SKOMER ISLAND ACCOMMODATION
The farm complex in the centre of the island has been converted into comfortable accommodation sleeping a total of 15 people. The accommodation consists of:
Shearwater roomPuffin (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): twin and bunk beds (sleeps four)
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.
Kitchen
The visitors’ self-catering kitchen is subdivided with each half containing a sink, cooker and preparation area. They share one large fridge and there are dry food storage facilities; note there is no microwave. There is also a dining/sitting room. Solar heated showers and electric lighting are available but please note that there is a limited amount of water on the island. If you leave hot taps running this will deplete the hot water supply for everybody!!
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 visitors' boat which is at approximately 12 noon.
If you want to stay on the island all day and leave on one of the afternoon boats this may not be possible as the boat may not have room. Therefore please liaise with the Visitor Services Officer regarding your departure time. You may be asked to leave on the first boat 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).
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 2008 the Island is closed from 20-22 May for the sea bird census. If you wish to stay from Sunday 18 May you will be on the island until the morning of Friday 23 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, crossings are at 1000h,1100h and 1200h each day. Sailings may be disrupted by the weather - check by calling Lockley Lodge (01646 636234), Dale Sailing (01646 603123) or the Dale Princess (07831 659623).
You can check the weather at Martin's Haven by clicking here.
A boat fare is payable on the boat. Prices in 2008 are £9 adult, £6 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.
CAR PARKING
There is a National Trust car park, manned through the day, at Martin’s Haven. The charge is £3 per day (2007) for non-National Trust members. For overnight security we recommend West Hook Farm about 1/4 mile from the Haven. West Hook Farm charges in 2007 were £2.50 per day, and £10 a week; prior arrangement should be made with the Thomas family (01646 636424).
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.
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.