Skomer Island

Skomer is about three hundred hectares of clifftop plateau off the Pembrokeshire coast, riddled with burrows. Around forty-three thousand puffins breed here, and the island is unusual in that they nest right beside the paths and largely ignore people, so no hide or distance is needed. Underground, in the same burrow systems, is the world's largest colony of Manx shearwaters, estimated in 2019 at almost three hundred and fifty thousand, roughly half the global population; they are entirely nocturnal on land, because gulls would take them in daylight, so the island is silent by day and full of their calls at night. Ancient field boundaries and the remains of prehistoric houses cross the plateau, evidence of settlement going back to the Iron Age. Bluebells cover the island in May.

Highlights

• The puffins - around forty-three thousand, nesting beside the footpaths.
• The shearwater burrows - the world's largest colony, silent by day.
• The Iron Age field system - old boundaries and house remains across the plateau.
• The May bluebells - a full carpet across the treeless island.

When to go

April to July for puffins, which leave by early August; May for bluebells. Landings are limited in number and pre-booked, and boats cancel frequently for swell. Overnight stays in the island accommodation allow the shearwater night, which is the more extraordinary experience.

Before you go

Crossings cancel often and there are no refunds for weather in some arrangements. Landing numbers are capped and day tickets sell out weeks ahead. The landing steps are steep, and the island has no shop and minimal facilities. Straying off the paths collapses burrows and is prohibited.

Nearby

Skokholm lies south; Marloes and the Pembrokeshire coast path are on the mainland.

Key facts