Pembrokeshire’s Puffin Paradise

If you’re in Pembrokeshire between April and August, you’re in luck — it’s puffin season on Skomer Island! These charming little birds are a highlight for visitors, and if you’re hoping to see them up close, here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Skomer Island?

Skomer Island sits just under a mile off Pembrokeshire’s coast, across the waters of Jack Sound. It’s a small island — less than 3 square kilometers — but it’s one of the UK’s most important seabird sanctuaries. Thanks to its thriving puffin population, Skomer is one of the best places in the country to see these iconic birds.

When can you see Puffins on Skomer Island?

Puffins start arriving on Skomer in April and usually stick around until August. They take a little time to settle in, but the best time to visit is between mid-June and mid-July, when the colony is at its busiest.

And while the puffins are the star attraction, there’s plenty more to see — keep an eye out for manx shearwaters, razorbills, dolphins, porpoises, grey seals, and a whole host of beautiful wildflowers.

How to visit Skomer Island

If you’re staying in Pembrokeshire, there are two main ways to experience Skomer:

By land:
Head to Martin’s Haven, about 35 minutes drive from Newgale Holidays, Rainbolts Farm. From there, you can catch the boat to Skomer. It used to be first-come, first-served for tickets, but now you can book online in advance. After a short 15-minute ride on the Dale Princess, you’re free to wander the island at your own pace, puffin-spotting and exploring.

By sea:
For a different perspective, consider a boat tour from St Justinians, near the St Davids lifeboat station. Companies like Falcon Boats offer exciting trips around Skomer’s coast, giving you the chance to see puffins and other wildlife from the water.

Things to know before you go

Skomer is a protected habitat, and visitors are asked to follow a few simple rules to help keep it that way:

• Stay on marked paths to protect the puffins’ fragile burrows (and to avoid disturbing other wildlife like rabbits and shearwaters)
  
• Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes — the terrain can be rough in places
  
• Sorry, no dogs allowed on the island
  
• Be ready for a bit of a workout – you’ll need to climb 87 steps from the landing point, and walking around the island involves some uneven ground
  
• There’s no café on the island, though you can buy water — so pack a picnic to keep you going!
  

Dreaming of a day on Skomer? 

Start planning your Pembrokeshire adventure today!