Skomer Island
Skomer Island: A Pembrokeshire paradise teeming with puffins and seabirds, offering an unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak puffin season
Skomer Island
Best Time
Peak puffin season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Skomer Island: A Pembrokeshire paradise teeming with puffins and seabirds, offering an unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
"This island in the UK has 40,000 Puffins! It's an unforgettable experience. "
Book Landing Tickets Online
Tickets sell out fast! Book your boat trip and landing slot well in advance, especially for peak puffin season. 🎟️
Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are essential for exploring the island safely. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
5 · 230 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Puffin Encounters
Throughout the island
Witness thousands of adorable puffins up close as they nest, fish, and waddle. A truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
Seabird Colonies
Cliffs and burrows
Beyond puffins, discover diverse seabirds like guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes in their natural breeding grounds.
Wildflower Meadows
Across the island
In spring and early summer, the island bursts with vibrant wildflowers, including bluebells, adding a splash of color.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Skomer Island Trip Early!
Weather & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Landing Tickets Online
Tickets sell out fast! Book your boat trip and landing slot well in advance, especially for peak puffin season. 🎟️
Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are essential for exploring the island safely. :athletic_shoe:
Pack for All Weathers
Skomer is exposed. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. The weather can change quickly! ☁️
Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the island except for basic toilets. Pack all your food and drinks for the day. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Landing Tickets Online
Tickets sell out fast! Book your boat trip and landing slot well in advance, especially for peak puffin season. 🎟️
Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are essential for exploring the island safely. :athletic_shoe:
Pack for All Weathers
Skomer is exposed. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. The weather can change quickly! ☁️
Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the island except for basic toilets. Pack all your food and drinks for the day. :water_wave:
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from birds and their nests. Do not disturb the wildlife or remove anything from the island. :dove:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Skomer Island for its incredible puffin encounters and abundant seabird colonies, describing it as a 'fantastic' and 'unforgettable' wildlife experience. The island's natural beauty and the close proximity of the puffins are major highlights. However, the limited landing tickets, the need to book far in advance, and the exposed nature of the island requiring preparation for all weather are common points of caution.
"Fantastic experience. The 5 hours on the island flies by and there is so much wildlife to see. The Puffins will come close to you and they are just the best little birds to watch.
Staff are great and the conversation aspect is truly important to them. They protect this sanctuary well and all I'd say is book well in advance and hope for good weather. Help support the protection of Puffins and sea birds where their nesting sites hang in the balance."
Ryan Wilson
"Lovely island to explore especially when it is sunny, but not too sunny as it can become too hot. We visited last week of July and 95% of the puffins already left the Island. Those that are still on the island are most of the time on the water. We walked around the coast and was finally rewarded with three puffins close up encounter. They said the majority left 3 weeks ago."
Arlef Suarez
"Going to Skomer Island is a fantastic, albeit very tiring, day out! We went on 17th July and there were still loads of puffins on the island. You’re on the island for 5 hours and if you are a strong walker you can get around the whole island in that time. There are shorter routes you can take as well. Do be aware if you go there’s only one place to go the loo. There’s very little cover so prepare for all weathers!"
Emma & Murray Wright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Cardiff Central, take a train to Haverfordwest. From Haverfordwest, you'll need to arrange onward transport to Martin's Haven, the departure point for Skomer Island boat trips. This often involves a taxi or pre-booked transfer.
The closest train station to the departure point for Skomer Island is Haverfordwest. From there, you'll need to travel to Martin's Haven.
Martin's Haven is the departure point for Skomer Island. It's accessible by car, but parking can be limited. Taxis or pre-arranged transfers from Haverfordwest are also options.
Yes, Pembrokeshire Island Boat Trips operates the official boat service to Skomer Island from Martin's Haven. Booking in advance is essential.
Yes, some companies offer boat trips around Skomer Island, providing views of the puffins and coastline without landing. This is a good alternative if landing tickets are unavailable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Landing tickets for Skomer Island typically cost around £40-£44 per person for a return journey. Prices can vary, so check the official booking website for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets for landing on Skomer Island must be booked in advance through the official Pembrokeshire Island Boat Trips website. They do not sell tickets on the day.
Book your Skomer Island tickets as early as possible, ideally months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak puffin season (mid-April to late July).
Skomer Island is typically open for visits from the end of March to September. The boat trips operate daily, weather permitting, with specific landing times.
No, you cannot visit Skomer Island without a pre-booked landing ticket. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance online.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
You typically have around 5 hours on Skomer Island for your visit. This allows ample time for exploring the paths and observing the wildlife.
Skomer Island is famous for its large puffin colony, but also hosts thousands of other seabirds, wildflowers, and stunning coastal scenery. +1
Yes, there are basic toilet facilities located at the farm in the center of the island. It's advisable to use them when you see them as they are the only ones available.
The island has uneven terrain. For those with mobility issues or families with young children, starting the walk clockwise towards the south may offer a more manageable route to see puffins.
Absolutely! Skomer Island is a photographer's paradise, especially for wildlife. Bring your camera and capture the incredible puffins and seabirds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food or drink facilities on Skomer Island. Visitors must bring all their own provisions for the day.
Pack plenty of snacks, sandwiches, and water. Consider items that are easy to eat while walking and won't spoil.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows. However, puffins are active throughout the day.
A telephoto lens is great for capturing puffins and seabirds. A wide-angle lens is useful for the island's landscapes. A GoPro is also popular for capturing close-up interactions.
Puffins on Skomer Island are known to be quite habituated to humans and can come very close, allowing for fantastic close-up shots. Always maintain a respectful distance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit