Bird PlacesWildlife Trust of South and West Wales reserve · Marloes, Pembrokeshire
Skomer Island birdwatching guide
Skomer holds one of the largest Manx shearwater colonies on earth alongside puffins that walk past visitors on the clifftop paths, entirely unbothered. The island has no hides — the birds are simply that close — and a day trip means a short boat crossing, a steep climb from the landing and several hours on level clifftop tracks above the burrows.
Key facts
- Habitat
- coastal
- Size
- Not recorded
- Entry fee (adult)
- £23.00
- Entry fee (child)
- £15.00
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- Not published
- Wheelchair access
- Limited / none
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- Boat crossing from Martin's Haven; steep steps from the island landing
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Status
- seasonal
- Best seasons
- spring, summer
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Guillemot (Uria aalge) | common | — |
| summer | Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) | common | One of the world's largest colonies, though only seen ashore after dark |
| summer | Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) | occasional | — |
| summer | Puffin (Fratercula arctica) | common | Approachable on the clifftop paths from April to July |
Getting there
Marloes, Pembrokeshire
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Boats run April to September, weather permitting; landing tickets must be booked in advance
Frequently asked questions
When can I see puffins on Skomer?
Puffins are ashore from about April to late July, with June the peak month for birds carrying sandeels back to their burrows.
Do I need to book a Skomer landing in advance?
Yes — landing tickets are limited and sell out well ahead in summer. Crossings are also cancelled in rough weather, so allow flexibility.
How much does it cost to visit Skomer?
The landing fee paid on the island is £23 for adults and £15 for children. Most visitors also pay a boat fare — a day trip from Martin's Haven costs roughly £32–£46 per adult depending on the season, which includes the landing fee.
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Information last updated 25 July 2026.