Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire

What it is and why it matters

Skomer is one of the most important seabird colonies in Britain. Puffins arrive from mid-April, are present through May to July and have gone by the end of July. Manx shearwaters breed on the island from April to September, and razorbills and guillemots nest on the cliffs. Grey seals are seen all year, with white-coated pups on the beaches from late August to October.

Visiting practicalities

Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips is the only operator that lands visitors on Skomer, sailing from Martin's Haven. Day tickets must be booked in advance online, and bookings for each new season open on 1 December; daily visitor numbers are capped, so book early. Boats run April to August, Tuesday to Sunday, with outward sailings every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 12:00 and returns from 15:00. There are no boats on Mondays except bank holiday Mondays in the main season, and September has a reduced service. Park at Martin's Haven, which is a five-minute walk from the landing stage, and check in at Lockley Lodge before boarding. Crossings depend on sea conditions.

Nearby and combining your visit

Martin's Haven sits at the tip of the Marloes peninsula on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, so a cliff walk is an easy addition. Marloes village is the nearest settlement for food and supplies.

Highlights

• National Nature Reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
• Puffins from mid-April to the end of July
• Manx shearwaters, razorbills and guillemots
• Grey seal pups from late August to October
• 15-minute crossing from Martin's Haven

Good to know

• Book day tickets online in advance; the new season's booking opens on 1 December.
• No boats on Mondays (except bank holiday Mondays in season).
• Visitor numbers are capped each day.
• Sailings depend on sea conditions.

Frequently asked questions