Island Breezers Become Island Explorers
The Island's Buses is excited to announce a major rebrand of our popular seasonal and year-round tourist routes, transforming the beloved "Island Breezers" into the new "Island Explorers" lineup. This change reflects the growing popularity and expanded reach of these services across the Isle of Wight.
Why the Change?
The decision to rebrand comes as a result of the increasing demand and year-round operation of what were once purely seasonal routes. With the Shanklin Shuttle now operating throughout the year and other routes seeing record passenger numbers, we felt it was time to create a unified brand that better represents the scope and ambition of these services.
The Island Explorer name better captures the spirit of discovery and adventure that these routes offer, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore all corners of the Isle of Wight with ease and comfort.
The New Island Explorer Lineup
From the 2026 season onwards, our tourist routes will operate under the following new names and route numbers:
| Route | New Name | Previous Name |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Needles Explorer | Needles Breezer |
| 22 | Downs Explorer | Downs Breezer |
| 23 | Eastern Explorer | Sea Breezer |
| 24 | Shanklin Explorer | Shanklin Shuttle |
| 25 | Island Explorer | Island Coaster |
| 26 | Western Explorer | Summer Links |
Changes Already in Effect
To make the transition smoother, we've already begun implementing the new numbering system for our year-round Island Explorer routes:
Already Renumbered
Route 21: Needles Explorer (formerly Needles Breezer)
Route 24: Shanklin Explorer (formerly Shanklin Shuttle)
Route 25: Island Explorer (formerly Island Coaster)
These three routes are now operating under their new identities, with updated signage, timetables, and digital displays. Passengers can begin using the new route numbers immediately when planning journeys or purchasing tickets.
What This Means for Passengers
While we understand that change can be unsettling, especially for visitors who have fond memories of the "Breezer" brand, we believe this evolution is essential to support the continued growth and improvement of these services.
Rest assured, the routes themselves, the destinations served, and the quality of service you've come to expect will remain unchanged. Only the names and numbers are being updated to create a more cohesive and recognizable brand across the island.
Looking Ahead
The Island Explorer network represents our commitment to making the Isle of Wight's most beautiful destinations accessible to everyone. Whether you're visiting the dramatic cliffs at the Needles, exploring the rolling Downs, or discovering hidden coastal gems, the Island Explorers are your ticket to adventure.
We're also exploring opportunities to expand the network further with additional routes and improved frequencies, ensuring that exploring the island by bus is more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.
Thank You for Your Support
We want to extend our sincere thanks to all our passengers—both regular visitors and island residents—for your continued support of these routes. Your feedback and enthusiasm have been instrumental in their success, and we're excited to continue this journey with you under the new Island Explorer brand.
If you have any questions about the rebrand or would like more information about specific routes, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team or visit our website for updated timetables and route information.