Skomer Island Puffins

I did this trip last year July 25 2024. It was breathtaking. So many puffins even though they note the puffins start to leave at this time. This was a last minute addition (tickets booked 10 days in advance) so don't worry about tickets selling out.

I used Pembrokshire Island Boat Trips. 20 pound per adult to go to island and sit among the Puffins on the water. About 1 1/2 hours across to the island and sitting (plus arriving one hour before.) I didn't choose to go on the island as I wanted to use the afternoon to go onto St. Davids. In hindsight I was really glad not to have booked landing on the island as it is barren. There was very little to see. Our tour boat was smaller and very basic - no modern audio - so make sure to sit near the guide. The guide was an older very knowledgeable bird expert who obviously loved wildlife and had a seagull that flew in and rested on his arm (brilliant).

I caught the boat from a remote peninsular - we drove as we had rental - about 1 hour (can't remember exactly) away from Tenby. The parking lot was literally a field run by the National Trust: Martins Haven Nation Trust Car Park. It cost 7 Pounds cash to park. The meeting place was a short walk from the field to the grandly named Lockley Lodge Visitor Center (a small wooden hut).

I still think this is one of the most unexpected experiences I have had. I am Welsh (living in CA) and had no idea about this Puffin breeding program. It is one of the most successful in the world.

(P.S. If you are looking for another interesting outdoor activity nearby Tenby/Saundersfoot try beach foraging: www.coastalforaging.co.uk with Craig Evans)

Thank you for sharing your experience!

We visited the island itself and it was one of the top three highlights of our 2 weeks in Wales -- well, actually, of any trip! I did not find the island barren -- it was teeming with life. We were there in May and there were so many puffins that we could approach within just a few feet. (There are volunteers on site to keep overzealous tourists from interfering.) The area was covered in wildflowers and the views are magnificent. Oh, and plenty of seals as well. It is a long day, and to get anything out of it, you need to walk the full perimeter of the island. We didn't find this hard, but if you have mobility issues, I would stick with one of the boats that just goes in the water. Pack snacks/lunch, lots of water, a sun hat and sunscreen, and an extra layer in case the wind or rain kicks in. And be sure to pay attention to their rules for tourists -- they work very hard to preserve the integrity of the island to protect the wildlife. They limit the number of people that can visit the island and there are days when no one is allowed, so I would try to book as early as possible. It is a very popular event.

Thanks for the review. Yes, we plan on trying to book the one that stops on the island. My 10-year-old son is obsessed with puffins and is the one who really wants to do this. He wants the option to get up close with them on the island. We live in Colorado so are used to hiking/walking, but do you think it would be too long of a day for 2 kids? They'll be 14 and 10, we plan on going in early July and packing a lunch and doing some hiking.