SEAHOUSES SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Circling the Farnes: Close Encounters with Grey Seals and Puffins
A 1.5-hour, year‑round cruise from Seahouses that rounds the Farne Islands for guided views of thousands of seabirds and an expanding colony of grey seals.
Circling the Farnes: Close Encounters with Grey Seals and Puffins.
From Seahouses, a 1.5‑hour cruise sweeps around the Farne Islands, bringing passengers close to grey seal haul‑outs and the cliff‑face colonies of nesting seabirds — including puffins during the breeding season — with informative commentary and changing views through every season.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Grey Seals at Close Range
The Farne Islands host an estimated 3–4 thousand grey seals, with large numbers visible basking on the rocks and over a thousand seal pups born each autumn; winter and the pupping season (late October–January) offer especially notable sightings of pups.
Thousands of Nesting Seabirds
During the breeding season from May until the end of July the islands are home to huge numbers of nesting birds — puffins, guillemots, terns, kittiwakes, shags and cormorants — visible along the cliff faces.
A Different Cruise Each Time of Year
Trips operate throughout the year, weather permitting, and every season offers distinct highlights: summer brings nesting seabirds, autumn and winter bring abundant seal pups and haul‑outs.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Actually Feels Like
The 1½‑hour outing sails around all of the Farne Islands, circling to give good views of nesting birds on the cliffs and pausing at several vantage points where grey seals congregate, while a running commentary explains what you’re seeing and how it varies by season.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and a few important caveats.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips run throughout the year, weather permitting; bird breeding season runs from May to the end of July and the seal pupping season is from late October until January.
Dogs are welcome; any belongings brought on board are the responsibility of their owner.
Please act responsibly onboard and follow safety procedures; children must remain under parental/guardian supervision and must not climb on the sides of the boat.
Check in and collect tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour (NE68 7RN) no later than 30 minutes before sailing; you will then be told where and when to board.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts 1.5 hours.
Where do I check in?
Check in and collect tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour NE68 7RN no later than 30 minutes before sailing.
Are dogs allowed on the trip?
Yes — dogs are welcome on this trip.
When is the best time to see puffins?
Puffins and other nesting seabirds are most visible during the breeding season from May until the end of July.
Can I see seal pups on this cruise?
Yes — during the seal pupping season (late October until January) there are particularly good views of baby seals.
What about safety and supervision?
Passengers must follow safety procedures; children must not climb on the sides of the boat and must remain under parental/guardian supervision at all times.