle on any past or future date.



