Visit Skomer

skomer blubellsBluebells on Skomer
Skomer Island is a National Nature Reserve off the Pembrokeshire coast. Owned by the Countryside Council for Wales it is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. The Island is about one and a half miles long and one mile wide; volcanic rocks make the scenery spectacular, with hosts of wild flowers in early summer, and Atlantic Grey Seals in autumn. It is the home of nearly half a million seabirds, including over ten thousand endearing Puffins, and a hundred thousand secretive Manx Shearwaters.

There are opportunities of several kinds to visit the Island between April and October to enjoy an overwhelming wildlife experience.

Please note dogs or other animals are not allowed on the island.

Please click here to view the Skomer Seasonal Timeline (pdf format) and see when certain birds and flowers are on the island. Skomer Timeline is ©  Peter Gill and Associates

Please click here for information on access and facilities at Martin's Haven and Skomer Islands.

Please click here for the Skomer blog, written by those people living and working on the island.

Boarding at Martins HavenBoarding the Dale Princess at Martin's Haven
Day Visits 2010

Day visits take place Tuesday to Sunday (and Bank Holiday Mondays) starting Wednesday 1 April to 31 October (weather permitting).

Skomer can cater for up to 250 visitors each day, via a 15-20min boat ride from Martin’s Haven  departing at 10.00am, 11.00am, and 12.00noon. Return boats generally run between 3pm and 4pm but the boatman will advise on the day.

Please note the island will be closed 18-20 May 2010 for the bird count.

Please note: It is currently not possible to pre-book day visits to Skomer Island. Embarkation is strictly on a first-come-first-served basis.

Landings are affected by the weather - mainly the wind direction. The boatman makes a decision at 9am on whether boats will run or not. Call Lockley Lodge 01646 636800 which opens at 9am and will know soon after opening whether boats are running or not. Click here for information on Lockley Lodge visitor and interpretation centre and click here for the Lockley Lodge blog.

2010 Prices

Boat fare payable on the boat:

Adults£10
Children£6


Wildlife Trust Island Landing Fee (payable on the island):

Adults£7
Senior Citizens£6
Students£3.50
Children under 16FREE
Members of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
(on production of membership card)		£3.50

 

Skomer PuffinsIt is possible to purchase membership before embarkation or even better, join before you travel by visiting our Membership Page

There is a National Trust car park at Martin's Haven which is free to National Trust members, otherwise the cost is £4 per day (2009 price). Martin's Haven is a small cove situated two miles on from the village of Marloes.

Please note that sailings to Skomer are weather dependent.