
Coquet Island Boat Trips
Witness thousands of puffins and seals on an unforgettable boat trip around Coquet Island, a wildlife haven off the Northumberland coast.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peak puffin season

Coquet Island Boat Trips
Best Time
Peak puffin season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness thousands of puffins and seals on an unforgettable boat trip around Coquet Island, a wildlife haven off the Northumberland coast.
"Fantastic sightings today with thousands of Puffins and hundreds of Seals topped off with a visit from a pod of dolphins!"

🎯 Book Ahead for Puffins
Puffin season is popular! Book your boat trip in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak months.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Northumberland coast is breezy! Pack layers, waterproofs, and windproofs. Non-slip shoes are a must for boarding.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puffin Paradise
Coquet Island
Witness thousands of adorable puffins nesting and diving in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable sight!

Seal Colony Spectacle
Coquet Island
Marvel at hundreds of seals basking on the rocks and swimming playfully in the clear waters. A wildlife photographer's dream!

Dolphin Encounters
Offshore
Keep an eye out for playful pods of bottlenose dolphins, a magical bonus sighting on your marine adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Puffins
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Puffins
Puffin season is popular! Book your boat trip in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak months.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Northumberland coast is breezy! Pack layers, waterproofs, and windproofs. Non-slip shoes are a must for boarding.
🦭 Seal Spotting Success
Hundreds of seals often bask on the rocks. Get there early for the best views and photo opportunities.
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your camera for incredible wildlife shots. Puffins can be fast, so be patient for the perfect photo.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Puffins
Puffin season is popular! Book your boat trip in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak months.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Northumberland coast is breezy! Pack layers, waterproofs, and windproofs. Non-slip shoes are a must for boarding.
🦭 Seal Spotting Success
Hundreds of seals often bask on the rocks. Get there early for the best views and photo opportunities.
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your camera for incredible wildlife shots. Puffins can be fast, so be patient for the perfect photo.
💰 Great Value Trip
Many visitors find the boat trips excellent value for money, offering abundant wildlife sightings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Coquet Island boat trips for their incredible wildlife sightings, particularly the vast numbers of puffins and seals. The friendly and knowledgeable crew, along with the good value for money, are frequently highlighted. Some reviewers noted that the boats can get crowded, advising early arrival for the best seats, and mentioned the presence of steep steps for boarding.
"Puffin Cruises was very good. I was not expecting to see as many puffins, arctic turns and seals as we did. We even saw a gannet which can be seen in the photographs taken. The boat tour was the perfect length of time and the stop off at the islands was great to see the birds up close. I will come to visit again."
Andy Tucker
"Great tour last week, trip lasted a total of 1 hour - I think ~ 40 minutes was spent going around Coquet Island. We chose this trip, as opposed to going further North to Seahouses/Lindesfarne as my sea legs aren't great, and we don't regret that decision!
Really good value for money, helped by seeing lots of puffins and seals. Knowledgeable and friendly service throughout."
Jack Birch
"Really enjoyed our boat trip. Plenty of seal, birds and a couple of puffins (right at the end of the season) a really nice guide as well. The boat was a little crowded so make sure you are really early to get good seats! Be aware that there are some steep steps to get onto the boat."
chris atkinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coquet Island boat trips typically depart from Amble Harbour. You can usually find parking near the harbour. Some operators offer specific meeting points and times, so check with your chosen provider.
Amble is accessible by bus, though services might be less frequent. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance. Many visitors drive to Amble.
Trips generally last around 1 to 1.5 hours, with a significant portion spent circumnavigating Coquet Island to observe wildlife.
No, Coquet Island is only accessible by boat. It's a protected nature reserve, and landings are restricted to specific tours.
There are usually car parks available near Amble Harbour. Arriving early can help secure a convenient spot, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak puffin season. You can often book directly through the boat tour operators' websites or by calling them.
Prices vary between operators, but many visitors consider the trips to be good value for money, especially given the wildlife sightings. Expect prices to be in the range of £15-£25 per adult.
Boat trips typically run from spring through to late summer. Specific departure times vary daily and depend on weather conditions. It's best to check with individual operators for their schedules.
Some operators may offer family packages or child discounts. It's worth inquiring directly with the boat tour company when booking.
While it might be possible, booking in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment, as tours can sell out, particularly during peak season.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a fast shutter speed to capture puffins in flight or diving. A telephoto lens is helpful for getting close-ups of birds on the island.
Seals are often quite close to the boat, making them easier to photograph than puffins. Focus on capturing their curious expressions and playful behaviour.
A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm or 100-400mm) is ideal for capturing both distant wildlife and closer shots of seals and birds.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash directly at the wildlife, especially nesting birds.
Besides puffins and seals, you might see arctic terns, gannets, and potentially dolphins. Keep your camera ready for unexpected sightings!
🎫 🦭 Wildlife & Nature
The puffin season typically runs from April to July. They arrive to breed and nest on the island during these months.
Visitors often report seeing hundreds of seals basking on the rocks around Coquet Island.
While not guaranteed, sightings of bottlenose dolphins are reported, adding an exciting element to the boat trips.
Coquet Island is a haven for seabirds, including arctic terns, kittiwakes, and gannets.
Generally, you remain on the boat for the wildlife viewing. Some tours may offer limited landing opportunities, but this is not standard.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Wildlife Photographers
🌊 Sea-Sickness Sufferers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Puffins
Many visitors are surprised by the sheer number of puffins they encounter. The boat tours are expertly navigated to provide excellent viewing opportunities without disturbing the birds. While photographing puffins can be challenging due to their speed and size, the experience of seeing them in their natural environment is incredibly rewarding.
Abundant Seal Life
Beyond just seeing them, some tours offer the unique experience of hauling up lobster pots to reveal the marine life beneath the waves. This can include lobsters, crabs, and starfish, which you might even get to hold before releasing them back into the sea. This interactive element adds another layer of excitement to the wildlife encounters.
Navigating the Waters: Boat Trip Experience
Comfort is key for enjoying the trip. Visitors often advise arriving early to secure the best seats on the boat, as it can get crowded. Wearing layers and waterproofs is essential, as the sea spray can be refreshing but also chilling. The journey to Coquet Island typically takes about 10-15 minutes, allowing ample time for wildlife viewing around the island.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit