A Day Trip to Remember: Visiting the Birds of Skomer Island
If you’re staying with us at Cwm Connell Coastal Cottages, one of the most unforgettable day trips you can take is a visit to Skomer Island – a true wildlife gem just off the Pembrokeshire coast. Famous for its seabirds, wildflower-covered cliffs and spectacular coastal views, Skomer offers a rare chance to experience nature at its most dramatic and unspoilt.
Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or simply want a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with puffins waddling past your feet, Skomer Island is a magical place to explore.
Why Skomer Island Is So Special for Wild Birds
Skomer Island is internationally recognised as one of the most important seabird breeding sites in the UK. Managed by the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, the island has been kept free of predators such as rats and foxes, creating a safe haven where birds can nest successfully year after year.
Its isolation, rugged cliffs, grassy slopes and abundance of food in the surrounding seas make it the perfect home for seabirds. During the breeding season, the island is bursting with life, sound and movement – a truly immersive wildlife experience.
What Birds Will You See on Skomer Island?
Skomer is best known for its Atlantic puffins, but they are just one part of an extraordinary cast of characters. Depending on the time of year, you may see:
- Atlantic Puffins – up-close and utterly charming
- Manx Shearwaters – famous for their eerie nighttime calls
- Razorbills and Guillemots – packed shoulder-to-shoulder on cliff ledges
- Kittiwakes – elegant gulls nesting on the cliffs
- Fulmars – gliding effortlessly on stiff wings
- Choughs, skylarks and stonechats inland
In spring and early summer, the island feels alive at every turn, with birds nesting just inches from the footpaths
How Many Birds Are on the Island?
Skomer Island supports hundreds of thousands of seabirds during the breeding season. It is home to:
- Tens of thousands of puffin pairs, making it one of the largest puffin colonies in southern Britain
- One of the world’s largest populations of Manx shearwaters, with birds returning from South America each spring to breed
- Vast colonies of guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes
Standing on the cliffs surrounded by swirling birds and the sound of the sea below is an experience you won’t forget.
When Is the Best Time to See Puffins and Pufflings?
- Puffins usually arrive on Skomer in early April and remain until late July.
- May and June are the best months for close encounters, as puffins are busy nesting and bringing fish back to their burrows.
- Pufflings (baby puffins) hatch in late summer.
- In August, lucky visitors may witness pufflings emerging from their burrows at night and heading out to sea for the first time – a truly special sight, usually observed on organised evening visits rather than standard day trips.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
A trip to Skomer is an adventure, so a little preparation goes a long way:
- Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential – paths are uneven and grassy.
- Facilities: There are no cafés or shops on the island. Bring food, water and any essentials with you.
- Toilets: Basic compost toilets are available.
- Weather: Conditions can change quickly – pack layers and waterproofs.
- Accessibility: The island is steep in places and may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Most visitors spend 4–5 hours exploring the island on a day trip.
How to Book Your Trip to Skomer Island
Boat trips to Skomer Island depart from Martin’s Haven, a scenic drive from Cwm Connell. Crossings are operated by the Dale Princess, with visitor numbers strictly limited to protect the wildlife.
- Booking in advance is essential, especially during puffin season
- Tickets are released by the Wildlife Trust and often sell out weeks ahead in peak months
We recommend planning your Skomer visit as soon as your accommodation is booked to avoid disappointment.
A Perfect Day Out from Cwm Connell
A day trip to Skomer Island is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you return home. From puffins popping out of burrows beside the path to the sound of thousands of seabirds filling the air, it’s a chance to connect with nature in a powerful and memorable way.
If you’re visiting Pembrokeshire in spring or early summer, Skomer Island is not just a day trip – it’s a highlight of your stay.
If you’d like help planning your visit or recommendations for the best times and routes, just ask – we’re always happy to help make your stay unforgettable.
