04/04/2019
Stepping off a plane or helicopter onto the Isles of Scilly is an experience unlike any other. The crisp sea air, the stunning panoramic views, and the immediate sense of calm wash over you. However, after your journey, the last thing you want is the hassle of figuring out onward travel. That's where a dedicated, local airport transfer service becomes an invaluable part of your island adventure. Ensuring a smooth transition from arrival gate to your accommodation, whether on St Mary’s or one of the enchanting off-islands, is paramount to starting your holiday on the right foot.

- Seamless Arrivals on St Mary's
- Introducing Island Transfers: Your Scilly Welcome
- The Island Transfers Difference: Why Choose a Dedicated Service?
- Connecting to the Off-Islands
- A Note on Bay Travel Executive Coach Hire
- Frequently Asked Questions About Isles of Scilly Airport Transfers
- Q1: Do I need to pre-book my airport transfer with Island Transfers?
- Q2: What happens if my flight is delayed?
- Q3: Can Island Transfers accommodate large groups or excessive luggage?
- Q4: Do they provide transfers directly to all accommodations on St Mary's and the off-islands?
- Q5: Is this service only for tourists, or can residents use it too?
- Your Scilly Adventure Awaits
Seamless Arrivals on St Mary's
For visitors to the Isles of Scilly, the arrival point is typically St Mary's Airport. From the moment you touch down, whether by Skybus plane or helicopter, the aim is to provide a truly hassle-free experience. Imagine disembarking your aircraft to be met by a friendly face, ready to whisk you away to your final destination. This dedicated service understands the unique logistics of island travel, ensuring that your arrival is as relaxing as the rest of your stay promises to be.
The service isn't just about getting you from point A to point B; it's about extending a proper, warm welcome to these beautiful islands. They cater to all arrivals, ensuring that whether you're staying on the bustling main island of St Mary's or planning to venture further afield to one of the tranquil off-islands, your initial transfer is handled with utmost care and efficiency.
Introducing Island Transfers: Your Scilly Welcome
Launched in autumn 2022, Island Transfers was specifically established to provide all airport transfers for the Isles of Scilly. While the name might be relatively new, the experience and faces behind the service are anything but. This isn't a newcomer to the unique demands of island logistics; rather, it's a formalisation and continuation of a long-standing, trusted presence.
The owner, Delwin Thompson, is a familiar and reassuring sight to countless visitors who have arrived on the islands over the past quarter-century. His extensive experience spans various eras of Scilly travel, demonstrating an unparalleled understanding of the island's transport needs. From providing heliport transfers during the days of the former helicopter service to exclusive transfers for the private island of Tresco, Delwin's commitment to exceptional service has been unwavering. More recently, this extended to Penzance Helicopter transfers from 2020 and, crucially, now includes Skybus transfers too since December 2022. This rich history ensures that Island Transfers is not just a provider but an integral part of the Scilly welcome, deeply rooted in the community and its visitor experience.
The longevity and consistency of their service have earned them a reputation as the sole trusted airport transfers' provider on St Mary's. This exclusive position speaks volumes about their reliability and the high regard in which they are held by both residents and returning visitors. What truly sets them apart is their unfailing commitment to meeting every passenger with a warm welcome, a friendly smile, and a helping hand. This personal touch transforms a simple transfer into an extension of the island’s renowned hospitality.
The Island Transfers Difference: Why Choose a Dedicated Service?
When you arrive in a new, unique destination like the Isles of Scilly, having a dedicated transfer service waiting for you offers unparalleled peace of mind. Unlike navigating public transport or searching for an available taxi, Island Transfers ensures your journey continues smoothly from the moment you step off the aircraft. Here’s why their approach stands out:
Local Expertise and Familiarity
With decades of experience, Delwin Thompson and his team possess intimate knowledge of St Mary’s and the logistical intricacies of connecting to the off-islands. They know the best routes, understand the ferry schedules for onward travel, and can anticipate any potential issues, ensuring a seamless flow for your journey. This local insight is invaluable, especially for first-time visitors.
Hassle-Free Luggage Handling
After a flight, managing luggage can be cumbersome. Island Transfers takes this burden off your shoulders. They are equipped to handle all your bags, from standard suitcases to potentially bulkier items, ensuring they are safely transported directly to your accommodation or the appropriate quay for your onward island connection. This service is particularly beneficial for families or those travelling with extensive gear.
Personalised Welcome
The promise of a “warm welcome” and a “friendly smile” is more than just a tagline; it's a cornerstone of their service. Being met by a familiar and reassuring face immediately upon arrival sets a positive tone for your entire visit. It eliminates any potential anxiety about finding your way and ensures you feel looked after from the very beginning.

Reliability and Trust
As the sole trusted provider, Island Transfers has built its reputation on reliability. They understand the importance of punctuality and efficiency, especially given the interdependencies of island travel (e.g., connecting with ferries). You can rest assured that they will be there when you arrive, ready to facilitate your journey without delay.
Consider this comparison:
| Feature | Island Transfers (Isles of Scilly) | Generic Taxi/Self-Navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Meet & Greet | Yes, dedicated meet-and-greet inside airport. | No, requires finding a taxi rank or navigating. |
| Local Knowledge | Deep, specific knowledge of Scilly logistics, off-island connections. | Limited to general St Mary's roads; off-island connections may be unclear. |
| Luggage Assistance | Full assistance, including transfer to quays for off-islands. | Limited to loading/unloading from boot. |
| Peace of Mind | High, trusted sole provider, pre-arranged. | Lower, reliant on availability and unfamiliarity. |
| Personal Touch | Warm welcome, friendly service from familiar faces. | Standard, transactional service. |
Connecting to the Off-Islands
Many visitors to the Isles of Scilly choose to stay on one of the smaller, incredibly charming off-islands such as Tresco, St Martin's, St Agnes, or Bryher. Island Transfers plays a crucial role in facilitating these onward journeys. Upon your arrival at St Mary's Airport, they will transport you and your luggage directly to the appropriate quay at St Mary's Harbour, ready for your boat transfer to your chosen island. They are adept at coordinating with the inter-island boat services, ensuring that your connection is as smooth as possible. This seamless link is vital for a stress-free start to your multi-island exploration.
A Note on Bay Travel Executive Coach Hire
It's important to clarify that while the term 'airport transfers' can apply broadly, the company Bay Travel Executive Coach Hire is a distinct entity and is not involved in the dedicated airport transfer services for the Isles of Scilly. Bay Travel specialises in Executive Coach Hire and Bus Services primarily in Scotland, specifically with a strong presence in Fife. Founded in 2008, Bay Travel has grown significantly, offering a range of services including one-time hires, medium to long-term contracts, daily bus services throughout Fife, school bus services, and private hire for excursions. While they do offer general airport transfers as part of their diverse services (e.g., for golf tours, shopping trips, weddings), their operations are based on the Scottish mainland and do not extend to the unique island transfers required for the Isles of Scilly. The services discussed for St Mary's Airport are exclusively provided by Island Transfers, led by Delwin Thompson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isles of Scilly Airport Transfers
Q1: Do I need to pre-book my airport transfer with Island Transfers?
While the information provided suggests they meet all passengers, it is always advisable to confirm your travel plans with your accommodation provider or directly with Island Transfers if contact details are available. For general airport arrivals, their service is designed to be seamless upon your touchdown, reflecting their role as the sole trusted provider.
Q2: What happens if my flight is delayed?
Given their extensive experience and role as the primary transfer provider, Island Transfers is highly attuned to flight schedules and potential delays. They monitor arrivals closely and will adjust their service to ensure they are there to meet you, regardless of any unforeseen delays. This level of flexibility and responsiveness is a key benefit of using a dedicated island service.
Q3: Can Island Transfers accommodate large groups or excessive luggage?
The text indicates they are committed to providing a helping hand and handling all passengers. While specific vehicle capacities aren't detailed, their role as the sole provider suggests they are equipped to manage the typical volume of arrivals and associated luggage. If you have particularly large items or are part of a very big group, it would be prudent to communicate this in advance with your accommodation or directly with the service to ensure they can make appropriate arrangements.
Q4: Do they provide transfers directly to all accommodations on St Mary's and the off-islands?
For St Mary's, they will transport you directly to your accommodation. For off-islands, they facilitate the connection by taking you and your luggage to the appropriate quay at St Mary's Harbour for your onward boat journey. They do not operate the inter-island boats themselves, but they ensure a smooth transition to them.
Q5: Is this service only for tourists, or can residents use it too?
While the focus is often on visitors, a service of this nature, especially one deeply rooted in the community like Delwin Thompson's, typically serves both tourists and residents alike. Anyone arriving at St Mary's Airport would benefit from their reliable and welcoming transfer service.
Your Scilly Adventure Awaits
The Isles of Scilly offer an unparalleled escape, and the journey there should be as enjoyable and stress-free as the destination itself. With Island Transfers providing dedicated, experienced, and genuinely welcoming airport services, you can rest assured that the final leg of your journey will be handled with expert care. From the moment you arrive at St Mary’s Airport, you are in capable hands, ensuring your introduction to these beautiful islands is nothing short of perfect. They look forward to welcoming you!
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