After just missing the puffins during my trip to Norway last March, I finally made it to Skomer Island, and it’s safe to say, it was completely worth the wait!
The day began with a two-hour drive, rain tapping on the windscreen and me quietly willing it to stop. By the time we reached Martin’s Haven, where the boat to Skomer departs, the skies had thankfully cleared to a calm, overcast day, perfect light for photographing wildlife. Later in the afternoon, the sun made a surprise appearance, just as the puffins were flying in, lighting up their colourful beaks and making those final moments extra special.
A Short Hop to a Wild World
The boat ride across to the island is short, around 15 minutes, but it feels like stepping into another world. From the moment we landed, it was clear Skomer is a place that’s all about the wildlife. With limited daily visitor numbers and strict conservation rules, it offers a peaceful, respectful environment where the birds come first, and it really shows.
Skomer is best known for its huge colony of puffins, but it’s also home to razorbills, guillemots, gulls, oystercatchers, rabbits, and more. We were lucky enough to spot a falcon perched on a cliff face, with the help of the warden’s telescope. My camera struggled to capture it at that distance (you’ll see!), but it was a real treat to see.
We didn’t see the Manx shearwaters, as they only emerge from their burrows after dark, but just knowing there are over 350,000 of them nesting on the island adds a whole new layer of awe.
The Stars of the Show, the Puffins!
And then… the puffins. These little birds are utterly charming, waddling about with sand eels in their beaks, peering out from burrows, or launching themselves into the air with surprisingly fast wingbeats. They’re so full of character, and incredibly unbothered by humans; some were flying right past us as they returned to their nests.
Getting in-flight shots was definitely a challenge; they’re fast and unpredictable, but I’m really happy with a few that turned out well. I’ll be sharing all my favourites from the day below. Let me know which one you love most!
Island Etiquette and Wildlife Respect
One thing that really struck me was how important it is to stick to the paths on Skomer. Puffins and other seabirds nest in burrows across the island, and stepping off the trail risks collapsing them, something no photograph is worth. The island wardens are excellent at ensuring visitors understand the balance between enjoying great views and respecting the wildlife.
The whole experience felt relaxed and unhurried. We had around five hours on the island, and it flew by (much like the puffins!). We spent the day soaking it all in, the sounds, the sea air, the sight of birds constantly in motion and, of course, photographing as much as I could.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re thinking of going, I’d absolutely recommend it. Booking well in advance is essential, as visitor numbers are capped each day and places fill up quickly during peak puffin season (May to July). Boats run from Tuesday to Sunday, weather permitting, with staggered landings and returns.
Facilities are very basic; there’s no café or shelter, so be sure to bring food, plenty of water, layers for changing weather, and anything else you’ll need for the day.
And if you’re bringing a camera, I’d recommend a good zoom lens and patience, puffins move fast, but the moment they glide into the perfect frame is absolutely worth the wait.
If you’re feeling inspired to visit Skomer yourself, here are a couple of helpful links to get you started:
🌐 Skomer boat trips and landing info – Pembrokeshire Islands
What a magical place
I’m so happy to have finally experienced Skomer and to have come away with photographs I’m proud of. Please scroll down to see some of my favourites from the day. I’d love to know which one stands out to you!
If you’ve been to Skomer yourself, I’d love to hear about your visit too.
Thinking of a wildlife photography adventure of your own? Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions about visiting Skomer Island or if you need tips for capturing puffins in flight. Always happy to chat.
