SKOMER ISLAND ACCOMMODATION
Check latest vacancies by going to the Booking Form and Information page (click here)
STOP PRESS - Skomer Island accommodation has been awarded three stars by Visit Wales in the hostel range of accommodation. This indicates a good level of quality and comfort. Click here for information on their grading.
The farm complex in the centre of the island has been converted into comfortable accommodation sleeping a total of 16 people. The accommodation consists of:
Shearwater room
Puffin (ground floor): double and bunk beds (sleeps four)
Curlew (ground floor): twin beds
Guillemot (first floor): twin beds
Chough (first floor): three single beds
Shearwater (first floor): one single bed and two sets of bunk beds, sleeping five people
Pillows and duvets are provided. You will need to bring sleeping bag, under sheet and pillowcase or duvet cover, under sheet and pillowcase. Under sheets are required in both cases in order to help protect the mattress. Please be aware there are no laundry facilities on the island or facilities to dry wet clothing.
Kitchen
Lounge/dining room
There is a library which overnight visitors are welcome to use. You will also be invited/encouraged to contribute to the wildlife recording on the island during your stay and discuss with other guests and volunteers.
Rooms must be vacated by 9am on the day of departure - this will allow time for the tractor to be loaded with your belongings and transported near to the departure point. Rooms should be left in a clean and tidy condition for the next visitors. You may stay the morning on the island and leave on the last boat bringing visitors over to the island in the morning, approximately 12 noon. Please liaise with the Visitor Services Officer regarding your departure time. You may be asked to leave on the first boat of the day if the weather is closing in (if bad weather is expected the boatman will try and make one run to the island to get visitors on and off at about 10am). Guests can access their rooms at 1pm when the Visitor Services Officer will give a short talk on the facilities available.
Please note that the island is closed on Mondays (Bank Holiday Mondays excepted) - if you wish to arrive on Sunday you will have to stay for two nights.
In 2010 the Island is closed from 18-20 May for the bird census. If you wish to stay from Sunday 16 May you will be on the island until the morning of Friday 21 May (five nights). There will be no other sailings during this time. You must therefore bring sufficient food supplies. Otherwise overnight bookings are limited to three nights during May, June and July.
BOATS
No booking is required, there are up to five crossings from 10am to 12 noon Tuesday to Sunday, weather permitting. You will have to wait your turn in the queue but you will get across on a morning boat - the boatman will have a list of all who are staying on the island. Sailings may be disrupted by the weather and quite often the boatman may not make a decision until the morning. Overnight visitors to the island will have a list of contact phone numbers sent to them and they should liaise with the Visitor Services Officer. We also ask for a mobile phone number or contact number in case the VSO needs to contact them the day before visitors are due to arrive. In bad weather the boat may only make one run to the island to get visitors on and off and if you are aiming to travel over on an afternoon boat this may not take place.
You can check the weather at Martin's Haven by clicking here which gives some idea of the weather conditions.
A boat fare is payable on the boat. Prices in 2010 are £10 adult, £7 children.
There is no island landing fee for overnight guests.
HOW TO GET THERE
The boat departure point is Martin’s Haven (Ordnance Survey map reference SM760091) two miles on from Marloes Village which is about 12 miles south-west of Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. Full details will be sent with confirmation of booking but you will be reserved a place on the 10am sailing. We cannot guarantee that the tractor or help will be available with luggage if you decide to come on a later boat.
CAR PARKING
There is a National Trust car park, manned through the day, at Martin’s Haven for which there is a charge for non National Trust members (2010: £4). For overnight security we recommend West Hook Farm about 1/4 mile from the Haven. West Hook Farm charges are £3 per day, £5 for an overnight stay, and £12 a week; prior arrangement should be made with the Thomas family (01646 636424). Please note this is a working farm and your phone call may not be answered immediately.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
There is a strict Code of Conduct operated on the island in order to protect the environment and wildlife, but also to prevent accidents - please respect it.
Information is available in each room and in the visitor's lounge. Please read this carefully. A shortened version of this is sent to guests before their arrival.
WARNING
Bad weather or high seas may delay the boats or interfere with sailing altogether.
In the event of being unable to get to the Island a refund of the booking fee (less deposit) will be made but the Trust is unable to accept responsibility for costs that might be incurred should you become stormbound on the Island or need to find alternative accommodation on the mainland.
It is therefore recommended that visitors take out their own insurance cover against such eventualities. This can normally be done through your usual Insurance Company.