John O' Groats & Ferries to Orkney
Visit the Orkney Islands & John O' Groats and discover amazing scenery, history, and wildlife. Available ferry services run daily, just a short drive from Mackays Hotel in Wick.
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Orkney Day Trips

Visit the Orkney Islands off the north coast

Here at Mackays Hotel in Wick, we are only a 20-minute drive from the foot passenger ferry terminal at John O’ Groats. So you can enjoy a fabulous day trip during your stay with us! And John O’ Groats is a fascinating place to visit too, being the most northerly village in the UK. Due to the John O’ Groats ferry service being up for sale, the service is temporarily closed until further notice. However, trips to Orkney, for both foot and vehicle passengers can still be arranged. The available services run from Gills Bay with Pentland Ferries, or from Thurso with Northlink. Both services run regularly back and forth from the island.

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When do the ferries run?

The ferry from both Gills Bay and Thurso run between 3 and 4 services daily, departing for Orkney approximately every 4 hours. The crossing takes around an 1 hour and 15 minutes. There is a choice of tickets, from basic ferry crossings to day tours and cruises. Both ferry services allow bikes onboard, and accept dogs (both pets and service animals) on leads and in designated areas. The price of vehicle passengers vary based on the classification of vehicle you are wishing to take across, but both ferry services are flexible in accommodating all classes.

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Discover Orkney

As you can see, the ferry is not just a way to leave the mainland and explore the Orkney Islands. It is a way to learn more about the wildlife that calls the seas their home and experience some of the most beautiful natural scenery that you can find in the UK.

Day Tours & Guided Excursions

Both NorthLink Ferries and Pentland Ferries offer reliable access to Orkney for day trips. NorthLink connects directly with guided tours from Stromness, visiting Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Italian Chapel, and St Magnus Cathedral. Pentland Ferries links Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope, where local operators run flexible heritage tours covering similar landmarks. Itineraries align with ferry schedules, supporting seamless same-day returns.

Wildlife Tours & Nature Excursions

Orkney’s wildlife tours are accessible via both NorthLink and Pentland Ferries. NorthLink’s Scrabster to Stromness route offers proximity to Hoy Sound, ideal for spotting puffins, seals, and orcas. Pentland’s link to South Ronaldsay provides access to coastal walks, seabird cliffs, and nature reserves like Hobbister and Birsay Moors. Both ferries are dog friendly, supporting outdoor-focused, pet-inclusive travel.

Start planning today!

Book your north coast adventures …

So what are you waiting for?! Start planning your fun-packed Caithness holiday with Mackays Hotel today! Book your journey to Orkney and plan your stay in nearby Wick, choosing from our welcoming hotel and self-catering accommodation.

Sunset over headland in Orkney

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