Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eleven miles offshore, Grassholm Island has one of the largest gannet colonies in the
northern hemisphere, with 39,000 breeding pairs. Landing is not permitted.
Tours
Dale Sailing Company
( 01646-603123;
www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk
; 10am, 11am & noon Tue-Sun Apr-Oct)
Dale Sailing
Company runs boats to Skomer (adult/child £11/7) on a first-come, first-served basis, de-
parting from Martin's Haven. If you go ashore, there's an additional landing fee of £10 for
adults (children under 16 years are free). Other cruises include one-hour round-the-island
trips (adult/child £11/7) with commentary, and an evening cruise (£14/8) that offers the
opportunity to see (and hear - the noise can be deafening) the huge flocks of Manx shear-
waters returning to their nests. Some boats depart from Dale.
The company also runs three-hour, round-the-island trips to Grassholm (£30) departing
from Martin's Haven at 1pm on Mondays from April to mid-August. Seals, porpoises and
dolphins are often spotted en route; book ahead.
BOAT TOUR
Sleeping
Skomer Bunkhouse
( 01239-621600;
www.welshwildlife.org
; dm/s from £30/45)
For avid birdwatchers, there is basic but
comfortable bunkhouse accommodation on Skomer. It's a great way to enjoy the isolation
and tranquility of the island after the day-trippers have left. Duvets are provided but you
need to bring your own covers and sheets. Book well ahead.
CABIN
££
Information
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
(RSPB;
www.rspb.org.uk
)
Grassholm is owned by the RSPB.
Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
(
www.welshwildlife.org
)
Skomer and Skokholm Islands are
nature reserves run by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, while the surrounding
waters are protected by a marine nature reserve.
Getting There & Away
The Puffin Shuttle heads to Martin's Haven.
