Background

Skomer Island: A Premier Wildlife Sanctuary and Coastal Escape

A wildlife sanctuary famed for puffins, seabirds, and seals, offering rugged coastal beauty and unique overnight stays in a tranquil, protected island setting.

5

Skomer Island, off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, is a renowned National Nature Reserve celebrated for its extraordinary seabird colonies, including thousands of puffins, and its rugged coastal beauty. Visitors experience dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and rich archaeological heritage, with limited facilities and a strong focus on conservation. The island offers both day visits and a unique overnight stay in a small, cozy hostel within its peaceful, unspoiled environment.

A brief summary to Skomer Island

  • Haverfordwest, SA62 3BJ, GB
  • Duration: 3 to 6 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Book boat tickets well in advance, especially during puffin season, as daily visitor numbers are capped at 250.
  • Wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots to navigate uneven, rocky, and hilly terrain safely.
  • Stay on marked paths to protect delicate seabird burrows and avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Consider an overnight stay in the island’s small hostel for a unique experience and extended wildlife viewing.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no café facilities on the island, only basic composting toilets.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Boat

    Travel to Skomer Island by boat from Martin's Haven, with a 15-minute crossing operated by Dale Sailing. Boats run Tuesday to Sunday from April to September. Tickets cost approximately £24-£44 and must be booked in advance due to daily visitor limits.

  • Walking

    Once on the island, explore the 4.5-mile marked trail circuit. The terrain is uneven and hilly, requiring sturdy footwear and moderate fitness. Note the 87 steep steps on arrival and limited shelter along paths.

  • Car

    Park at the National Trust car park at Martin's Haven (postcode SA62 3BJ) before boarding the boat. Parking is limited, especially during peak season, so arrive early.

Skomer Island location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Skomer Island

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Skomer Island

Wildlife Haven and Seabird Spectacle

Skomer Island is internationally recognized for its vast seabird populations, hosting more than 300,000 pairs of Manx shearwaters—the largest colony worldwide—and tens of thousands of puffins that nest in burrows across the island. Visitors can witness puffins waddling along footpaths and flying with fish-filled beaks, a captivating natural spectacle. Other seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, choughs, and short-eared owls also thrive here. Grey seals are common along the rocky shores, especially from late summer to autumn when females come ashore to birth pups. The surrounding waters form part of the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone, where porpoises, dolphins, and sunfish may be spotted.

Stunning Coastal Landscapes and Flora

The island’s dramatic cliffs and rocky shoreline offer breathtaking coastal views and a variety of walking trails totaling about 4.5 miles. In spring and early summer, the island blooms with a spectacular display of wildflowers including bluebells, red campion, thrift, and sea campion, adding bursts of color to the rugged terrain. The landscape is a mosaic of marshland, bracken, and grassland, providing vital habitats for the island’s wildlife. The island’s exposed position means weather can be changeable, with little shelter or shade along the paths.

Rich Archaeological and Historical Roots

Human presence on Skomer dates back to the Bronze Age, marked by the Haroldstone standing stone and burial cairns. The Iron Age saw a more substantial settlement, with evidence of four communities, a promontory fort, and some of Britain’s best-preserved field systems. These ancient stone boundaries remain visible before vegetation fully grows, revealing the island’s long history of habitation and land use.

Conservation and Visitor Experience

Managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, Skomer is a protected National Nature Reserve with strict visitor limits—capped at 250 people per day—to preserve its delicate ecosystems. Visitors must adhere to marked paths to avoid damaging nesting burrows. Facilities are minimal, with composting toilets, a visitor centre, and a sheltered picnic area. The island runs guided walks, wildlife events, and yoga retreats during the open season from April to September. Overnight stays are possible in a small, sustainably run hostel converted from the island’s old farm buildings, offering basic but comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests.

Exploring Skomer: Trails and Terrain

The island’s main trail circuit covers varied terrain, including uneven, rocky, and hilly paths requiring sturdy footwear and moderate fitness. Visitors climb 87 steep steps on arrival and should be prepared for limited shelter and no café or shop facilities. The full loop takes about 2.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace and route choice. The island’s quiet atmosphere and abundant wildlife make it a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude.

Access and Practical Details

Access to Skomer is by a 15-minute boat ride from Martin’s Haven, with boat trips operating Tuesday to Sunday during the open season. Tickets must be booked in advance due to visitor limits and can be purchased at Lockley Lodge near the departure point. The island is cash-only for tickets and offers binocular hire. No dogs are allowed, and visitors are urged to carry out all rubbish, including organic waste, to maintain the island’s pristine condition.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Skomer Island

Popular Hotels near Skomer Island

Select Currency