skomer landing day trip (5 hours)

The Skomer Island website reads: "Located less than a mile off the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast, Skomer is truly a wonderful place to visit.

"Between April and July, Skomer is well known for its puffins, but there is so much more to this National Nature Reserve - including Manx shearwaters, dolphins, seals, razorbills, and so much more!"

So beautiful is the island, it featured alongside Sir David Attenborough in the recent BBC series Wild Isles .

"Hey Mum, we're on the telly!" 📺 It may not have escaped your notice that #Skomer is set to feature in the brand new BBC Wild Isles series! The first episode airs this evening at 7pm. You can find out more here ☞ https://t.co/I7wEKsJ4yD . Popcorn at the ready! 🍿 @WTSWW pic.twitter.com/54bZAP1jDW — Skomer Island (@skomer_island) March 12, 2023

The public are able to visit Skomer Island between April and September.

Here is everything you need to know about planning a trip to the famous island.

How to get to Skomer Island?

Skomer Island can be accessed via boat.

Pembrokeshire Island Boat Trips run tours to or around the island between April and September.

Skomer landing passes range in price from £24 to £44 depending on the time of year you are travelling.

The boat trip website explains: "A 15-minute boat ride takes you to enjoy one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in Britain.

"The 5-hour Skomer Island day trip is a great way to explore an unspoilt and stunning island at your own pace.

"The trip includes all travel there and back on a short boat ride of 15 minutes each way, plus 4.5 hours on the island itself to take in the views."

Boat trips around the island are also available.

There are a variety of options ranging from your own private charter, a Skomer cruise or safari, a seabird spectacular, or a Grassholm gannetry experience.

Prcies can be found on the  Pembrokeshire Island Boat Trips website .

What to do on Skomer Island?

According to the Skomer Island website , there are several options when it comes to visiting:

Day trip  - spend 5 hours exploring the island.

The website says: "You'll be greeted by staff and volunteers, before being left to explore this island paradise at your own pace."

Overnight stay  - You can stay for two or three nights at the Skomer Island  three star hostel.

The website says: "Nestled at the heart of the island you'll have the chance to get to know our noisiest and most numerous resident: the Manx shearwater."

Guided trips  - private operators run trips over to Skomer throughout the season.

These trips range from overnight photography workshops to wildlife watching day trips.

School trips

Private landers  - if you have your own boat you are able to land on Skomer between 10am and 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday.

Skomer Island officials request private landers call in advance. They must also pay and receive a welcome talk.

Events  - there are a range of events available on the island from yoga retreats to birding weekends.

Volunteer  - the island offers weekly and long-term volunteering opportunities for people to get involved in.

Skomer Island puffin numbers at a record high

Puffin numbers have reached record numbers in 2023.

The first of the Skomer Island annual counts took place in March with a record number, 42,513 puffins recorded.

PUFFIN NEWS 🐧 The first of our annual #puffin counts was carried out last night, with a RECORD BREAKING 42,513 birds recorded on and around Skomer 👀 Excellent start to the season! 🎉 For more on visiting #Skomer , please visit our website ☞ https://t.co/9bc5pAGsh1 @WTSWW pic.twitter.com/8OqAZSzunT — Skomer Island (@skomer_island) March 28, 2023

In a Tweet, Skomer Island officials said: "The first of our annual #puffin counts was carried out last night, with a RECORD BREAKING 42,513 birds recorded on and around Skomer.

"Excellent start to the season!"

These numbers break last year's record of around 39,000 puffins, which was said to be the highest number recorded since World War II.

According to Wildlife Trust South and West Wales, those numbers represented an increase of 240 per cent in the last ten years.

Birds are counted by Skomer Island staff.

They have to be counted twice, by two separate counters and the numbers from the pair have to be within 10% of each other or they have to do the count again.

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Mini-Guide to Puffins now available BUY IT HERE

Meandering Wild

7 Reasons to stay on Skomer Island and how to make it happen

Skomer Island is best known for the colony of puffins that make this small island their summer home. Each day there are a limited number of tickets to visit the island giving you 5 hours to explore and spend time with the puffins. However, there is another way to visit and that is to have an overnight stay on the island.

When the day boats have left, the island is your own personal place to sit and watch the puffins, wander without the bustle of day trippers and enjoy the surreal nighttime noise of the Manx shearwaters.

Why should you stay on Skomer Island?

Nothing beats a day trip, but sometimes you just want more and this is always the case with Skomer. It is a magical place and a day gives you the briefest of highlights. Staying enables you to take your time and make the most of your encounters with the wildlife.

Experience sunset at the Garland Stone

The only way to see sunrise and sunset on Skomer Island is to stay. The day boats do not depart until 10am, long after sunrise and the last boat home departs at 5pm which in the summer months is a few hours before sunset.

By staying on the island it is possible to return to the accommodation while the mayhem of departure happens and once calm descends wander to the Wick and then along to the Garland Stone. As there are only 16 guest beds on the island and the volunteers there will be space for everyone.

See the night sky

Skomer Island is the perfect place to experience the night sky . Head to The Wick for stunning views of the Milky Way arching above Skokholm or look north for a chance to see the Northern Lights .

Listen to the Manx Shearwaters

The Manx shearwaters ( Puffinus puffinus ) nest in burrows that cover the entire island. It is estimated that there are 350,000 to 390,000 breeding pairs worldwide, 300,000 of which are found on Skomer Island. They only nest on islands that are free from rats that would raid the burrows so their nesting options are limited.

During the day the chicks are deep underground and the adults are out at sea. They are incredibly clumsy on land and return under the cover of darkness to avoid the attention of predators such as great skuas and great black-backed gulls.

Heading out into the darkness the noise of the Manxies will hit you with their haunting call. Sort of like a turkey but with a hint of puffin. You will not see many of the birds unless they fly into you (which does happen) or their nest is on the side of the path, but you will know they are close by from the constant chatter.

See the toads

During the day, there are plenty of butterflies and other insects around but at night it is the turn of the toads and slugs to emerge. I am certain island life breeds them bigger than anywhere else. When walking around in the dark as well as keeping to the path and looking out for flying Manx shearwaters you need to watch where you are stepping and pick your way around the toads, frogs and slugs.

Have time to explore quieter areas

The time on the island for a day trip is more than enough to get to know the puffins, but it is certainly a fast pace to see the entire island. By staying on the island you will have time to watch the birds from Moorey Mere hide or wait around the Old Farm for the short-eared owl to hunt as it sometimes does early in the day.

During the day you can avoid The Wick and High Cliff and spend your time almost alone at Bull Hole or Pigstone Bay with smaller puffin colonies and the razorbills.

Learn more about the island

Visitor days are busy and the wardens and volunteers are in ‘man-management’ mode. People do the stupidest of things and ensuring the safety of the wildlife and the visitors takes priority.

However, come the evening it is all a bit calmer. There is time to chat with the wardens and the volunteers who are more than happy to share their knowledge and love of the island.

Win at weather roulette

Getting to Skomer is dependent on the weather. Wind from a northerly direction blows straight onto the jetty at Martin’s Haven and North Haven making it impossible to get on and off the boat. If you are staying on the island you may lose a day, but you will still have an extended visit. If a day trip is cancelled then that is it.

Staying also means that if one day has awful weather you still have a chance for the next day and somewhere to hide while the storm blows through. Day trippers have no shelter and unless the boat is cancelled will not receive a bad weather refund.

You can also go out and get some stunning storm photographs and puffins in the rain knowing a warm shower and hot food is just a short walk away.

How to stay on Skomer Island – the logistics

Staying on Skomer Island is not a five-star luxury. Accommodation on Skomer Island is basic but cosy with its own unique feel. You can stay for two or three nights and if you stay on a Sunday night you have the island to yourself on a Monday as there are no day boats. Perfect for even more photography time.

Day trip booking for Skomer Island is through Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips and stays on the island are booked through the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales .

A few tips to make booking and staying on the island easier:

• Make sure you know when booking opens as dates go fast. It is usually the first Monday in October
• Try to avoid Bank holidays and school holidays as there may be more day visitors
• If you want to see the island with bluebells book to visit in May and to guarantee seeing puffins plan to visit in May, June or July. They arrive in April and start to leave in early August
• Once you have booked your stay make sure you book parking at West Hook Farm . You cannot leave vehicles overnight in the Martin’s Haven Car Park
• Pack light in easy-to-carry bags as everything has to be carried up the steps to the island and back down again. After a few hours, no one will look nice as there will be a coating of dust and mud on everything so lots of changes of clothes are not needed
• Be able to walk all day. There is no option other than to do the steps and hill to the island information board and then the hike to the Wick
• Wear walking boots and bring waterproofs as you will more than likely need them at some point
• Bring a duvet cover and pillowcase. Duvets are provided and the cover takes up less space than a sleeping bag
• The island only has off-grid electricity so make sure you bring lots of power packs and batteries. There is solar power for charging but it is shared so being self-sufficient is useful
• Cookers and cold storage are available but are limited. We take food ready to reheat but frozen so it can defrost during our stay and not need lots of preparation
• Make sure you bring rubbish bags as everything has to be taken off when you leave

Want to know more about puffins in the UK?

Mini-guide to Puffins in the UK

This ebook includes information about the puffin colonies, where to find them and how to visit responsibly. With 20 pages of information, maps and beautiful photographs, it will help you see the puffins on your next summer adventure in the UK.

I'm Suzanne the traveller and photographer behind Meandering Wild. With over 30 years of experience travelling to different corners of the world in search of wildlife and remote locations nearly all of the advice on this website is from my own exploring.

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Boat to Skomer - Skomer Island

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Skomer island is out of this world. Spent five hours walking the island and following puffins that... read more

We are a family of four - two adults and two children 13 and 11. We went in late August which is... read more

Boat to Skomer

We arrived at the carpark at 5 minutes to midday. Everyone was so helpful we made it onto the 12.00 boat! Had a fantastic day and saw all the different birds we hoped to see including lots of really cute puffins!

We visited this Nature Reserve of an island in July 2016, a good time to see the puffins I was told. And boy it did not disappoint. There were thousands of them, it was an amazing sight. Teaming with a lot of other wildlife especially seabirds, binoculars would have been helpful (which you can rent at £5/pair when you arrive on the island), but you did not need them for the puffins. It takes about 10minutes to get to the island by boat but the boat has limited running times. They only ran at 10am, 11am and 12noon when we went.We got the 11am boat which had a fixed return time of 3.30pm that day. You can park at the National Trust car park (£5 for the day) which is a couple of minutes walk away from Lockley Lodge where you buy your landing ticket (£10/adult) before boarding the boat. On the boat you pay £11/adult to the boatman. Tickets can not purchased in advance as they decide on the day if boats will run due to weather conditions. There is a quota of visitors allowed on the island, but we found it easy to get our tickets on the day - arrived at 10:40am and got the 11am boat. Also note you can't visit the island on a Monday (except bank holidays) Nothing quite prepares you for what you see on the island if you go during breeding time. Highly recommended.

National Trust car park is easy to find and is £5 for the day. You must buy your landing ticket (£10pp) at the Lockley Lodge and reserve your space on the boat (£11 payable on the boat) there are limited numbers but the Friday we arrived at 10.30 and there were still boat trips available and landing passes - Saturday we arrived before 7.45am to book our tickets and was surprised with the queue already there - to the point that the first boat sold out once the lodge opened at 8.30. We booked for the 11am boat and went back to our B&B for breakfast returned at 10.30 and there were still car parking spaces, using our day parking ticket. Well worth the planning - the island is bird heaven! As soon as you step off the boat up the steep steps there are Razorbills and Puffins nesting - careful not to hold up the queue of people trying to get up the steps. Also there is NO shelter on the island so be prepared, good walking boots and no cafe facilities - toilets on the old farm site in the middle of the island. A great experience - totally recommend this trip - the cruise was also a great way to get a different perspective and is £12 operated by Dale Sailing but reserve your space at the Lodge and cash paid on the boat. An amazing day, we were lucky with the weather too, as the boats won't sail if its too bad and you don't know this often until the lodge opens at 8.30. Puffin Paradise!

I visited Skomer with my mother who is in her seventies. A mad-keen-but-foreign birder for whom it has been a lifelong wish to see puffins. She has a bad knee, and that played quite a major role in our day, so I will make several suggestions and observations based on that fact. The trip to Skomer is made by boat: a fifteen minute trip each way. There are no reservations for the boats. So I was anxious that, my mother having travelled several thousand miles to make this trip, we wouldn't be able to secure places. Everyone we met kept advising us to get there early to avoid disappointment. We duly arrived at the ticket office at 8:30 and got some of the last few tickets for the 10am boat (which is the first boat out). You'll swear the boat could only take about 20 people when you see it, but they pack you in tightly, and take 50 at a time. My Mom's knee did trouble her somewhat getting into and out of the boat, but everyone was very helpful. The day of our trip was sunny and very calm. I suspect the sea can be significantly less cooperative at times! The steps up from (and back down to) the Skomer docking point are numerous and steep. There is a hand rail, but it isn't an easy ascent for people who are very unfit, disabled or injured. Each boatload of visitors gets 5 hours on the island by default, BUT...the boat returns empty after dropping off each group. If, for whatever reason, the full 5 hours is more than you need, make arrangements with the staff on the boat to go back earlier. We would have done that if we'd known it was an option, because my Mom wasn't up to a full five hours of walking. The island is quite flat-topped, but there are some very steep sections too. Those were out of the question for us, but we still felt we got full value for money. We spent quite a while in one of the hides, and saw many of the species we expected to see. The island is absolutely beautiful. The bird life is spectacular, and the photo opps innumerable - particularly with the poser-puffins which are most co-operative and photogenic. The volunteers are all friendly and helpful. With regard to photography: Several people in our group had the most impressive lens stacks, but I was fine with my 300. In fact, because the birds move so fast, anything more than 300 may be a disadvantage. If you have significant mobility problems, you're probably better off opting for the hour-long cruise around the island instead. But if your hips/knees/ankles give you more moderate trouble, I'd still recommend it. Just go at your own pace, and work within your restrictions.

We had already decided on the island boat trip as we had our dog so couldn't land. After reading a lot of trip advisor reviews I was really apprehensive of the whole no advance booking / arrive early system, so set off early to hopefully secure a place. As it turned out, I was worrying needlessly.... We arrived at 10am on Friday, there were no queues and only a handful of people booked on the boat trip! From chatting to the very friendly and helpful staff at Lockley Lodge, it seems that the busiest day is Tuesday and it quietens off as the week goes on, so no need to panic, and even we could even have booked a landing cruise still! It was lovely scenery around the local area so we happily whiled away the time until it was time to board. There were less than a dozen of us on board in the end, so plenty of room to spread out - I do agree it wouldn't be much fun with the allowed 50 on board!! The skipper was very knowledgeable with facts about the wildlife and the area and happy to answer questions. We had a gentle trip to the landing area where we stayed for some time with the amazing puffins all around - on the water, in the air, or in their burrows. We also saw cormorants, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, gannets, and lots of seals hauled out. We gently sailed along the side of the island, before returning back.... The departure list had the words "round island" covered over, so we knew not to expect that, and I found the cruise to be good value so didn't feel shortchanged and think it was nice to have a leisurely sail and to stop and admire the wildlife without rushing on. Would definitely recommend this trip.... Seeing puffins was a "life tick list" and it certainly showed me loads of them! It's also nice to have a different perspective by seeing them up close in the water, and their comical and ungainly efforts to fly! Loved it.... Can't wait to return!

I've just got from a real highlight. I spent two days on Skomer and would recommend it to everyone. I saw puffins, Manx shearwater, glow worm, and a whole host seabirds. The accommodation isn't a posh hotel, but clean and good.

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Visiting the Skomer Island Puffins in Wales

Welcome to my post about seeing puffins in Wales! If you’ve always wanted to get close to these adorable little birds, or want to know more about how you can visit them on Skomer Island, you’ve come to the right place. This was not a sponsored trip; I paid for it myself in full and these are my real, honest opinions of what it’s like to visit the Skomer Island Puffins. A ll prices are correct at the time of writing.

Contents (click to view)

I shuffle down the gang plank and step carefully onto the bobbing boat. The skipper points me towards an available space on the bench and glances at the heavy camera looped round my neck.

“You a photographer?” he asks, somewhat redundantly.

“I am!” I grin.

“You’re in luck,” he says. “The puffins are out in force. Head to the south of the island: they practically walk over your feet there.”

They practically walk over your feet … This sounds almost too good to be true.

Seeing puffins in Wales

I’ve come to west Wales to fulfil a long-held dream: to take beautiful photos of the Skomer Island puffins.

Every year during puffin breeding season my social media feeds are full of arresting images of these captivating little seabirds: puffins peeking out of their burrows, perched on cliffs above a dazzling blue sea, or standing with their vibrant orange bills crammed full of glistening fish. With their permanently bemused expressions and comical gait, there’s something achingly endearing about these ‘parrots of the sea’, and I’m desperate to collect some eye-catching images for my own portfolio.

Because, embarrassingly, I’ve travelled all over the world and taken photos of wildlife in places as far-flung as South Georgia Island and Uganda , but even though puffins breed in huge numbers right here in the UK, I’ve never even so much as glimpsed one!

Puffins in the UK

This year felt like the right time to do something about that. With Covid making foreign travel all but impossible, it made sense to scratch my wildlife photography itch closer to home. During lockdown I’d occasionally cycled to nearby Richmond and Hyde Parks to photograph the deer and the parakeets, but it wasn’t enough. I knew the puffins were out there, and I became obsessed.

But where do you go to see puffins in the UK ? A quick online search tells me that among the best places are the Shetland Islands (too far), the Farne Islands (closed at the time due to Covid), the Isle of May in the Scottish Borders , and Skomer Island, the best place to see puffins in Wales.

Both of these last two seem doable from London, but there’s a problem. I’m too slow off the mark and with boats running at reduced capacity, everything is already fully booked. I call and grovel to the boat companies and repeatedly refresh the booking sites, and eventually I get lucky: a last-minute cancellation on a landing trip to Skomer Island. I’m going to see puffins in Wales!

Read more: Scotland’s Isle of May: Puffins, Beautiful Landscapes and More

First glimpse of puffins on Skomer Island

My luck holds out when I arrive at the departure site at Martin’s Haven five days later: the famously unpredictable Welsh sun has put in an appearance and the sea is ruffled only by a slight breeze. We make a smooth crossing, and soon I can see Skomer Island ahead of us, its grassy hillsides glowing pea-green in the June sunshine and a flock of about 50 puffins – my first puffins ! – bobbing about on the water just in front of the landing site.

As we approach they scatter, running across the surface on their orange legs before clumsily taking off and flapping away on their stubby little wings. I’ve got the wide lens on the camera so I can’t take any pictures of them, but I can wait – there’ll be plenty more puffins soon enough.

During breeding season from April to July, Skomer Island is home to the largest colony of puffins in Wales – and one of the largest in the whole of the UK. This year there are an estimated 35,000 individuals, more than ever before. And on this pristine June day, with plenty of newly-hatched pufflings in the burrows that need regular feeding, surely I’ll get the iconic puffin images I’m after.

We disembark and climb the 87 steep steps from the landing site up to the visitors’ hut. There’s a short briefing: information about the island, advice about where to go and what there is to see, and a very stern warning never to step off the path in case you crush a puffin burrow or its occupant. It’s important stuff, but I’m feeling impatient. We only have four hours here, and I’m itching to get going.

Walking the full circuit of Skomer Island is about 4 miles (6.5 km) and takes around 2.5-3 hours. Most visitors do the entire thing, stopping to take in the views, enjoy the fresh air, and look out for razorbills, guillemots, short-eared owls, seals, and other creatures.

But there’s only one kind of wildlife that I’m interested in. So as soon as we’re released, and with the skipper’s advice still at the front of my mind, I abandon my shipmates, ignore all the signposts directing me to other points of interest on the island, and make a beeline for the promised puffin paradise: the south of Skomer Island.

Puffins, puffins everywhere

After 20 minutes brisk walk through a glorious meadow of vivid red campion and over a hill with stunning views out to sea, I find the place I’m looking for. Here the edges of the path are clearly roped off, and right up to the markers on both sides the ground is lumpy and pockmarked with hundreds of little holes: puffin burrows.

A few dozen birds are standing or waddling around, more are settled on the nearby cliff edge, and every so often a puffin parent returns from fishing with a beak full of lunch for its hungry offspring, scurries across the dusty ground and dives into the nearest entrance.

A group from an earlier boat has already gathered, and everyone is watching with delighted fascination. Giddy with joy at this dream location and impeccable weather, I move a little further up the path, attach my zoom lens and begin taking photos.

Super close puffins of Skomer Island

The puffins seem a bit wary but are mostly unbothered by our presence. Because their burrows are on both sides of the path, sometimes one wants to cross over, often hastily scurrying past within just a few feet of a surprised onlooker.

Others seem content to hang out just a few metres away, keeping a watchful distance but almost as interested in us as we are in them.

It turns out the boat skipper was absolutely spot on. The puffins do ‘practically walk over your feet’ on Skomer Island!

Read more: Things to do in Pembrokeshire on a 1-week road trip

Super speedy Skomer Island puffins

It always takes a little while to get your eye in with a new subject and new location, but puffin photography is harder than I expected. I begin with the simple stuff, portraits of the puffins that are standing about, but even they move around surprisingly erratically, and it’s a challenge to get that perfect combination of a nice pose, light at the right angle, and a pretty background that isn’t just a dusty patch of ground full of holes and puffin poo.

When I’ve got enough photos of puffins sitting sitting still, I start trying to shoot them as they arrive or leave, but puffins in flight are even harder to capture because they move at breakneck speed and are completely unpredictable.

It turns out these comical little birds can fly at up to 55 miles an hour, and puffin parents move as though they’re on a deadline. When one emerges from its burrow you only have a few seconds to spot it, swing round, frame the shot and lock the focus on before it’s gone, and the ones returning with fish are even more difficult to catch because they land and disappear into a hole barely before you’ve even noticed they’ve arrived.

I fire off shot after shot, but most of the time all I get is a blurry shape or the rear end of the bird as it disappears underground.

Getting to grips with puffin photography

But over the next three hours I start to get the hang of puffin photography.

I realise that although standing makes it easier to turn and react when a puffin appears, getting low makes for a better angle, so I alternate between standing and sitting down. I learn how to spot an approaching fish-laden parent when it’s still airborne, and track it as it circles sometimes three, four times before landing, so that when it finally arrives, I’m expecting it and in a better position to catch it before it vanishes down a hole.

It’s still a challenge, but gradually patience and practice start to pay off. Sometimes a puffin comes to take a closer look at us, or a parent with a beak full of sand eels loses its bearings and walks around for a while, as if trying to remember where it left the kids. Those moments are the dream, and I fire off dozens of shots, grinning with delight when I know for sure I’ve nailed it.

I never do see the rest of Skomer Island, but I don’t much mind. A small part of me, the part that suffers from FOMO, wants to go for a wander and see what else is out there, but my fear of going to another location and it not being as crammed with puffins is greater.

If I want to see the rest of the island, I’ll just have to come back. I’m pretty sure this won’t be the last time I visit Skomer Island.

Visiting the Skomer Island Puffins: Practicalities

Where is skomer island.

Skomer Island is located on the western tip of Pembrokeshire, in Wales. The two nearest towns are Haverfordwest and Milford Haven, both of which are about a 30 minute drive away.

How to get to Skomer Island

There’s a variety of ways you can visit Skomer Island. The easiest is to do a day landing trip. It takes 15 minutes to reach Skomer Island by boat and you get about 4-5 hours on the island.

Daily boats depart from Lockley Lodge Visitor Centre at Martin’s Haven in Pembrokeshire. In the past there was no booking system and you would have to just turn up and queue, but, due to the pandemic, tickets must now be booked in advance online through the Pembrokeshire Islands website .

There’s also a range of guided walks, non-landing cruises, birdwatching sessions, photography tours and even overnight stays you can do. Find out more via the South Wales Wildlife Trust .

When is the best time to see puffins in Wales?

The best time to visit Skomer Island (if you want see puffins!) is during puffin season, when the puffins return from spending the winter at sea to lay eggs and raise their chicks.

Skomer island puffin season is from around April to late July.

In April and May the puffins are nesting and incubating their eggs. From late May and in June and July the chicks have hatched so you will see them bringing food back to the burrows. I took most of these photos on June 12th.

I prefer to visit later in the seasons when the chicks have hatched. The parent puffins are more active then, flying around with beakfuls of sand eels. On my second visit to Skomer Island I went later in the season – 22nd July – and most of the chicks had already fledged so while there were still plenty of puffins, there were no food deliveries!

What times are the boats to Skomer Island?

Skomer Landings run from April to the end of September. Boats depart every half hour from 10 am to 12.30 pm. There are no departures on Mondays.

Your return boat is allocated based on when you depart, so that everyone gets the same amount of time on the island and the last boat isn’t overcrowded with everyone wanting to stay until the very end.

How much does it cost to visit Skomer Island?

Boat tickets for adults cost £44 during peak Skomer island puffin season in May and June, £40 in April and July, and £30 in August and September.

You can book your Skomer Ferry tickets here .

What facilities are there on Skomer Island?

Skomer has almost no visitor facilities. There are toilets, but no shop or cafe. You can buy snacks and water before you board at the Lockley Lodge Visitors Centre and in the nearby village of Marloes.

Note that there are 87 steps to climb up from the landing site before you can start exploring the island, so unfortunately Skomer Island is not very accessible for anyone with mobility issues.

What should I bring to Skomer Island?

As facilities are limited you should bring a packed lunch and water. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking around on uneven ground. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring waterproofs, suncream and a hat. The weather can be unpredictable!

Are dogs allowed on skomer island?

Definitely do not bring your dog. Dogs are not allowed on Skomer Island as they will disturb the birds!

Can you see Skomer Island puffins in the rain?

If you’ve booked a boat ticket to Skomer and the weather turns bad, fear not… you can still go! The boat trips only get cancelled if the weather is so stormy that it’s unsafe. Most of the time the trips go ahead, whatever the weather.

Puffins are seabirds, so they don’t mind getting wet! And you can still have a great time watching and photographing puffins in the rain, just as long as you bring waterproofs.

On my second visit to Skomer it rained a lot and I got very wet. The wind did make photography tricky as it kept blowing rain onto the lens, but I coped. And I think the rain adds an extra dimension to the photos with soft light, vivid colours, and wet puffins!

What else is there to see on Skomer Island?

Skomer is the best place to see puffins in Wales, but the island also has a lot more on offer. As well as beautiful landscapes, there are plenty of opportunities to spot other wildlife, including seals, porpoises, guillemots, razorbills, choughs, short-eared owls and other seabirds.

How long does it take to walk round Skomer Island?

As you can see from the illustration below, the entire route round Skomer is about 4 miles (6.5 km) and takes about 2.5 – 3 hours. Of course if you are stopping to take photos all the time, it will take a lot longer!

Most of the paths have markers telling you how long it will take you to get back to the boat; make sure you pay attention to these so you don’t miss your return transport!

Where to stay near Skomer Island

I stayed two nights at the fascinating FSC Dale Fort Hostel near the village of Dale, which is about 15 minutes’ drive from the Milford Haven departure point.

Dale Fort is situated high up on a clifftop a short drive uphill from the village of Dale and has incredible views. It was built in 1856 as a defensive fort, and is now a hostel and field studies centre. It mostly hosts study groups but individuals can book too.

Another good place to stay for visiting Skomer Island is Little Haven which is a cute fishing village with a pretty beach and a number of B&Bs and guesthouses .

Where to see puffins in Wales

Apart from Skomer Island, there are a few other places to see puffins in Wales. They include:

• Skokholm Island:  Another island off the coast of Pembrokeshire , Skokholm Island is also home to a large colony of puffins, with around 12,000 breeding pairs. You can visit Skokholm Island from April to September, and boat trips are available from Martin’s Haven.
• South Stack Cliffs:  Located off the coast of Anglesey, South Stack Cliffs is an RSPB site and is home to a smaller colony of puffins, with around 100 breeding pairs.
• St David’s Head:  St David’s Head in north Pembrokeshire is home to a small colony of puffins. You can see the puffins from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
• Puffin Island Wales: Also known as Ynys Seiriol in Welsh, Puffin Island is located off the coast of Anglesey. It’s a protected site so you can’t land, but you can do boat cruises with Seacoast Safaris to see puffins and other seabirds.

Where can I found out more about puffins in the UK?

I’m glad you asked! There’s a whole separate post all about puffins and how to photograph them, entitled How to See and Photograph Puffins in the UK: 20 FAQs .

Give it a click!

If you enjoyed this wildlife story, here are some others you might enjoy:

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And if it’s photography inspiration you’re after, check out one of these:

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

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Seeing puffins on Skomer Island, Wales in May

Skomer island, just off the coast of pembrokeshire in wales, is one of the top bird watching spots in the uk. in the spring and summer, it’s filled with nesting puffins and loads of other wildlife. here’s my guide to seeing puffins on skomer island, wales in may, where is skomer island.

Skomer Island is just off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales. It’s on the South West corner of Wales, just a short boat ride from mainland Wales. There are plenty of accommodation options in Pembrokeshire, as it’s a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. Skomer Island makes a great addition to any trip to the Pembrokeshire coast. Seeing puffins on Skomer Island, Wales in May will make some really amazing memories of your holiday.

When is the best time of year to see puffins on Skomer Island?

Skomer Island is definitely best in the spring and summer. This is when there are the most sea birds nesting on the island. I visited in May, which was a great time to see nesting puffins and also loads of other nesting sea birds all around the island.

Skomer Island is also very exposed to the weather. There are no trees on the island, and very little shelter. This means that ideally you’ll want to visit on a day when the weather is good. Otherwise, you could risk having many hours outside in the wind and rain! The boats to Skomer Island also get cancelled in bad weather. Spring and Summer in the UK bring the highest chances of having good weather, which will help you enjoy your trip. Of course, good weather can never be guaranteed, especially in Wales! But spring and summer give you the highest chance of a sunny day for birdwatching.

How to get to Skomer Island

There are boats that run to Skomer Island. You can check out the website here for the choices of different boat trips, and also to book in advance. Make sure you book the boat several months in advance for peak times, to guarantee your spot. The boats leave from Lockley Lodge Visitor Centre, which is next to a large National Trust car park.

I’d definitely recommend taking the boat trip that gives you time landing on the island. This will give you the best chance to see puffins and lots of other wildlife. You’ll get 4.5 hours on the island in total, which I thought was a really good amount of time to see everything.

If you’d rather not spend the whole day on the island, there are other ways to see Skomer Island. You can take a shorter boat trip that just goes around the island, and you’ll be able to see puffins in the water and on the cliffs.

Top puffin spots on Skomer Island

When you arrive on Skomer Island, there’s a noticeboard with a map of the island, and the walking trails on the island. You can use this map to plan your trip. The island isn’t huge, so you can easily walk around the whole island in the 4.5 hours you’ve got before the boat leaves.

I decided to walk South first, as this had the best puffin watching spots. I wanted to spend the maximum time here, so headed South first.

As soon as you start walking on Skomer Island in May, you’ll immediately see puffins. I was nervous before going about whether I was going to see any puffins. But I needn’t have worried at all. The puffins are everywhere, and come really close.

The South and West of the island were my favourite spots for puffins. I loved seeing them interact with each other.

I was also lucky to see some puffins landing on the island with a mouthful of fish. They quickly scurried to their nest in the hole in the ground, so they could deliver the food to their babies. It was so cute.

Other wildlife on Skomer Island, Wales

As well as seeing puffins on Skomer Island, Wales in May, you can see lots of other wildlife too. I saw guillemots in the water and on the cliffs, which were lovely.

There were also some oystercatchers nesting on the island, and they were nice to see with their bright orange beak.

I saw some seals as well, which were lovely. It can be possible to see porpoises in the water around the island, but unfortunately I didn’t see any. But the seals were lovely, and they spent a while in a small cove so I was able to watch them for a while.

There are also lots of nesting sites for black backed gulls on Skomer. These impressive birds were great for photos. And in the centre of the island, it was also possible to see owls, even in the daytime. Skomer really is a bird-watcher’s paradise.

Wild flowers on Skomer Island in May

As well as seeing puffins on Skomer Island, Wales in May, you can also see some lovely colourful flowers. May is a great time to visit Skomer Island for wild flowers. There are parts of the island that are covered in pink flowers, which are just beautiful.

May is also a great time to see the bluebells that cover Skomer Island. By late May, the bluebells will be going over, but there will still be some areas where you can see the vibrant colours.

Top tips for making the most of your day seeing puffins on Skomer Island, Wales in May

Skomer Island is a great day out for people of all ages. Here are my top tips to enjoy your day with the puffins and other wildlife:

• Take binoculars so you can see wildlife up close.
• Take a camera with a good zoom lense. Your phone camera will be ok for photos of the scenery, but to get the best photos of the puffins and other wildlife, you’ll need a decent camera.
• Be prepared for all weather – Skomer Island is very exposed. If it’s sunny, you’ll need a sun hat and sun cream. If it’s windy or rainy, take some good waterproof clothes.
• Wear sturdy trainers or hiking boots – you’ll be doing lots of walking.
• Don’t walk off the paths on Skomer Island. The puffins nest in the ground, and if you walk off the path you could easily stand on one of their burrows and collapse it. Definitely stick to the paths at all times.
• Check in for your boat an hour before the departure time. This will give you time to queue to get your ticket, and also browse the souvenir shop.
• After getting back to mainland Wales, hang around into the evening to watch the sunset over Skomer Island. It’s a lovely ending to your day.

Enjoy your trip seeing puffins on Skomer Island, Wales in May! Wales has so many more beautiful places to discover, so make sure you check out my guides to the Brecon Beacons , Cardigan Bay coastline , the Gower Peninsula and the top photo spots in South Wales .

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Skomer Island

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

SKOMER ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.48 mi) Skomer Island Accommodation
• (8.81 mi) Fields Lodge Bed & Breakfast
• (9.91 mi) Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park
• (6.52 mi) Monk Haven Manor
• (8.88 mi) Anchor Guest House
• (3.29 mi) Runwayskiln
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Table of Contents

Skomer island: a natural gem, significance of skomer, biodiversity in focus, burst of life: flora and fauna, conservation efforts unveiled, landing trips from marloes to the island, sightseeing cruise from marloes to the island, sightseeing cruise from st david’s to skomer island, overnight stays on skomer island, choosing the right spot in skomer, an island escape, meet the experts, eco-friendly stays, self-catering comfort, booking essentials, planning your escape, puffins galore, diverse avian residents, breathtaking coastal trails, wildlife extravaganza, optimal puffin spotting strategies, embracing burstiness in nature’s symphony, a tapestry of colors and calls, weather considerations, best times to visit skomer island, packing essentials, preparing in advance, accommodation options, transportation logistics, final tips and considerations, addressing invasive species threats, restoring native vegetation, visitor management for ecosystem protection, continuous monitoring for sustainability, community collaboration for conservation, campers’ reviews: skomer island experiences, introduction to skomer island: overview and significance.

Nestled off the Pembrokeshire coast, Skomer Island stands as a natural gem , captivating visitors with its unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes .

Skomer’s significance extends beyond its picturesque scenery ; it serves as a vital breeding ground for seabirds , notably puffins and Manx shearwaters, making it a haven for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts .

Diverse ecosystems flourish , creating a haven for flora and fauna . Puffins , with their distinctive beaks, share the limelight with seals , dolphins , and a myriad of plant species , making every visit a lesson in biodiversity .

Skomer ‘s burstiness lies in its rich tapestry of life . From the vibrant wildflowers adorning the landscape to the comical antics of puffins , each moment is a burst of life , creating a symphony of nature’s wonders .

Amidst its natural allure , Skomer remains a testament to conservation efforts. Ongoing initiatives safeguard its delicate balance, ensuring future generations can revel in the island’s beauty .

Getting to Skomer Island: Ferry Details, Boat Trips, and Routes

Embark on a Skomer landing trip from Marloes for an immersive experience . Explore the island’s diverse wildlife for 4-5 hours, guided by the island warden. Parking is available at Martin’s Haven National Trust car park, with an all-day pass at £6.

Opt for a Skomer Island sightseeing cruise if time is short. Pembrokeshire Islands runs hour-long cruises at £20 per adult, departing from Martin’s Haven. Enjoy guided bird-spotting , ideal for those wanting to admire puffins from a distance.

For a more extended adventure , consider a 2-hour sightseeing cruise from St David’s. Operators like Voyages of Discovery and Thousand Islands offer trips at £54 per adult. Departures from St Jutinians include parking, some free spots, and others at a £3 flat rate.

For avid birding enthusiasts , staying overnight on Skomer Island is a unique option. Limited slots, priced between £50-85 per adult, provide an extended experience . Basic facilities are available, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food. Booking is through direct contact with the Wildlife Trust.

Whether you prefer a landing trip , a quick sightseeing cruise , or a longer excursion from St David’s, Skomer Island welcomes all nature enthusiasts . Plan your visit accordingly, taking into account the diverse options available for an unforgettable experience .

Accommodation on Skomer Island: Options for a Tranquil Stay

Skomer Island offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its natural beauty . With a limited number of accommodations , securing your spot in this serene haven is essential.

Opting for an overnight stay on Skomer ensures you witness the island’s diverse wildlife and relish its peaceful ambiance . Whether it’s the vibrant Wick or secluded corners , every moment promises a private encounter with nature’s wonders .

Escape the modern world by residing on Skomer . The island provides an idyllic retreat, where popular spots transform into personal havens at sunset . Embrace tranquility and solitude, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes .

Engage with the island ‘s dedicated staff and researchers. The ‘ Bird log ‘ lets you share sightings and gain insights from experts. Contribute to the island’s records , enhancing your understanding of its unique ecosystem .

Accommodation Details and Booking

Skomer’s accommodations prioritize sustainability , winning the RICS 2008 Sustainability Award. Experience comfort with electricity and solar-heated water. Simple yet cozy, these lodgings blend seamlessly with the island’s environment .

Stays are self-catered, offering private bedrooms and a shared, well-equipped kitchen (no microwave). Enjoy meals in the dining room, fostering a sense of community among fellow nature enthusiasts .

Secure your stay by navigating availability and terms. A boat fare of £10 per person is mandatory. Note that boats don’t operate on Mondays (excluding Bank Holidays). May, June, and July visits are limited to a maximum of three nights.

Plan your visit , ensuring you absorb the best of Skomer Island’s unique offerings . Take note of essential details provided upon booking or request additional information to guarantee a seamless and enriching stay.

related post : Shell Island: Your Camping Guide

Exploring Skomer Island’s Avian Wonders

Skomer Island is a haven for bird enthusiasts , offering a chance to witness the lively antics of puffins in their natural habitat . These charismatic birds , renowned for their vibrant beaks, create a captivating spectacle. During the breeding season, from April to July, visitors are treated to a close encounter with these charming creatures.

Beyond puffins , Skomer Island hosts a diverse array of bird species , creating a paradise for avid birdwatchers . The island is a bustling hub for seabirds like razorbills , guillemots , and fulmars . Their presence adds to the vibrant tapestry of wildlife , providing ample opportunities for observation and appreciation.

Exploring Skomer Island unveils not only the avian wonders but also the breathtaking coastal trails that weave through the landscape . As you traverse these paths, the stunning beauty of the surroundings unfolds, offering a visual feast for nature lovers .

Skomer Island isn’t just a paradise for birds ; it’s a thriving ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife . In addition to the avian inhabitants , lucky visitors might encounter rabbits , seals , and dolphins , adding a touch of unpredictability to the island experience .

For those keen on optimizing their puffin spotting experience , timing is crucial. Visiting during the breeding season ensures a higher likelihood of witnessing puffins in their most active and engaging behaviors.

Skomer Island encapsulates burstiness in its wildlife symphony, where the lively puffins share the stage with the graceful flight of other seabirds . Each moment unfolds unpredictably, creating an atmosphere of excitement and discovery.

The island’s avian population paints a vivid tapestry with their colorful plumage and distinctive calls. This rich diversity adds to the perplexity of the experience , making every visit a unique and unforgettable encounter with nature .

Planning Your Visit to Skomer Island

When considering a trip to Skomer Island , understanding the weather conditions is paramount. The island experiences varying coastal weather , making it crucial to plan accordingly. Spring and summer emerge as the prime seasons, offering milder weather and heightened wildlife activity .

To make the most of your Skomer Island experience , plan your visit during the spring and summer months. During this period, the island comes alive with flourishing wildlife and mesmerizing landscapes . Optimal weather conditions provide an ideal backdrop for exploration, making your visit both comfortable and visually rewarding.

Pack wisely for Skomer Island ‘s unpredictable coastal climate . Include layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy walking shoes for the rugged terrain. These essentials ensure you’re prepared for any weather surprises, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty without discomfort.

To avoid any last-minute hiccups, make necessary preparations well in advance. Booking accommodation and transportation is vital due to the island ‘s restricted daily access. Securing these elements ensures a seamless journey , allowing you to focus on enjoying the unique charm and biodiversity of Skomer Island .

Skomer Island offers limited accommodation options, often in high demand. Consider booking your stay early to secure a spot . Whether it’s a cozy bed and breakfast or a local inn, these options provide a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration .

Access to Skomer Island is regulated, with a restricted number of daily visitors . Arrange your transportation ahead of time, ensuring you have a confirmed spot . This proactive approach guarantees a smooth journey , minimizing any potential travel-related stress.

• Wildlife Viewing: Embrace the burst of wildlife during your visit . Binoculars and a camera will enhance your experience , capturing moments with the island ‘s unique inhabitants.
• Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for expert insights. Knowledgeable guides can enrich your understanding of Skomer’s ecology and history .

Conservation Efforts on Skomer Island

Skomer Island , a vital seabird breeding ground, confronts environmental threats demanding robust conservation initiatives . Invasive species , notably rats and rabbits , jeopardize ecosystems, prompting intensive monitoring, trapping, and removal efforts.

To combat invasive species , Skomer’s conservationists employ vigilant monitoring, strategic trapping, and removal programs. These initiatives aim to safeguard the island’s biodiversity , ensuring a conducive environment for seabirds and other wildlife .

Native vegetation restoration is pivotal for Skomer’s ecosystem. Tree planting projects strive to rebalance the delicate interplay between plant and animal species , fostering a sustainable habitat for the island’s diverse wildlife .

Strict visitor management practices play a pivotal role in preserving Skomer ‘s delicate ecosystem. Conservationists regulate visitor numbers , minimize disturbances, and educate visitors about responsible tourism . These efforts are vital to maintain a harmonious coexistence between human activities and wildlife conservation .

Environmental Challenges and Ongoing Research

To ensure the long-term sustainability of Skomer’s wildlife , ongoing research and monitoring programs are paramount. Regular bird population monitoring and assessment of breeding success inform adaptive conservation strategies, ensuring the island’s ecosystem remains resilient.

Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders is instrumental in promoting conservation on Skomer Island . Engaging with and garnering support from the local community are essential components for the success and longevity of conservation initiatives .

in summary Skomer Island tackles invasive species, restores native vegetation , and manages visitor impact. Ongoing research and local collaboration highlight a steadfast commitment to sustaining the ecosystem. Amid challenges, wildlife flourishes, thanks to dedicated conservationists and engaged communities.

Before deciding to visit Skomer Island , it’s important to gather as much information as possible.One of the best ways to do this is by looking at people’s opinions and comments on Google Maps . You can check ratings, reviews, and comments from previous visitors on the Skomer Island page on Google Maps . This can give you a good overview of what to expect during your trip . Explore Google Map Feedback for skomer island .

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

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