puffin island trip

Welcome to Anglesey!

Puffin island, anglesey, tide, time and amazing wildlife.

Puffins return to land for a very short nesting season April-June, there a now a few breeding pairs on the island

A large Pod of Seals live at Puffin Island

Grey Seals and Common Seals share the waters around Anglesey. Grey Seals are larger with a pronounced ‘Roman’ or hooked nose. Mostly it is the Grey Seals that are spotted at Puffin Island.

The Skerries are home to very large colonies of Puffins, Terns and Seals, truly spectacular

We regularly see Puffins in their HUNDREDS, Terns in their THOUSANDS, Peregrine Falcons and a variety of Marine Mammals. Quite frankly, the Skerries put everything else in the shade!

Puffin Island

Ynys Seriol of Puffin Island is situated off the Eastern tip of Anglesey. Between the island and Black Point, Penmon stands the Trwyn Du Lighthouse.

The Skerries

Ynysoedd y Moelrhoniaid or the Skerries are situated off the North West corner of Anglesey, visible from Holyhead Mountain on a clear day.

Ynys Llanddwyn

Llandwyn Island or Ynys Llanddwyn is situated to the West of Anglesey and is connected to the mainland at Tywyn Niwbwrch or Newborough Warren at low tide.

Wonderful Wildlife

Anglesey Island Wildlife

Puffin Facts

Sightings of Puffins on ‘Puffin Island’ to the east of Anglesey are now rare, greater numbers of Puffins breed on the Skerries.

Grey Seals and Common Seals share the waters around Anglesey. Mostly it is the Grey Seals that are spotted on Ynys Seiriol.

Arctic Terns are incredible as they traverse the globe to live in a perpetual summer. We are luckily on Anglesey and have a couple of large Tern colonies at Cemlyn and the Skerries.

Octopus Facts

This Octopus was spotted near St Georges Pier, Menai Bridge. We think it is a Lesser Octopus, or Curled Octopus, or Horned Octopus, the Eledone cirrhosa.

TripAdvisor Reviews

Feedback from our happy customers

We had a great trip with a fantastic captain. He got the right changes between speed and pauses. We saw lots of seals around puffin island.

Peter L - Chester

We spotted this trip on our way back from Dublin and had to give it a go. Today we took the 2 hour Skerries trip with our captain Charles. He is one of the nicest guys you could meet and made us feel extremely welcome and gave us an entertaining trip. The boat trip was thrilling, tranquil and informative all in one and it was the best boat trip we have had.

Allan T - Horley

A great trip, it was cold but we were well wrapped up. Tom, our skipper, was really interesting and made sure we had a great experience. Well worth doing even on a cold February morning.

NormanPWiltshire - Wiltshire

Did the Skerries trip with my daughter and thoroughly enjoyed it! Charles the skipper was great and seemed to enjoy it as much as we did. He had lots of knowledge about the area including the wildlife, history and geology. Couldn't recommend more!

Matthew W - N/A

Wow. Fantastic ride. Highly recommended. Exciting thrilling informative while safe at all times. Best afternoon I've had in a while!

HT21079 - N/A

Loved it - not being a boat lover I was a little anxious but I thoroughly enjoyed it also thought it was great that our skipper Ed told us so much about what we were seeing. Will definitely be coming back to go on a longer trip next time.

George G - N/A

One of the best family experiences we have had....big smiles all round ! Sam our driver, pilot, guide, host and comedian was absolutely great. We now planning our next journey on the Ribride - probably the Straits and Bridges.

Geraint J - N/A

Anglesey Boat Trips - Puffin Island

Puffin island.

About the Trip

The Puffin Island Trip show you the best of Anglesey’s heritage and wildlife. You’ll spot the beautifully bright houses of Beaumaris as you pull out from Beaumaris Pier and head towards the island. Along the way you’ll stop at places of interest such as lighthouses, shipwreck locations and caves where your skipper will fill you in on the fascinating history of the area and talk about Wales’ wonderful wildlife.

Our expert skippers will navigate through the Sound before stopping at Penmon Point lighthouse, carrying on around the island and then stopping again to take in the seal colony and seal cave. Beautiful Benllech and Moelfre can be seen in the distance before a short coastal tour heading back.

Although it’s called Puffin Island (or Ynys Seiriol in Welsh), you won’t just see puffins! Cormorants, guillemots, razorbills, shags, kittiwakes and other seabirds also call the island home. The unique currents of the Menai Strait provide the perfect conditions for certain species of fish which feed our large colony of seals. Grey seals can often be seen on our trips. Bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises also regularly visit the area and occasionally make an appearance for us too!

Puffins spend most of the year in the open ocean, only returning to coastal areas in late spring to breed. These magnificent birds can usually be spotted from March/April to August but in some years they arrive earlier and leave later.

With something in the region of 14 different species of birds calling Puffin Island home at various times of the year, you will see a wide variety of bird life although we can't guarantee what exactly you will see on your trip! The island is home to one of the largest cormorant colonies in the UK. On the way to and from the island you may also see terns and herring gulls, and perhaps a black guillemot – these rare birds are not usually found this far south but there are a few pairs in the surrounding waters. Winter visitors to the island include eider duck and Canada geese which can sometimes be seen as late as May.

On the way back to Beaumaris Pier, you’ll pick up some serious speed so hold onto your hats! Feel the power our of ribs during some turns, twists and tumbles – both The Beast and Discovery provide a truly exhilarating and unforgettable ride.

£35 per person.

The important bits..

We’ll provide you with a lifejacket and you’ll have a safety briefing before you set off.

The Puffin Island Trip takes approximately 1 hour.

We recommend that you wear warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear as it can get quite chilly out at sea and we can’t guarantee you won’t get wet!

Children under 3 aren’t allowed on for safety reasons.

While we unfortunately can’t allow dogs on our RIB rides, we are happy to look after well behaved furry friends for you while you go on a tour (please tell us at the time of booking so we can arrange this).

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time so we can check you in and fit lifejackets.

Extended Wildlife Tour - £40 per person

Puffin pictures courtesy of Sue Marshall - click for a larger version

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Puffin Island Cruises, Menai Strait Cruises & much more

Welcome to Seacoast Safaris ... Departing from the Beautiful Anglesey coastal town of Beaumaris, with nature cruises , sightseeing cruises and a relaxing family day out we have it covered!

As Beaumaris’ number one attraction, situated on the banks of the Menai Straits in the eastern most corner of Anglesey, we are perfectly positioned to offer the ' Greenest ', most  scenic and wildlife packed boat trips. Our company ethos is all about experiencing nature and wildlife in its natural habitat and ensuring the best wildlife encounters with minimal disturbance. We believe in bringing people closer to the very best of Anglesey’s wildlife.

Climate Considerate Cruises

We provide sustainable, green and ethically sound boat trips by taking the company’s profit and investing it in things like Carbon Offsetting, renewal fuels and energies, and sustainable, recycled products, while securing local jobs. We also spend the profits investing in our local community giving thousands to charities each year.

Seacoast Cruises are suitable for the whole family (including the dog) with cruises lasting from one hour to a whole day charter; so make the clean, green choice and join us in ‘Exploring Wild Wales’.

Puffin Island Cruise

Home to a vast array of wildlife and with stunning scenery, Puffin Island (or Ynys Seiriol in Welsh) is an unforgettable place to visit. Puffin Island is a bird sanctuary and a nesting site for may species of breeding seabirds as well as home to a resident colony of Atlantic grey seals. Not only is this trip fantastic for wildlife but you’ll also take in some of Anglesey’s history along the way! Read more about Puffin Island here .

Menai Strait, Bridges & Swillies

The Menai Strait is a fascinating and spectacular stretch of water, steeped in history with beautiful scenery and wildlife. Join us on one of our Menai Strait cruises and we’ll take you in a southwest direction from Beaumaris down past ‘millionaires row’, the old Victorian pier in Bangor and under Anglesey’s two famous bridges! This route will also take you through the famous ‘swillies’! Find out more about the Menai Strait here .

Best of Puffin Island & Menai Strait

Private Charters

Want to treat yourself? Treat your family? Or are you planning a special event? We’ve made Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries and family get-togethers that bit more special with a Private Charter. As the highlight of your holiday or that little extra that makes your special day one to remember you can privately charter one of our boats from one hour to a whole day. Read more about Private Charters here .

Safety First

While it is all about fun and fantastic wildlife encounters you just need to know that at Seacoast Safaris we are all maritime professionals with many years' experience between us. We've always been ahead of the game with our safety policies and all our vessels are always up to spec with the maritime safety legislation requirements. A regular maintenance schedule, and continual cycle of upgrades and improvements keep our vessels not only safe and reliable but also helps to improve our 'green' credentials too. We have been working to reduce our carbon footprint throughout the years using renewable energy where we can such as solar in our ticket kiosk and the use of HVO as a diesel replacement on our boats has reduced CO2 emissions by up to 90%. Our licensing and safety documentation is available for you to view or download, please click below for further information.

Looking for the perfect gift? Get them a Gift Card for an experience they won't forget!

Puffin Island Cruises

Explore our cruise options for all ages, choose from one of our cruises below:.

• Our Most Popular Experience!
• Paw Dogs welcome
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 75 minutes
• Calendar Daily, April-October

Puffin Island Wildlife Cruise

The original Puffin Island Cruise is our most popular sea trip! Perfect for animal lovers, this trip includes an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat, like seabirds, grey seals and possibly bottlenose dolphins!

• Hour Glass 2 hours 15 minutes

Combined Wildlife & Sightseeing Cruise

See the wildlife and scenery of Puffin Island and the Menai Strait on this extended North Wales sightseeing cruise that carries you past feats of engineering, local wildlife, and more.

• Hour Glass 60 minutes
• Calendar Weekly, July-September

Menai Strait Sightseeing Cruise

Join us aboard the Island Princess as we take in the architectural sites of the Menai Strait, like Victorian piers and palatial manor houses, and enjoy the beauty of Anglesey.

A boat trip to Puffin Island from Beaumaris, Anglesey

Cruising along the Menai Strait heading east, the sun is shining and there’s a breeze in the air. Fishing boats are heading out or returning from the Irish Sea, chased by noisy gulls for any scraps that they can get hold of. A cormorant flies past at eye level, heading back to it’s nesting site which is up ahead. We’re heading out on a boat trip to Puffin Island off the coast of Anglesey, to see the nesting seabirds and wildlife, hoping to catch a glimpse of those elusive puffins it’s named after.

Puffin Island off the coast of Anglesey

Puffin Island, known in Welsh as Ynys Seiriol sits just off the tip of the eastern side of Anglesey at the entrance to the Menai Strait. The small offshore island can be seen from North Wales coastline and has fascinated me for years, growing up in the area. Once home to a monastery, the ruins of which can still be seen today, Puffin Island is a bird sanctuary and nesting site for a number of sea bird species including puffins. The main breeding season generally runs between April and July – this being the best time to take a boat trip across to the island to catch a glimpse of the impressive wildlife.

The old monastery at Puffin Island

A Beaumaris boat trip to Puffin Island with Seacoast Safaris

With a number of options to choose from in taking a boat trip to Puffin Island, we opted for a Puffin Island Cruise with Seacoast Safaris, launching from Beaumaris Pier.  Their climate considerate cruises, having credentials for being one of the greenest boat operators in the UK, made them the most desirable operator to choose. This particular boat trip to Puffin Island lasted approximately 80 minutes, on a vessel seating around 50 people comfortably, including an audio commentary about the surrounding areas and wildlife throughout the trip.

A boat trip to Puffin Island with Seacoast Safaris

Spend some time in Beaumaris

Checking in 30 minutes prior to our departure time, we had the opportunity to spend some time exploring the waterfront and pier at Beaumaris – a pretty little coastal town packed full of cute shops, cafes, restaurants and rows of brightly coloured town houses lining the streets. An extended trip to the town would provide time to visit the 13th century Beaumaris Castle. Located on the south coast of Anglesey, the waterfront at Beaumaris provides epic views across the Menai Strait to the North Wales mainland, with views of the Carneddau Mountain Range and beyond to the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia). A bright and sunny spring day, although with a slight haze in the air, these views were a fabulous scene to take in while waiting to board our vessel – the Neptune Explorer.

Beaumaris Pier and the Carneddau Mountains

VISIT BEAUMARIS CASTLE AND OTHER CASTLES OF NORTH WALES

The journey to Puffin Island

Having boarded the Neptune Explorer, we set off heading east from Beaumaris Pier towards Puffin Island, a journey of which would take around twenty minutes along the Menai Strait. Passing fishing vessels and being overtaken by the occasional RIB or speedboat, the journey was relaxing thanks to the calm conditions. The boat would then circumnavigate Puffin Island, keeping a safe distance to allow for minimal disturbance to the wildlife, before heading back to the pier.

The journey east following the Anglesey coastline towards the Irish Sea and Conwy Bay, passed a number of scenic viewpoints along the way before reaching the easternmost tip of the island at Penmon Point, with the striking black and white striped Trwyn Du Lighthouse. A fabulous spot to visit on land, it’s even more impressive when approaching from the water. Along the way, gulls called overhead chasing the local fishing boats and cormorants gracefully swooped past on their way back to their roosting spot.

Puffin Island

Approaching Puffin Island, small pebbled coves scattered the shoreline with tall cliffs and jagged rock formations rising from the water. The privately owned island, thick with undergrowth, is not accessible to the public and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area due to the nesting seabird colonies. With a range of species including cormorants, razorbills, shag, guillemots and kittiwakes, alongside a number of gull species, visiting the area during nesting season is an assault on the eyes and ears.

A RIB near the shore on Puffin Island

Hundreds of seabirds line the cliffs, fighting for space, each with their loud and distinct calls. And what of the puffins? Well, at one time, there were up to 2,000 nesting pairs recorded but those numbers have dwindled significantly since. Circling the island, we, and the skipper, were keeping our eyes peeled for them. Normally, puffins will dig burrows in their nesting locations but due to the soil make up here it’s not possible so they lay their eggs in cracks within the rocks. This of course makes them harder to spot on land. We lucked out on our return around the island and saw a number of puffins bobbing about on the water.  While small in stature, the Atlantic puffins are striking to look at thanks to their large, stripy and brightly coloured beaks. Their short wings, adapted for swimming underwater, beat rapidly when in flight and they are often seen flying low to the water. It was fascinating to see these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.

An Atlantic puffin taking off from the water

Puffins in the sea at Puffin Island

Continuing the journey on our boat trip to Puffin Island, skirting around the northern shores of the island we observed a number of caves in the cliff face, and further crowds of seabirds huddled on the rocks. Grey seals can also be found on the island, and we saw a number of them, either in the water or basking on the rocks. Heading back west and leaving Puffin Island behind us, we cruised towards Trwyn Du Lighthouse, getting up close, before heading back along the Menai Strait to Beaumaris.

Trwyn Du Lighthouse at Penmon Point

Useful information about your boat trip to Puffin Island

There are a number of operators providing boat trips to Puffin Island, many of these departing from Beaumaris including Seacoast Safaris which was our preferred choice.

SEACOAST SAFARIS offer a number of options including the 80 minute Puffin Island Cruise, the 2 Hour Best of Puffin Island and Menai Strait as well as private charter vessels. The 80 minute cruise costs £18.00 for adults and £12.00 for children between 4 and 16. Smaller children and babies can travel for free, and the cruises are dog friendly. Cruises operate a number of times per day from April onwards.

BOOK SEACOAST SAFARIS HERE

For something a little more thrilling, RIBRIDE operate from nearby Menai Bridge and offer a Puffin Adventure tour which lasts approximately 90 minutes, costing £42.00 per person. As well as an informative tour around Puffin Island, the skipper will throw in some exhilarating twists and turns on the way back to the pier.

BOOK RIBRIDE HERE

RibRide RIB’s at Trwyn Du Lighthouse

RELATED CONTENT

Looking to spend more time on the island of Anglesey?

Take a look at THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ANGLESEY

Head out an A WALK TO LLANDDWYN ISLAND FROM NEWBOROUGH BEACH

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SKELLIG MICHAEL TOURS AND SKELLIG LANDING TOURS

With casey’s skellig islands tours.

On the  Skellig Michael Landing Tour you get off the boat and step on to the island . With the Skellig Michael Boat Tour you stay on the boat as it goes around both the Skellig Islands getting right up close to see the historic sites and wildlife on Skellig Michael and the gannet colony on Little Skelligs. The Skellig Landing Tour season begins mid May and finishes on Sept 30th . The Skellig Boat Tour season runs from April to end September .

SKELLIG MICHAEL ECO TOURS

See the wildlife, historical sites and little Skelligs gannet colony

SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING TOURS

Climb the 618 steps to the monastery on Great Skellig

STAR WARS FILMING ON SKELLIG MICHAEL

Scenes from the latest Star Wars trilogy were filmed on Skelligs

BIRD LIFE ON THE SKELLIG ISLANDS

Thousands of birds such as puffins, gannets and guillemots nest here.

Two types of Skellig Michael Tour

Skellig Michael Eco Tour around both Islands and Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Eco Tours depart regularly throughout the day. On this tour the boat circles around Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs. This allows you get up close to both Skellig Islands. From here you can see both the wildlife and the historical sites. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour departs Portmagee marina only once per day. The departure time changes frequently depending on the sea conditions as well as the available Skellig Michael Landing time slots. The boat arrives back from the Skellig Islands in the afternoon. There is also an option of an  Audio Visual Boat Tour   about Skelligs History and Wildlife. All our Skelligs Michael Tours are dependent on the sea and weather conditions. The tours are popular especially in the busy season so it is advisable to book well in advance.

SKELLIG MICHAEL (Great Skellig Rock)

The Skellig Islands are 12 km (8 miles) off the coast. However, they can be accessed by boat from Portmagee in South West Kerry. Skellig Michael rises from the sea, reaching a height of 218 metres above sea level. On the summit of Skellig Michael there is a well-preserved 6th century monastic settlement. Skellig Michael gets its name from Saint Michael the Archangel.

How much are the Skellig Michael Tours?

SKELLIG MICHAEL ECO TOUR Adults: €45 Students / Seniors: €42 Children: €37  Family: €150 (2 adults + 2 children) Each additional child:  €30 (Plus booking fee)

SKELLIG LANDING TOUR € 125 plus booking fee per person

What options are there to see the wildlife on Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs?

The Skellig Michael Boat Tour around the Skellig Islands (Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs Nature Reserve) has multiple departure times throughout the day. The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes and circles both islands getting right up close to Skellig Michael and the Little Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites.  This tour can get quite busy especially in the peak season so it is advisable to book well in advance.  The season runs from April to the end of September. The tour departs from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry .

ST FIONAN OF SKELLIG MICHAEL

On our Skellig Michael Tours you will see the 6th century monastic settlement on the north peak of the island. Great Skellig was home to the monks of St Fionan. These monks led very simple lives out in the wild Atlantic, living in stone beehive shaped huts. The huts are round-shaped on the outside. In contrast, they are rectangular on the inside. In fact, they were carefully built to prevent a single drop of rain from coming in. The monks spent their days praying in the church, while dedicating some of their time for studying and tending to their gardens. In general, it is thought that the rock was the permanent home to about 12 monks. In the 13th century the climate started to change and life became very harsh out in the Atlantic. For this reason, the monks left the Skelligs and moved to the mainland in Ballinskelligs. Subsequently, the Great Skellig became a place of pilgrimage.

KERRY CLIFFS AND PUFFIN ISLAND

On the Skellig Michael Tours and the Audio Visual Boat Tour you will see the Kerry Cliffs and Puffin Island. Kerry Cliffs were formed more than 400 million years ago. The cliffs are located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. For the most part, they reach 300m in height. For this reason, they are a spectacular sight to look up at from the boat at sea level. Puffin Island is a designated a nature reserve under the conservancy of BirdWatch Ireland. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow sound. Hence, it is isolated from the mainland. As a result, it is home to thousands of pairs of birds such as Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and other breeding seabirds.

Where do the Skellig Michael Tours depart from?

All our tours depart from the marina in Portmagee, County Kerry. – Ask for BRENDAN CASEY. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour is due to depart.

How do I change or cancel my Skellig Tour booking?

Login to our customer area to update or cancel your booking. Enter the same email address you used when you made your booking.

It is advisable to stay as near as possible to Portmagee.

You should stay locally the night before the tour because the sea conditions vary a lot and we are often not sure if the tour will go ahead until right before it is due to depart.

AUDIO VISUAL INTERACTIVE BOAT TOUR

The  interactive boat tour  is an Audio Visual experience and is both educational and fun. As an alternative to our Skellig Michael Tours, the boat stays within relatively calm waters. The boat moves from the departure point at Portmagee marina to explore the harbour and the small coastal islands. To begin with, you will learn the history of Skellig Michael and the birdlife living in the area. At the same time, you will experience the joy of wildlife and nature.  Find out about the movies that were filmed in the area including Star Wars and Harry Potter. In summary, the tour is a fun adventure and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The tour takes about 1 hour.

The Audio Visual Tour is not running for the 2023 season .

Puffin Island

Puffin Island is a little jewel just off the North East coast of Anglesey. It is at the northerly starting point of the Menai Strait and is a haven for wildlife. Regular boat trips depart from Beaumaris for this very reason.

St Seiriol had monastery here in the 6th century which is still just visible on the top of the island today, he was closely linked with Penmon Priory.

These days it is only wildlife that live on the island, it is currently a bird sanctuary. Comorants, Shags and the Altantic Grey Seals are residents here year round and they can be seen in high numbers from the cruise boats. During the breeding season which is around April – July there are many other species on the island. Outside of this period alot of these breeding birds will remain out to sea. Razorbills, Guillemot, Kittiwakes and Puffins are some of the these regular visitors.

Unfortunately and accidentally rats were introduced to Puffin island and the Puffin colony was decimated, with the rats feeding on the breeding Puffins eggs and chicks. Moreover following this accidental introduction a program to remove the rats has now been completed and the islands bird populations have bounced back. However there are still only very small numbers of puffins returning during the breeding season, fingers crossed this will increase again with time.

The waters around the island are rich in marine life, providing a source of food for the nesting birds and seals that call the island home. Puffin Island is also frequented by Harbour Porpoise and Bottlenose Dolphins, great to watch if you are lucky enough to see them. The waters provide plentiful bounties of food hence they frequent the area. Particularly true in summer when the large shoals of Mackerel move into the area. These in turn are hunting the fish fry or white bait and Sand Eels as the great circle of life continues around us.

You are no longer allowed on Puffin Island, the closest you can get is by boat. It is also popular with small boats and kayaks who fish in the area or come to see the wildlife. There are two companies operating out of Beaumaris that provide pleasure cruises to the island at resonable prices too, for the more adventurous there are fast Rib rides to see the island.

Tried and tested, could not stop grinning!

Top tip – If you head for Penmon Point with a good zoom camera or binoculars you can get a good view. At times none are needed as seals and dolphins may come quite close to the shoreline. Moreover its also good to spot to try fishing for Mackerel, great for a bbq tea.

Related posts:

• Anglesey Seals
• Puffin Island Cruises
• Llanddwyn Island
• Seacoast Safari Cruises and Rib Rides
• Newborough Forest Warren
• Holyhead Mountain

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Rathlin Puffin Safari

The full monty  .

Departing from Ballycastle RHIB Stormborn will make its way through Rathlin Sound to the West Light Seabird Centre .  From here you will have a spectacular view of the cliff where these quirky seabirds make their home. This is truly an immersive experience with the smell of the sea and the sound of the colony.  You will have take plenty of time here to let you relax, enjoy the experience and take photos.

Journey around the entire island seeing all three Rathlin Lighthouses on a full circumnavigation before coming into Church Bay at Rathlin. Watch out for the seals who play here during the summer.  RHIB Stormborn docks in the harbour and you will spend up to 2 hours on the island during which you can explore, pop to McCuaig’s Bar for refreshment or food, visit the Boat House Centre or stroll along the beach.

Trip Duration:  5 hours 

Bruce’s Cave Experience

Departing from Ballycastle you will travel across Rathlin Sound to explore the whole East Coast of the island, from the Rue Lighthouse to the East Lighthouse where the puffins can be seen.  You will encounter seals at Ushet Port and at  Bruce’s Cave with incredible views of Fairhead on the return journey to Ballycastle.

Trip Duration:  2 hours 

Around The Sound

Departing from Ballycastle on RHIB Stormborn you will visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge where you can swim if it is calm.  You will then travel across the Sound to the West Lighthouse which is also a Sea Bird Centre .  Here you will be immersed in the sounds of the seabirds including Puffins .  More puffins can be seen nesting along the cliff face of Rathlin as you travel towards Church Bay and pass through the crystal clear waters where kelp is farmed by Islander Kelp .  You will be able to explore the island for over an hour before journeying on to the Rue Lighthouse and Ushet Port to see the seals , enjoying magnificent views of Fairhead on the return to Ballycastle.  Around The Sound is a full Rathlin Experience by sea and by land, which will delight your senses.

Trip Duration:  4 hours

Gobbins Puffin Safari

Departing from the marina at Carrickfergus Castle on RHIB Endurance you will journey through Belfast Lough  and cruise to the world renowned Gobbins Cliff Path .  On your way you pass the Victorian seaside town of Whitehead and the historic Blackhead Lighthouse .  The Gobbins Cliff Path  is host to a variety of seabirds including the distinguished Puffins who make it their home during the Spring and Summer months.

RHIB Endurance cruises along this J urassic coastline taking in the breathtaking scenery, the multitude of puffins and other seabirds, and the Lions Mane jellyfish who fill the water in droves during warmer months.  You will travel beyond the current Gobbins Cliff path Walkway to explore the caves and if you’re lucky spot some seals before making your way back to Carrickfergus .

Trip Duration: 3 hours minimum 

• Great for:  Sightseeing, ornithologists, family day out, adventurers, photographers, historians, video producers, team building…
• Prices Private charter prices based on minimum of 6 paid seats.
• Available during April, May, June and July while Puffins are here.  Private Charters to these locations still available all year round.

Text or call for prices and availability: +44 (0) 7845 370231

“Great puffin safari today. everyone really enjoyed the trip.”

“Such fun with Tim and Ben today. Lots of seabirds seen as well as historical places and beautiful scenery. Highly recommend.”

“we LOVED every second of our trip …from we started till we finished it was AMAZING ! We had a beautiful meal at the pub on Rathlin Island and enjoyed the running commentary throughout the cruise ..Allan and myself will do this again SOON …SUPERB !!!”

“5++ stars Such a great day’s craic with Tim and Ben. I would highly recommend the Full Monty trip for everyone. A great way to see Rathlin and the beautiful coastline with all the information on wildlife, geology, important landmarks and historical events. With skipper, Tim, and son Ben at the helm, it’s all about safety first then enjoyment. RNLI rocks! No problem with nervous embarkees like Joanne! Maybe keep a spare pair of socks and trainers on the boat, Tim! Good oul Norn Iron banter. Thanks from the noisy group of giggling girlies.”

“I booked a trip for myself and my two children, Ava(10) and Flynn(7) with Tim.  He asked what we wanted from the tour and I believe exceeded all of my expectations! The children had an amazing day making our way from Ballycastle along the coast to Carrick a rede then on to Rathlin island for a meal and a lovely cold pint! We seen an abundance of beautiful wildlife and landscapes that you could only achieve by boat. The rib boat itself is a fantastic piece of work that kept us lovely and warm. I’m not great with rough waters but the rib deals with it brilliantly. Wonderful day that was very informative and beautiful but the best thing was the personal touch the Tim put into it all”

+44 (0) 7845 370231

call or text Lynn to make enquiries or book

Puffins Ireland Complete Guide: When and Where to See Them

By: Author Emer Walker

Posted on Last updated: October 4, 2023

Table of Contents

• 1 What is a Puffin?
• 2 How many types of Puffin are there?
• 3 Are there Puffins in Ireland?
• 4 Atlantic Puffin Distribution Range
• 5 Puffins Bird Ireland
• 6 Ireland Puffin Locations
• 7 Northern Ireland Puffins
• 8 Puffins Bird Ireland FAQ
• 9 Birds of Ireland

What is a Puffin?

A Puffin is a type of auk . Their heads and underparts are mostly black and white and they have brightly colored bills (beaks) and feet during the breeding season. 

How many types of Puffin are there?

There are four different types of Puffins : 

• Atlantic Puffin
• Horned Puffin
• Tufted Puffin 
• Rhinoceros Auklet

These seabirds live in the Northern Hemisphere and spend long amounts of time at sea. 

Only one species of Puffin is found in the Atlantic Ocean . Not so surprisingly, the Atlantic Puffin (Irish Nam e : Puifín , Scientific Name: Fratercula arctica ), is the one found in the North Atlantic Ocean. The other Puffin species are found in the Pacific Ocean. 

Are there Puffins in Ireland?

Yes, large numbers of Atlantic Puffins migrate to Ireland during the breeding season . There are several Atlantic Puffin seabird colonies around the coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland. From about August, the Puffins migrate out to sea and are rarely seen on land until about March or April. 

Atlantic Puffin Distribution Range

As well as being found in Ireland, the Atlantic Puffin also breeds on both sides of the Atlantic. Breeding populations are found in Russia, Greenland, Norway, Faroe Islands, Norway, Britain and as far south as France. On the Eastern Coast of North America, the Atlantic Puffin breeds in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine.

From now on the Atlantic Puffin will be referred to as Puffin. 

For more information about Puffins, check out the Puffin FAQ at the end of this post. 

Puffins Bird Ireland

When are puffins in ireland.

Puffins spend most of their lives at sea and only return to land to breed and raise their young . Usually Puffins arrive in Ireland (to the same colony where they were hatched ) from around March or April . They spend the next few months rearing the Puffin chicks (known as Pufflings ) and the Puffins leave Ireland again in early August at the latest. 

Tip : If you really want to see Puffins in Ireland, be sure to plan your trip for the end of July at the latest to be sure . Depending on the year and local weather and food conditions, the Puffins might depart earlier or later than the first week of August . To be on the safe side, plan for the end of July instead. 

When it comes to bird watching and observing nature, there are no guarantees to actually see anything and there is always an element of luck involved too! 

Where to find Puffins in Ireland?

Puffins are found during the summer months around the island of Ireland. Most of the Puffin colonies are on the west coast of Ireland , but there are also three on the east coast, as well as some in Northern Ireland . 

Where to see puffins in Ireland – Locations

The most accessible places to see Irish Puffins are the Great Saltee Island (County Wexford) and the Cliffs of Moher (County Clare) in the Republic of Ireland. Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland is a good spot in the north. As you will see there are several other sites around the island of Ireland.

Where do Puffins nest?

Puffins live in nests built on steep cliffs , rocky coastlines and also in burrows in softer soil . As the nests are at ground level, they are very often found on offshore islands, where the risk of attack by predators is not so high

Did you know? Puffins have strong bills and feet which they use to dig their own burrows. Occasionally Puffins will evict the rabbits and take over their  burrows.  

Ireland Puffin Locations

Skellig michael puffins .

The Skellig Islands are located 12 km (ca. 7.5 miles) off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry and are truly unique island s, both nationally and internationally in terms of their wildlife and historical significance . 

Skellig Michael (or in Irish Skellig Mhichíl ) and the Little Skellig are internationally recognised for the size and diversity of breeding seabird colonie s. The waters around the island contain nutrient rich currents that support plenty of fish and plankton to feed the seabird colonies .

In addition to the Atlantic Puffins that visit the islands during the breeding season, populations of Manx Shearwaters , European Storm Petrels , Northern Fulmars , Kittiwakes and Common Guillemots also nest here. The Little Skellig has the largest Gannet colony in Ireland and is also important globally as one of the more northerly colonies for this species.

As well as being renowned for its birds and other wildlife, Skellig Michael was the location of an early monastic site founded by monks somewhere between the 6th and 8th centuries. The monks sought solitude and isolation on this small island off the west coast of Ireland at what was then thought to be the end of the known world. 

The remains of this monastic site, including the famous beehive huts , are remarkably well preserved and the site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. 

In recent years, Skelligs Michael became an unlikely blockbuster filming location for Star Wars . (Find out all about it and other Star Wars filming locations and Irish related trivia in our Star Wars Ireland Filming Locations Guide .) 

Puffins Ireland Skellig Michael – Did you know?

There was much criticism regarding the choice of location and insensitive timing of the filming on Skellig Michael by BirdWatch Ireland and other environmental groups as it took place during the Puffin breeding season (as well as the breeding season for other birds).

The Skellig Michael Puffins were present in some of the scenes. These birds were later digitally altered into the flat faced porgs see in the film. 

Visit the Puffins on Skellig Michael – Practical Information

When to visit: April to early August (generally the first week). 

Please note : If you travel in mid August or later, you will very likely miss the Puffins on Skellig Michael as they migrate to the North Atlantic for the rest of the year

How to visit: By boat tour. 

There are two boat tour options available:

• Landing Tour: Includes landing on Skellig Michael and exploring the island for several hours
• Eco Tour : Includes boat tour around Skellig Michael and the Little Skellig focusing on the diverse wildlife in the area (such as seabirds, dolphins, Grey Seals, Basking Sharks, Minke Whale and Leather Backed Turtles)

Several boat tours depart daily from Portmagee to Skellig Michael leave daily during the summer opening season (May to September). One tour operator departs from Derrynane .

(The Little Skellig is a designated Bird Nature Reserve and it is not possible to land on it without written permission from Birdwatch Ireland.)

For safety and conservation of the site, only 180 people can land on Skellig Michael each day during the designated season. As it is a very popular activity along the Ring of Kerry, places are booked up far in advance. Keep this in mind if you are planning your trip and note that poor weather and sea conditions can lead to tour cancellations. 

Please Note : Visitors to Skellig Michael are only allowed to walk on designated paths for both safety reasons, but also for protection of the native wildlife. Puffins and other seabirds nest in burrows and would risk being trampled on if people strayed from the paths . There are also many steep steps on the island, so visitors should be prepared and fit for some hiking.

Puffin Island Ireland

Puffin Island Kerry is a small uninhabited island (about 1.5 km long/ 1 mile and only 0.7 km/ 0.4 miles  wide) just off the Skellig Ring on the Ring of Kerry . It is only a narrow, but sometimes dangerous) stretch of water (250 m) separates the island from the mainland.

The Puffin Island Reserve , which is run by BirdWatch Ireland , is home not only to Puffins , but to many different species of birds, including Manx Shearwaters , Razorbills , Guillemots and Kittiwakes .

Boat Trips to Puffin Island Kerry – Practical Information

When to view the Puffins: April to early August (generally the first week) 

How to access: By Boat Tour

Due to the importance of this breeding site, permission to land on the island is completely restricted by BirdWatch Ireland , however it is possible to view the seabirds by boat.

Puffin Island Ireland tours can be arranged as a privately chartered Puffin Island Boat Tour from one of the boat operators in Portmagee during the summer months. 

Alternatively the Puffins and other seabirds can often be seen quite well from the boats on route to the Skellig Islands from Portmagee (both the Landing Tour and Eco Tour pass near the island). 

Extra tip : Don’t forget to bring binoculars!

Puffins Blasket Islands

Off the Dingle Peninsula lie the Blasket Islands . These islands, which are now uninhabited, have a wide diversity of wildlife , both on land and in the surrounding marine environments. 

As well as the Puffins that come each summer to breed, other bird species including Guillemots , Kittiwakes , Gannets , Fulmars and both the Roseate and Arctic Terns are also found on the Blasket Islands. Another regular visitor to the Blasket Islands are the Grey Seals that are sometimes seen on the beach of the Great Blasket.

Conditions on these islands can be particularly tough, especially during the winter months. A small community lived on the Great Blasket Island up until the 1950s. Several well known authors and storytellers (in the Irish language) lived on the island, including Tomás Ó Criomhthain, Peig Sayers and Muiris Ó Súilleabháin . 

Visit the Blasket Island Puffins – Practical Information

When to visit: April to early August (generally the first week).

How to visit: By Boat

The best chance of seeing Puffins around this location is probably by boat . Eco Tours of the Blasket Islands from Ventry Harbour take place in summer and allow visitors to get unrivalled views of the marine wildlife , including the breeding Puffins and other seabirds . 

Alternatively, several daily trips to land on the Great Blasket Island are made each day during the summer season, leaving from Dunquin Harbour. The chances of catching a glimpse of the Puffins here are highest if you walk to the far end of the island. 

Puffins Cliffs of Moher

One of Ireland’s most famous landmarks on the Wild Atlantic Way , the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, is also home to breeding Puffins during the summer months. Many different seabirds make their nests and rear their young on the steep cliffs up to 214m (702 feet) in height, including Puffins , Razorbills , Gannets , Guillemots , Fulmars , Razorbills , Choughs and Lesser Black Backed Gull s. Cliffs of Moher bird watching possibilities are great!

Given the importance as a bird breeding site, the cliffs and the grassy area above the cliffs are designated as a Special Protection Area for the conservation and welfare of the bird species. 

Puffin Cliffs of Moher – Practical Information

When to visit: April to the end of July 

How to view: By boat or by foot from along the cliff walk 

The best way to see Puffins and the many other seabirds is to take a Cliffs of Moher cruise . You will also get a completely different perspective of the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most popular tourist sites. There are several different boat tour operators in Doolin which offer such trips over the summer opening season, as well as trips to the Aran Islands.

It is also possible to view the Puffins from the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk along the top of the cliffs between May and June. The main colony is seen on Goat Island , not too far from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre , and other colonies are visible both further north in the direction of Doolin and to the south towards Liscannor .

From more information about the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark, explore this article .

Tory Island Puffins

Tory Island in County Donegal is a well known bird watching location . Not only is it one of the few locations in Ireland where the Corncrake is found to breed, it is also home to many other important bird species. 

Recognised for its both international and national importance , especially in regard to the Corncrake , Fulmare , Razorbill and Puffin are all protected as part of a Special Area of Conservation .

Puffins Tory Island – Practical Information

When to visit: April to end of July

How to visit: By boat

There is a daily ferry departing from Machaire Rabhartaigh and Bun Beag . 

Donegal County Council has a useful pdf map of where the Puffins, as well as other bird species are most likely to be found. Puffins are found in the north east area of the Island around An Tor Mór. 

Puffins Saltee Islands

The Saltee Islands off the coast of County Wexford are one of the best bird watching sites in County Wexford. More than 220 different bird species have been recorded at this very important bird sanctuary . These include Manx Shearwaters , Fulmars , Guillemots , Choughs , Razorbills , as well as Puffins

The best areas to see Puffins on the Great Saltee Island are found along the south east of the island from the first Gannet colony to the head of the island .

Saltee Islands Puffins – Practical Information

When to visit: April to about the end of July

The Saltee Islands are privately owned by the Neale family , but daytrippers can visit the Great Saltee Island by ferry between the house of 11 am and 4.30 pm. from Kilmore Harbour . All visitors must leave the island by 4.30 pm. Due to the hazardous landing conditions, it is not permitted to visit the Little Saltee Island .

Puffins Ireland’s Eye Dublin

A short boat trip from Howth Harbour on the northside of Dublin is Ireland’s Eye . This is a great place for birdwatching in Dublin as many different seabirds are found there including Guillemots , Razorbills , Fulmars , Shags , Greater and L esser Black Backed Gulls . 

Puffins are also present during the summer months. Several pairs of Puffins usually breed on the island. The best chance of seeing Puffins on the island is to observe the area behind the Martello Tower .

Puffins Ireland’s Eye  – Practical Information

When to visit: May to end of July

During the summer months, there is a boat service departing from Howth Harbour offered by three ferry operators . Note : Some tours land on the island , while others offer tours around the island (Eco tours) so be sure you know what you want! 

Northern Ireland Puffins

Puffins rathlin island  .

The Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre (run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is possibly the best location for Puffins in Northern Ireland .

The location of the viewing platforms at the Seabird Centre are well positioned to view the thousands of Puffins and other seabirds that nest on the sea stacks. From here, you can observe the courtship, nest building, hatching as well as the migration back to sea of the Puffins. 

Rathlin Island Puffins – Practical Information

When to visit: Mid-May to the end of July

How to visit: By boat followed by short trip by bus, bike or by foot

From April to September there are regular ferries to the island departing from Ballycastle . During peak season, it is best to book these in advance . Once on the island it is possible to travel to the Rathlin West Seabird Centre by bus or rent bikes to cycle the route . Alternatively there is a 7 km walking route that also brings you to the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre.

If you arrive from about early August you might be too late to see the Puffins, so be sure to get a chance to see them before the end of July. 

Please note that the Rathlin Island Seabird Centre is only open between mid-April and mid-September. 

The Gobbins Puffins

There are some breeding pairs of Puffins nesting in burrows along the cliffs of the Gobbins Cliff Walk in Northern Ireland too. This is the only colony of Puffins found on the mainland in Northern Ireland. 

Along the coastline live other bird species such as Razorbills , Kittiwakes , Guillemots and Cormorants .

The entire Gibbons Walk Way is a great location to explore the interesting wildlife and geology of Northern Ireland .

The Gobbins Puffins – Practical Information

When to visit: June to the end of July

How to view:  Walk along the Gobbins Cliff Path (paid attraction)

The Puffins are found nesting in the softer soils on the cliffs . Keep an eye out for their burrows.

This superb attraction is one of the best in Northern Ireland, so as well as the chance to see Puffins, you also get to explore the coast in an exciting and spectacular way!

Please note that there are plenty of steps on the Gobbins Way Walk and a certain level of fitness is advised . The walk is also not suitable for anyone under 1.2 m or 4 feet in height.

(Puffins Northern Ireland – Additional Location

The Copeland Islands are the other key Puffin colony in Northern Ireland.)

Puffins Bird Ireland FAQ

What does a puffin look like.

In the summer months, the Atlantic Puffin has a black back and crown of its head. Its cheeks and underside are white and its bill is brightly colored orange, black and yellow bill and orange feet. They have a blunt end to their tails. This combination has given them the name as the “clown of the sea” and “Sea Parrot”.

What might come as a surprise to some is that the Puffins look different in winter and not as colorful. These colorful features are only present for the mating season. 

In winter the colorful plates fall off the bill and regrow a little larger the following year. The black patch around the eyes disappearsThe feet are no longer a distinctive orange, and become duller in color.  

How big is a Puffin?

An Atlantic Puffin is about 20 cm (8 inches) in height with the males being slightly larger than the females. Puffins usually weigh roughly 0.4-0.4 kg (14-27 oz.)

What do Puffins eat?

Puffins feed on small fish , mostly sand eels and sprat , which they carry in their specially adapted bills.

Puffin Beaks – What is so special about them?

First of all the beaks have a special hinge section that enables the birds to catch more fish , thus reducing the frequency of traveling back and forth to a nest and increasing energy efficiency. 

A series of spikes, known as denticles , point down towards the throat and the raspy tongue of the Puffin helps push the fish towards the spikes and keep them in place (even when the Puffin opens its bill to catch more fish). 

Typically Puffins carry about 10 fish in their beaks at once , but there have been some records made of Puffin caring extraordinary numbers of fish, such as 126 according to Dr. Ellie Owen from the RSPB . 

Another interesting fact that has recently being discover is that Puffin beaks glow under UV light . The exact reason for this is still unclear, and is currently being researched by scientists.  

Where do Puffins go in the winter?

Once the Puffin breeding season is over and the chicks have fledged, the Puffins migrate out the Atlantic Ocean . There is still much to learn about Puffins and their distribution and habits in winter. 

A recent study carried out by the University College Cork geotagged Puffins to understand more about their movements and behaviour outside the land based breeding season. It found that Puffins from Ireland can travel across the North Atlantic Ocean as far as Canada in search of food . This food is most likely Capelin , a fatty and highly nutritious fish that lives in the north west areas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Can Puffins fly?

Yes, Puffins have short stubby wings that are better suited for swimming under the water than for flying . 

They can beat their wings up to about 400 times a minute and reach speeds of up 77 to 88 km hr (48 to 55 mph).

How long do Puffins live?

Puffins have a life expectancy of about 20 years , but in some cases can live to be older. 

It takes roughly 5 years for Puffins to fully sexually mature and start to breed . This lengthy pre-breeding period enables the Puffins to learn the extensive knowledge of how to fend for themselves and essential skills that they will need to raise young. 

Do Puffins mate for Life?

Yes, Puffins typically mate for life . They also return to the same colony that they were hatched in and use the same burrow as they did the previous yea r. 

Once the pair of Puffins mates meet each other again at the breeding spot, they greet each other by bumping their beaks as a form of courtship known as “ billing ”.

How many eggs does a Puffin lay?

Puffins lay one egg a year . Sometimes under stress conditions, the birds might only lay an egg every two years . If an eggs fails to hatch of if the young chicks, known as a Pufflings, do not survive this can have a very negative impact on population number, given the low number of offspring and the length of time it takes Puffins to breed. 

Did you know?

Puffins are very clean birds as they dig out a separate area of their burrow to function as a “toilet” . This helps to keep the feathers clean, which is essential for the young birds when they are learning to fly.

Threats against Puffins

Puffins, like all seabirds, are particularly vulnerable to the environmental effects associated with Climate Change . Rising sea temperatures impact fish populations and thus the availability of fish. Overfishing by humans also has a great impact on their food supply. Pollutants such as oil spills can destroy the waterproofing on their feathers , which means they can no longer feed. Plastic, netting and other waste from fishing vessels also harm these birds. 

Avian flu is a growing concern as many seabird colonies in the UK are being impacted by this very contagious respiratory pathogen that is killing large numbers of birds. 

Threats on the adult population place greater pressure on the breeding season to be a success , especially as a pair of puffins only produce one egg year, or every two years. 

The Puffins in Ireland and Britain are now classified as endangered due to these threats ( Amber Conservation Status )

Birds of Ireland

Ireland has many more interesting species of birds. You out more about Ireland’s birds of prey , such as Kestrels and Owls , garden birds ,  as well as great bird watching locations here.  

(Irish Nature Expert and Celtic Enthusiast from Ireland)

Emer Walker , founder of LetsGoIreland.com , is a Cork native with profound expertise in Irish nature and ecology. Holding a PhD in Restoration Ecology and backed by extensive research in ecological sciences, she’s delved deep into Ireland’s natural wonders, from its rugged landscapes to its serene beaches. Emer’s passion also encompasses Celtic art and traditions. As a true authority on Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage, she invites readers through LetsGoIreland.com to immerse themselves in the authentic Irish experience.

Skomer Island Day Trips

Mike Alexander

A mere 20-minute boat trip from the mainland, Skomer is an excellent place for a daytime adventure. Bursting with seabirds including our Atlantic Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Razorbills, this National Nature Reserve is one of Britain's most important seabird colonies. It is peaceful and wild at all times of year - there's so much to see and explore.

Explore Skomer's Wildlife And History 

How To Book

2024 day visits are now on sale!

Skomer is open April-August (Tuesday-Sunday) and in September on a reduced schedule.  Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips are the only boat operator who land on Skomer - the link below will take you to their website, where tickets purchased will cover your boat and landing fee.

2024 day visitor tickets are on now on sale. Book here! 

Pre-Visit Information

Already booked? Please see our Pre-Visit Information Booklet below which will help prepare you for a trip to our island (coming soon). Keep an eye on our  Skomer Boat Twitter Feed  for daily updates on boats and weather.

Price And Boat Information

Please see below for up to date pricing and boat information for day trips in 2024.

How Much Is The Trip?

Confirmed prices for 2024 can be seen below.

Day visit prices for 2024 - © Dale Sailing

When Are The Trips?

Between April and August, boats depart Martin's Haven every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 12:00. Return boats run from 15:00 onwards and are allocated according to your outward journey. Please note you cannot change the time you wish to return from the island. There are no boats on Mondays, with the exception of the Whitsun Bank Holiday (27.05.2024).

In September, boats to the island run less frequently depending on demand. There are no day boats on Friday in September.

When are the Puffins on Skomer?

The Puffins come and go in April as they establish their breeding areas. They are on island May-July and the first Puffins will start to leave in mid-July. The last ones will have left by the end of July.

FAQs About Visiting Skomer Island Overnight

The above information covers all you need to know about our day trips. Please see below for frequently asked questions.

What Are The Essentials?

Essential day visit information - © WTSWW

Why do we ask you to seal your bags before coming?

Skomer is of international importance due to its populations of breeding seabirds. The absence of rats, mink, stoats and other ground predators allows ground-nesting birds like Manx Shearwaters and Atlantic Puffins to thrive. If rats were introduced to the island, even accidentally, they would decimate our seabird populations. This has happened on islands around the world.

- All luggage must be closed - unsealed luggage, including open bags and carrier bags will not be permitted to land.

- Pack all luggage yourself in a rodent-free environment and please ensure no rodent has accessed to your luggage before boarding.

- Do not leave your luggage unattended in Martin’s Haven to ensure rodents cannot enter your bags. 

- Do not bring anything that might present a threat onto the island. This includes plants with root balls and compost including potted herbs, seeds etc.

What are our Accessibility and Inclusivity arrangements?

We are committed to making Skomer Island as inclusive as we can. We want as many people as possible to be able to experience the wonders of our wildlife-packed island. Find our full EDI and Accessibility page here:

Accessibility & Inclusivity on Skomer Island

Points for day visitors:

Whilst we take every care to make Skomer as physically accessible as possible, the 87 steps upon arrival and thin paths around the island make it impossible for wheelchair users to visit. We appreciate that many of our visitors will need a little longer to get up the steps to the welcome point and can adjust our welcome talks accordingly – giving separate talks to those needing a more time is always an option. For those who are pregnant or need to stop more frequently, we can advise on places to rest and take shelter. 

All our toilet and bathroom facilities, for both day visitors and overnight guests, are gender-neutral. 

From 2024, we will have a printout version of our welcome talk available on arrival on the island.

As the island is home to millions of seabirds, we unfortunately can’t allow dogs on the island, even guide dogs. If you are blind or partially sighted, there is the option to be chaperoned around the island by a member of staff if organised in advance.

If you or a person in your group require an adjustment to make your time with us more enjoyable, please do contact our Skomer Island Visitor Officer,  [email protected] .

Where can I park my car?

Please leave your vehicle in the National Trust car park at Martin's Haven (SA62 3BJ, Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bQURLkLeZrkRqgD98 , What 3 Words: ///blogging.panoramic.takers).

This car park is managed by the National Trust and costs £6 (NT members go free). It can be paid for on the paybyphone app (car park no. 803527), however we recommend bringing coins as signal in this area can be poor.

Please note that WTSWW has no affiliation with this car park.

How do I get to Skomer?

Please follow Satnav directions to West Hook Farm or SA62 3BJ From Haverfordwest, follow Dale Road (B4327) for just over 10 miles, before following signs on to Gay Lane in Marloes (20mph). Stay on the main road through the village and continue west for 1.5 miles. Please be aware that this road is windy and uses passing places. West Hook Farm (where we recommend you park - please see page 8) is on the right after 1.5 miles (look for the puffin gate posts). To take your belongings to the jetty, stay on the road (it becomes narrow and steep towards the beach so go as far as you feel comfortable).

By Public Transport

The nearest train stations are Milford Haven and Haverfordwest. Fflecsi Buses run from both towns. Taxis will cost you around £25-£30 for the 11 mile trips. You can find a list of taxi companies here: Taxi Companies.

Coming From Further Afield?

There are good car rental and train connections from Cardiff Airport.

What facilities are there on Skomer?

• Food - there is no café or shop on Skomer. You must bring all food you require with you on the day.
• Water - we are unable to fill up your water bottles on the island as Skomer is not connected to a mainland water supply and water is limited. Please bring enough water with you for your trip. Bottles of water can be purchased for £1.00 at the Sales Point and Visitor Centre.
• Bins - there are no bins on Skomer. We ask that you take all rubbish home with you at the end of the day. Please note that this includes apple cores, banana skins, etc.
• Binoculars - binoculars can be hired for £5.00 on the island.
• Toilets - there are four compost toilets on Skomer. These can be found at the centre of the island at the Farm.

How will the weather affect my visit?

Throughout the season there will be times where the boats to Skomer are cancelled because of adverse weather conditions. 

We will update you as soon as we have information about bad weather - if we have to cancel we will email you and full refunds will be automatically triggered. In the meantime you can keep up to date with whether day boats are running on the  Skomer Boat Twitter Feed . 

Can you recommend local shops/accommodation/taxis?

Please see the below document for useful local contacts.

Skomer 2024 Useful Contacts

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1 Hour Puffin Safari Boat Trip

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A one hour tour dedicated to catching sight of one of Britain’s most beloved seabirds – the Atlantic puffin! Nesting on nearby “Puffin Island” from mid-April to mid-July, puffins can be best spotted in the morning as they bob on the water between dives for sand eels, flying at speed past the boat or popping out of their nesting burrows.

*These trips only run from late April to early July to give the best chance of sightings

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of the boat and the unpredictability of sea conditions we do not permit pregnant women, children under the age of 2 or anyone with current or historic back, neck or bone problems. If you need further advice about if our trips are suitable for you, please contact us .

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30+ years experience

State of the art boats, safe & comfortable, stunning coastline, boat trip features, sealife spotting.

Experience "Puffin Island", an untouched landmark, and surround yourself with its wildlife from the water.

Bird watching

As well as puffins, guillemots and razorbills also use this island to breed and nest from mid-April to mid-July.

Sites of interest

View the rugged coastline around Padstow Bay and learn about our local heritage.

Safety Onboard

Our state of the art RIBs are custom-built for comfort and safety, with a highly experienced skipper at the helm.

What to expect

The 1-hour Puffin Safari is a fantastic way to experience Cornwall’s only remaining puffin breeding colony. Spending plenty of time around the island in hope of great views of these charismatic birds,  if there is a time, we may take a spin around the bay, keeping an eye out for any other wildlife that may be around. It’s exhilarating and interesting, and the best way to see Cornwall’s wildlife!

What we're looking for

We’re mindful of not disturbing wildlife, so once we approach “Puffin Island”, we’ll slow down and remain on board so we can take time to watch the puffin colony in all its glory. Our guide will give you insights into the behaviours on display. Puffin Island is also a popular spot for grey seals to hunt for fish at high tide or bask on the rocks at low tide, and close relatives of the puffin – guillemots and razorbills – can be found nesting here in large numbers at this time of year too.

Professionally guided

Our boat trips are professionally guided, offering you the chance to learn a little about the wildlife we see as well as local points of interest and our rich local heritage. Your knowledgeable guide will be happy to answer any questions you have about the wildlife. You will have ample opportunity to snap some great photos of exciting wildlife and the rugged coastline. Every boat trip is a non-stop mixture of sensitive wildlife observation and exploring the wild North Cornish waters.

Reviews of Sealife Safari Tour

1 hour puffin safari boat trip faqs.

We take from ages 2 and up (babies are not permitted). Please be advised that our boats travel at speed and can be very bouncy which some young children enjoy but others are not so keen on. Individual children’s suitability is at your discretion.

Our trips still run on rainy days. Rain does not deter the marine life (they are wet anyway!) so we simply wrap up in waterproofs and go for it! Please dress extra warm on rainy days with lots of layers to avoid getting cold. If you would prefer not to go out on a rainy day, please keep an eye on the weather and you may cancel your booking yourself. As long as we receive at least 24 hours notice, we can issue you with a full refund.

If we cancel your trip due to rough sea conditions or minimum passenger numbers (5) not being met, we will contact you as soon as possible to offer to reschedule you to a later date. If this is not possible, we can issue you with a full refund. Please note: If you cancel a booking yourself, we require at least 24 hours notice to be able to issue a refund.

Due to the bouncy nature of the boat and the unpredictability of sea conditions, our tours are not suitable for pregnant women.

All of our trips travel at speed and can be very bouncy in places so are not suitable for those with back/spine/bone problems.

Well behaved, small to medium sized dogs are permitted on our boats, however, often dogs do not like the sensation of being on a bouncy boat so please take this into consideration. If you can make other arrangements for your dog, it might be best to play it safe and leave them on land.

Wildlife you might see on your adventure...

Other boat trips & tours

2 Hour Sealife Safari Boat Trip

1 Hour Seal Safari Boat Trip

3 Hour Explorers Safari Boat Trip

1 Hour Camel Estuary RIB Tour

Isles of Scilly Day Trip

Start your ocean adventure today..

Check our booking calendar for availability:

Boat Trips & Tours

Quick links, latest posts, exploring puffin season in the uk: a complete guide, explore the secret life of cornwall’s cornish sucker fish, discover 11 fascinating facts about leatherback sea turtles.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 (0) 77 54 82 24 04

Find us: Padstow Harbour, Cornwall, PL28 8BP

Our boat trips are great in all weather conditions!

Come rain or shine, our boat trips are suitable for most weather conditions. 

Book your trip today! 

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Dave Gray’s Puffin Cruises

Welcome to Dave Gray’s Puffin Cruises, a family run business operating boat trips out to Coquet Island, sailing from the dock steps at Amble harbour for over 40 years.

A sea bird paradise situated about a mile from Amble harbour, the island is the home to 40,000 nesting sea birds such as; Puffins, rare Roseate Terns, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Artic Terns, Kittiwakes and Eider ducks which all nest here in the summer months.

Also a Grey Seal colony which stays at the island all year round is seen on the east side of the island. The islands rich marine life can be viewed aboard our two vessels.

Sailing Details

Our cruises, under 3's, *all under 3's sail free*, in the press.

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This Indoor Marine Park Was Just Named the Largest in the World

SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is the world's largest marine-life theme park, with ocean-themed rides and animal encounters.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Courtesy of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Understanding the ocean and its 243,613 discovered species doesn’t require a scuba certification or access to a deep sea submarine. This is especially the case if you’re traveling through Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi opened its doors in 2023. The marine park, which spans five levels and over 1.9 million square feet, was just named the “Largest Indoor Marine-Life Theme Park” in the world by Guinness World Records and has everything an ocean-loving visitor could want — from animal encounters to theme park rides.

“We are very pleased to receive recognition from Guinness World Records as the world's largest marine-life theme park,” Thomas Kaferle, SeaWorld Yas Island's general manager, said in a press release obtained by Travel + Leisure . “This prestigious achievement is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible entertainment experience, coupled with an interactive educational aspect enabling guests to learn more about marine life in a fun and entertaining setting that engages all ages.”

Beyond being large, the facility is dedicated to providing the highest standard of animal welfare and is certified by Global Humane , the world's largest certifier of animal welfare. To that end, there are no orcas at the facility — but there are over 100,000 other creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, walruses, sharks, rays, and puffins. 

The park is broken up into eight realms, so visitors can travel to various oceans and see the creatures that live there. The realms include the Abu Dhabi Ocean, One Ocean, MicroOcean, Endless Ocean, Tropical Ocean, Rocky Point, and two Polar Ocean realms — the Arctic and Antarctica. In the Tropical Ocean realm, for example, you’ll see dolphins and a tropical rainforest, while in Antarctica’s Polar Ocean, you can watch six types of penguins play in their natural habitat. 

The realms also include 15 interactive experiences and rides, like the Manta Coaster, which boasts a zero gravity flip and a bioluminescent tunnel that shows off the Tropical Ocean’s reef and marine life. Meanwhile, at the Explorers’ Sea Base in the MicroOcean realm, visitors can climb, crawl, and slide on a play structure that runs above, below, and between the MicroOcean.

To get up-close to the creatures of SeaWorld Yas Island, visitors need only head to one of the park’s 10 animal encounters. You can feed sea lions , watch a pod of dolphins put on a show, or touch the marine life of the Gulf — including sharks, rays, and invertebrates. In the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm, you can even get up close to a rescued dugong, a relative of the manatee.

SeaWorld Yas Island also has 13 retail outlets and 17 dining options, including many that are set waterside, offering views of the underwater world while you dine. 

Entry to SeaWorld Yas Island is AED 375 (over $100) for adults, and AED 290 (under $80) for kids under the park’s 1.1 meter (3.6 feet) height restriction.