Skomer is a small island, covering an area of just 2.92 km² (720 acres or 1.13 square miles), but it is one of the most important nature reserves in Europe because of its seabird habitats. It hosts the world’s largest population of Manx Shearwaters, with more than 350,000 breeding pairs found on the island, which is half the world’s population. There are also thousands of Guillemots, Razorbills, and Kittiwakes, as well as hundreds of Fulmars and other species. Additionally, Skomer is home, from April to late July, to nearly 43,000 Atlantic puffins (the largest colony in Southern UK), undoubtedly the main attraction of the reserve.
Visiting Skomer Island is easy, and you will be able to see puffins up-close, as they are not afraid of humans, and some of the footpaths run alongside their burrows. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know to spend a memorable day on the island.
In A Nutshell
- Skomer Island is located in Southwest Wales; the embarkation point is Martin’s Haven.
- The island is open from April to September.
- The highest concentration of puffins is between June and mid-July.
- The day trip lasts 5 hours, and the boat journey is 15 minutes one-way.
- Tickets cost between £24 and £44 (adult or child, infants are free).
- Arrive at the embarkation point one hour in advance and check in at the Visitor Centre.
- There is one toilet on the island, but no refreshments (except for water bottles).
- Dogs are not allowed.
When is the best time to visit, and what time of year are puffins on Skomer Island?
The island is open to visitors between April and September (the last month operates on a reduced schedule).
The largest number of puffins can be seen between mid-June and mid-July, but I’ve seen them as early as late April. If unsure, you can call the booking office and check one of the live webcams on YouTube. By August, only a few pairs remain before joining the others out on the Atlantic Ocean.
You can visit Skomer for the day or stay overnight at the Old Farm hostel, the only accommodation available on the island. Read more about overnight stays on the Welsh Wildlife Trust website.
Note that the island is closed on Mondays, except during UK bank holidays.
Where is Skomer Island and how do I get there?
Skomer Island is located in Southwest Wales, one mile off the coast of Pembrokeshire. It is part of the community of Marloes and St Brides. To visit the island, you will need to reach the Martin’s Haven embarkation point and then proceed by boat.
Arriving By Car
You can drive all the way to the Martin’s Haven National Trust car park, which is right by the Lockley Lodge Visitor Centre and the embarkation point.
If you live in the UK and are a National Trust member, the car park is free. Otherwise, it costs £7 for the day (£10 for camper vans, £12 for minibuses). You can pay with the paybyphone mobile app but be aware that 4G / 5G signal is poor on the site, so you may not succeed in using your phone to pay. I strongly advise to bring cash with you.
There is a second car park, the Marloes Sands car park (also run by National Trust), but it is about 40 minutes walking distance to the departure point. The price and conditions are the same.
Visitors are asked to arrive an hour in advance before the boat departure time. In the summer, I advise you to arrive a bit earlier than that to secure a spot in the nearest car park. There are refreshments at the visitor centre and you can walk around the area while waiting for the boat, so time will pass quickly.
Arriving With Public Transport
You can get to Martin’s Haven using public transport, but be prepared for a long journey depending on your starting point. A special bus called the 400 Puffin Shuttle runs between St. Davids and the Martin’s Haven car park (approximately a 90-minute journey). It operates daily from late May to the end of September.
The nearest train stations are Milford Haven and Haverfordwest, both of which offer direct connections to Cardiff and major cities and towns in the South. From these stations, you will need a connecting bus to one of the stops where you can catch the 400 Puffin Shuttle. Therefore, the total journey to Martin’s Haven can easily take up to 5 hours.
Another alternative is to book a taxi. You can find a listing of taxis in the area here.
How long is the ferry to Skomer Island and do I need to book?
The boat trip from Martin’s Haven to the island is short, lasting around 15 minutes.
You need to book online through the Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips website. They are the only operator that lands on the island, and the ticket covers both the boat and landing fees. They also offer a variety of boat trips around the island.
Here are the day-trip ticket prices for the 2024 season (infants are free). Please check the boat operator’s website for the latest updates. For booking enquiries, you can call the booking office at +44 (0)1646 603123.
| April | May / June | July | August / September | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | £40 | £44 | £40 | £30 |
| Child (2-12) | £30 | £30 | £30 | £24 |
Private charters are also available, or you can land with your own boat. More information is available on the Welsh Wildlife Trust website.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the island.
Accessibility
- A printed version of the welcome talk is available upon arrival on the island.
- Dogs, including guide dogs, are not permitted on the island. If you require assistance, you can be accompanied by a member of the island’s staff; please arrange this in advance with the Visitor Officer.
- Unfortunately, the island is not accessible for wheelchair users due to 87 steps upon arrival and narrow, uneven paths throughout. Lift access to the Old Farm is available for hostel guests only; please arrange this in advance.
- Hostel visits can be booked via email rather than by phone.
- Deafguards are available for guests staying at the hostel.
Because you are asked to arrive one hour earlier, you’ll have time to explore the surroundings before boarding the boat. After checking in at Lockley Lodge, where you can also enjoy coffee, purchase snacks, and rent binoculars, there are short walks available around the embarkation point that offer beautiful views of the island. Restroom facilities are also available, and I’d suggest making use of them before boarding. There is only one public toilet on the island, located in the old farmhouse.
You will be required to queue for the boat 20 minutes before departure time. The boat journey to the island takes approximately 15 minutes.
Bad Weather and cancellation
- Your boat trip may be cancelled due to bad weather or high winds.
- The company will notify you in the morning before 7 a.m., and they may also provide advance notice the day before if the forecast is particularly severe.
- If your trip is cancelled due to weather conditions, you will receive a full refund.
- For more details, please visit the company’s website.
What should I bring to Skomer Island for the day trip?
Considering the time of year and the day’s forecast, prepare for unpredictable weather. Bring a backpack to store items you may not need in the morning but will be grateful to have later in the day.
- Rain jacket: Rain can be frequent.
- Layers: The island is exposed, and there’s little protection. Be prepared to add a sweatshirt or jacket, especially on cloudy or windy days.
- Sun cream: There aren’t many places to seek shelter from intense sunlight.
- Suitable walking shoes: Most paths are flat but can be rough in places.
- Water bottle: You can purchase water at the Lockley Lodge Visitor Centre or on the island at the Farmhouse, but bringing your own reusable bottle is recommended.
- Picnic: There are no food facilities on the island, so pack sandwiches, fruit, or any cold meal.
Important
Always keep your bag closed and do not leave it unattended while waiting for the boat. The Trust works diligently to prevent rats from reaching the reserve, which could devastate the bird population as seen on other islands.
How Long Does It Take to Walk Around Skomer Island?
Walking around the entire island will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on the longest 4-mile (6.5 km) path. There are shorter sections of paths available if you prefer a slower pace or want to head directly to the area with the highest concentration of puffins (The Wick).
The footpaths on the island are narrow and lined with burrows for much of the way. If the island reaches full capacity, staff may request that visitors follow the trails in a counter clockwise direction to reduce encounters and avoid disturbing burrows near the path.
(You can purchase it for a few pounds at the Lockley Lodge).
Click to enlarge.
You have a total of 4.5 hours on the island (5 hours including the boat trip there and back), which allows plenty of time for walking, having a picnic, and taking photos. That said, keep an eye on your watch to ensure you’re back at the embarkation point in time. You can ask a member of staff at the Old Farm and The Wick if you’re unsure how much time you have left.
Upon arrival, one of the island’s volunteers will formally welcome you and provide safety instructions. Binoculars, leaflets, and maps with additional information are available for rent or purchase. Water bottles can also be bought onsite. The staff will brief you on island rules and essential guidelines.
Important
- Always stay on marked footpaths to protect wildlife burrows scattered across the ground.
- Take all rubbish back with you, as there are no bins on the island.
The only toilet facility is located in the Old Farm, where you can also purchase water bottles, use tables and benches for lunch, or take a rest.
Skomer Island Day Trip, in Pictures
You can start admiring seabirds from the boat as you approach the island. Look out for puffins flying back and forth or bathing in the water.
Upon landing, you’ll need to climb 87 steep steps before reaching the welcoming point. You might even be greeted by a sleepy seal, as happened during my last visit!
The landing area is a great spot to observe razorbills, some of which rest quite close to the steps. You’ll also spot puffins flying off the cliffs in the distance.
After being welcomed by the island staff, I opted to walk the longest trail that circles the entire island. I decided to get lunch out of the way and sat at the Harold Stone, the first landmark on the map near the landing place.
The walk had just started, but I could already see many rabbits running and hopping in the grass. Skomer, famous for its seabirds, is also home to over 10,000 rabbits! Introduced in the 13th century, they were initially farmed for fur and food.
Next, I followed the main path leading to the Old Farm, situated near the center of the island and serving as a primary reference point. From there, various paths branch out. You can rest, purchase water, and use the island’s only public toilet. The farm also houses a small visitor center and museum, and serves as the hostel for overnight stays.
Did you know?
Archaeological evidence suggests an Iron Age community of up to 200 people lived on Skomer Island. Farming activities ceased in 1949, a decade before the island was designated a nature reserve in 1959. Between 2005 and 2007, the Old Farm was renovated and expanded to accommodate guests.
From the Old Farm, I headed north toward the Garland Stone. During springtime, the path is lined with spectacular fields of bluebells.
As you reach the northern part of the island, you may spot grey seals in the water or resting on rocks. In early spring and late autumn, when pups are born, there can be over 100 grey seals, particularly at North Haven (where the boats land) and around the Garland Stone. Keep an eye out for dolphins as well, especially if you have binoculars with you.
Continuing along the west side of the island, the path led me past various points such as Bull Hole and Pingstone Bay, where puffin colonies are present, though observing the birds up close can be challenging. The trail eventually took me near Skomer Head in the southwest.
While puffins may be the main attraction, Skomer Island is also home to numerous other bird species including Great Black-backed gulls, razorbills, fulmars, guillemots, and kittiwakes, nesting on large cliffs throughout the island. You’ll see these birds flying and hear them as well. Most seabirds return to the sea by late July.
Where are the Manx Shearwaters?
They remain in their burrows or out at sea during the day to avoid predators like the Great Black-backed gull, becoming active around the island at night. If you stay overnight, you may see (and hear) them after sunset.
Continuing along the south coast, you’ll eventually reach The Wick, where you’ll find a great concentration of puffins and have the chance to see them up close. This makes for a rewarding sight after a few hours of walking. Between June and mid-July, many puffins bring back silvery sandeels in their beaks to feed their chicks, offering visitors with cameras iconic photo opportunities.
Puffins are not afraid of humans, so you may see a few quite close. They regularly cross footpaths, so please be attentive to their presence.
If you bring your camera with you, The Wick area will offer plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful images of puffins, even if you don’t have the longest of lenses – 200mm in full-frame equivalent is plenty. But even without a camera, you still have a chance. Because puffins can be quite close to the footpath, you can capture decent images and videos using just your smartphone!
quick facts about the Puffins
- Puffins are also known as “sea parrots” due to their brightly coloured bills (beaks)
- They are small seabirds measuring up to 29cm in height.
- They typically mate for life, returning to the same partner each year and producing one chick annually.
- They have an average lifespan of 18 years
- Puffins are classified under red conservation status, indicating a declining population at risk of extinction. Rising sea temperatures, overfishing, and pollution have reduced crucial food resources like sandeels, which puffins rely on.
From The Wick, you can continue via the longer route that circles the South Plateau, head straight north to the old farmhouse, or take a shortcut to the east coast path that leads back to the landing place.
Conclusion – Is The Skomer Island Day Trip Worth it?
Skomer Island offers a unique opportunity to connect with a realm where seabirds thrive, and humans are merely guests. The presence of puffins, with their vibrant bills and charming demeanour, makes the trip captivating for children and adults alike; this alone is worth the ticket price. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the impressive variety of seabirds in and around the island. It’s a beautiful and peaceful location that is easily accessible and not difficult to explore.
Visiting Skomer Island is also an opportunity to support the nature reserve and the vital conservation efforts carried out by researchers and volunteers. It is not just a wildlife sanctuary, but a testament to the fragility of ecosystems, which must be protected for generations to come.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skomer Island suitable for infants and young children?
You won’t be able to use a pushchair on Skomer, so you would have to carry your infant at all times. Older children who are happy to walk fair distances should have a great experience on the island. The last time I went, we brought our 4-year-old with us, and he really enjoyed it. The longest walk around the island may be a bit too much, but you can take the shorter trails instead. You know your child better than anyone, so only you can decide if the island is suitable for him or her.
Do People live on Skomer Island?
Staff and researchers can spend some time on the island for work or study purposes, but there are no permanent residents on Skomer.
How do I get to Skomer Island from Tenby?
With public transport, you’re set for a long journey, I’m afraid. I believe the best solution is to get the First Cymry 381 bus from Tenby to Haverfordwest (about 1 hour and 10 minutes). From there, take the TrawsCymru T11 bus to Newgale (about 25 minutes), and finally, hop on the 400 Puffin Shuttle that will take you all the way down to Martin’s Haven (about a one-hour journey). So you’re looking at an almost three-hour journey plus the time you need to wait between buses, which means it’s likely you’ll need to stay in overnight accommodation the night before going to the island, and probably the night after you come back from the island.
Is There a Beach on Skomer Island?
There are a few small beaches that get uncovered at low tide, but they are not accessible to visitors. The one in North Haven is where grey seals haul out in spring and autumn.
Are dogs Allowed on Skomer Island?
No, they are not, including guide dogs for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the nature of the island and its seabird inhabitants are incompatible with dogs, and the preservation of the island’s wildlife is the main priority.
Who owns Skomer Island?
Skomer is owned by Natural Resources Wales and managed by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
