Explore Pembrokeshire
Your complete guide to visiting Skomer Island from South View Glamping near Pembroke — puffins, grey seals, Manx shearwaters and one of Britain’s finest wildlife experiences.
Drive to Martin's Haven
Boat crossing
Breeding puffin pairs
Boat season
In advance
Overview
Skomer Island is one of the finest wildlife experiences anywhere in Britain. A National Nature Reserve sitting just half a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast, it is home to around 6,000 breeding pairs of puffins, the world’s largest colony of Manx shearwaters, grey seals hauled out on the rocks below the cliffs, and an extraordinary variety of other seabirds and wildlife all going about their lives with complete indifference to human observers.
About 40 minutes by car from South View Glamping near Pembroke, followed by a 15-minute boat crossing from Martin’s Haven, Skomer makes a genuinely unforgettable full-day excursion. The experience of walking among puffins at close range, watching them return from the sea to their burrows in the evening light, is something guests regularly describe as one of the highlights of their time in Pembrokeshire.
The island is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and visitor numbers are strictly controlled to protect the wildlife. This means booking well in advance is essential, particularly for the peak puffin season from May to July.
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One of Britain's largest puffin colonies
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Resident seal colony visible year round
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Wild cliffs, sea stacks and coastal views
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Manx shearwaters, razorbills, guillemots
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Boat trips available spring through autumn
Planning Your Visit
01
Skomer Island boat trips sell out weeks in advance during the puffin season from May to July. Book through the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales website as early as possible. Last-minute tickets are rarely available in peak season.
02
From South View Glamping, drive to Martin's Haven near Marloes — about 40 minutes by car. There is a National Trust car park at the top of the hill. Walk down to the quay and check in for your boat trip.
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The boat crossing from Martin's Haven to Skomer takes around 15 minutes across Jack Sound, one of the most tide-swept stretches of water in Britain. The crossing can be lively in rough conditions but is generally straightforward.
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Once on Skomer you have around 5 hours to explore on marked trails. The island is about 700 acres and completely traffic-free. Follow the trails to the main puffin areas, the cliffs above the seal colonies and the extraordinary Wick seabird colony.
Wildlife
Skomer Island is one of the most important wildlife sites in Britain. Here is what to expect when you visit.
Around 6,000 breeding pairs of Atlantic puffins nest on Skomer from April to July. They are completely unafraid of humans and can be observed at very close range as they come and go from their burrows. The late afternoon is the best time as they return from fishing trips at sea.
Skomer holds the world's largest colony of Manx shearwaters, with over 165,000 breeding pairs. They spend the day at sea and return to their burrows after dark. Staying overnight on the island — limited places available — gives you the extraordinary experience of hearing and seeing them return at dusk.
Grey seals are resident on Skomer throughout the year and can regularly be seen hauled out on the rocks below the cliffs or swimming in the waters around the island. Pup season in autumn is a particularly special time to visit.
Skomer is home to large colonies of razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars, as well as short-eared owls, peregrine falcons, choughs and a wide variety of other bird species. Bring binoculars for the best experience.
Visitor Tips
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Skomer sells out fast. Book as soon as you know your travel dates. Peak season May to July books up weeks in advance. Shoulder season April and August and September is easier to book.
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There are no food facilities on the island. Bring everything you need for the day including water, food, sunscreen and layers. The weather on the island can change quickly.
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Skomer offers extraordinary close-up wildlife photography opportunities. A camera with a zoom lens is ideal but even a smartphone produces remarkable results given how close you can get to the puffins.
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Boat trips are cancelled in rough sea conditions. Check the weather forecast before your visit day and the Wildlife Trust website for cancellation information. Trips cancelled due to weather are rescheduled or refunded.
Distance
Minutes to Martin's Haven
Min boat crossing
Breeding puffin pairs
Drive to Martin’s Haven near Marloes, about 40 minutes from South View Glamping near Pembroke. Boats depart from Martin’s Haven from April to September and the crossing takes around 15 minutes.
Puffins are present on Skomer from April to July, with peak numbers in May and June. The best time to see them close up is late afternoon and early evening when they return to their burrows from fishing at sea.
Yes, booking is essential, especially May to July. Boat tickets sell out weeks in advance during puffin season. Book through the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales website as early as possible.
A day visit typically allows around 5 hours on the island, giving plenty of time to walk the marked trails, see the puffins and other wildlife, and explore the island’s scenery and archaeology.
Skomer is home to around 6,000 breeding puffin pairs, the world’s largest Manx shearwater colony with over 165,000 pairs, grey seals, short-eared owls, peregrine falcons, razorbills, guillemots and many other seabirds and wildlife.
Explore More of Pembrokeshire
Staying at South View Glamping near Pembroke puts you within easy reach of the very best of the Pembrokeshire coast. Combine your visit to Skomer Island with any of these stunning nearby destinations.
Pembrokeshire’s most beloved coastal town with award-winning beaches, harbour and boat trips to Caldey Island.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Britain. Secluded National Trust cove accessible only on foot.
Charming harbour village with Blue Flag beach, independent restaurants and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
One of the finest medieval castles in Wales and birthplace of Henry VII. Just 6 minutes from South View.
Beautiful National Trust nature reserve with lily-covered lakes and Broad Haven South beach.
One of the most dramatic beaches on the Pembrokeshire coast with powerful surf and vast dunes.
Britain’s smallest city and home to a magnificent 12th century cathedral in west Pembrokeshire.
A dramatic two-mile stretch of sand on St Brides Bay, popular with surfers and families.
The only coastal national park in Wales with over 600 miles of footpaths and stunning scenery.
Your Base in Pembrokeshire
South View Glamping offers two private glamping stays near Pembroke, set on a quiet family-run smallholding on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The perfect base for exploring Skomer Island and the wider Pembrokeshire coast.
A cosy adults-only shepherd’s hut with private hot tub, fire pit and peaceful countryside views near Pembroke. Designed for couples seeking a romantic rural escape with easy access to Skomer Island and the Pembrokeshire coast.
A private countryside cabin with electric hot tub, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and stunning views. Ideal for families or friends exploring Skomer Island and the Pembrokeshire coast from a peaceful rural base.
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