Seabirds and seals leaving their breeding grounds is a common and sad consequence of disturbance. You can watch wildlife responsibly by following a few simple rules.

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, in New Quay, is a great place to visit; find out how to spot local marine wildlife such as dolphins, porpoises and seals from our brilliant team of volunteers.

sometimes referred to as a “puffing pig” due to the noise they make when they breathe, porpoises differ from dolphins mainly by their shape and the smaller size of their body and dorsal fin.

Cardigan Bay dominates the coastal profile of Wales – a long sweeping arc which joins the Lleyn peninsula in the north with Pembrokeshire in the south. It is a huge lee shore that faces the prevailing winds coming in off the Atlantic.

Find out all about the wildlife of Skomer Island - one of the most important seabird sites in southern Britain. Its maritime grassland, lush inland vegetation, bubbling streams and man-made ponds support a host of wildlife including Atlantic Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills, Skomer Voles and much more.

Please note, Puffins start arriving in mid-April. They are present from May-July. The first ones start leaving in mid-July and all Puffins are gone by the end of July.

Only a 20 minute boat trip from the mainland, Skomer is an excellent place for a daytime adventure. Bursting with seabirds including our Atlantic Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills, this National Nature Reserve is one of Britain's most important seabird colonies. It is peaceful and wild at all times of year - there's so much to see and explore.

Please note, Puffins start arriving in mid-April. They are present from May-July. The first ones start leaving in mid-July and all Puffins are gone by the end of July. Please see our seasonal timeline below for what to see each month.