Private Landers

Want to visit Skomer Island on your own boat? Read on for everything you need to know...

You are welcome to visit Skomer from your own boat 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Sunday in August. Please note in September we are also closed on Fridays.

You are required to read and conform to the following codes before your visit to ensure island wildlife is not adversely impacted.

Code of Conduct for Seabird and Seal Disturbance

Pembrokeshire Marine Code 

Skomer Island Marine Conservation Code

Ahead of your visit, please contact the Skomer Warden or Skomer Visitor Officer on 07971 114302 or 07530 796150 respectively.

On the day, you can also trying reaching us on VHF Channel 74 ("Skomer One").

How Must I Pack My Bags?

We are very lucky that Skomer is rat free. In order for our seabirds to continue to thrive, we must keep it that way - as such you must conform to the following requirements or you will be denied entry. When landing on Skomer please ensure that:

• Any bags bought onto the island are fully sealed (see below).
• Bags are packed in a rodent-free environment.
• Your boat / tender is rodent free prior to landing.
• Do not bring anything that might present a threat onto the island. This includes plants with root balls and compost including potted herbs, seeds etc.

Where To Moor?

• There are four clearly marked visitor mooring buoys in North Haven. These are maintained by the Marine Conservation Zone and can support a maximum weight of 8 tonnes.
• North Haven is very exposed in northerly winds - we would not recommend using the mooring buoys in anything in excess of force 3 or 4 from the north.
• Anchoring is allowed to the north of the 'no-anchorage' buoys in North Haven. Please do not anchor past these buoys - there is a delicate seagrass meadow below. You can also anchor in South Haven (though cannot land here).

Where To Land?

• There are two options for landing (see map below)
  • North Haven Beach - the smaller beach on the right hand side of North Haven as you approach. You are able to bring a small tender in to the beach where it can be left. Please ensure your tender is above the high tide line and out of the way - we may need to use the beach to access our own boat. Please note that from August - November, Grey Seals pup on this beach. Please do not approach the seals and pass them quickly and quietly.
  • North Haven Steps - on the right hand side of North Haven. This should only be used to drop people off. Please do not tie/carry your tender up here as access is required at all times for the coastguard and for day visitor landings.
  • You cannot land anywhere else on the island.
  • If you need any clarification on the day, you can also trying reaching us on VHF Channel 74 ("Skomer One").

What Should I Do Once I Land?

• You must pay a day landing fee to island staff (£20 per adult and £10 per child) - please bring cash for this or be prepared to call the office to book over the phone. There is no discount for trust members.
• Please do not explore the island before you have met a member of staff and had your welcome talk - this is important for you own safety and that of our important wildlife.