HAVERFORDWEST SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
SnAUKling the Bird Islands: Snorkelling Skomer & Skokholm from Haverfordwest
A five-hour, weather-dependent snorkeling outing exploring Pembrokeshire’s vibrant bird colonies and the region’s signature 'snAUKling'—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
SnAUKling the Bird Islands: Snorkelling Skomer & Skokholm from Haverfordwest.
Off the coast of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire’s offshore isles host explosive seabird life; this trip brings you into the water alongside puffins, guillemots and razorbills and includes the practice of 'snAUKling'—using decoys to attract curious birds. Depending on weather and sea conditions, excursions visit Skomer, Skokholm, or both, and operators will notify guests early if conditions force a change.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
SnAUKling: Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills
The trip offers a rare chance to snorkel beside dense bird colonies and to try 'snAUKling'—luring puffins, guillemots and razorbills with decoys to bring the birds close to the water’s surface.
Skomer and Skokholm, Weather-Permitted
Excursions operate to Skomer and/or Skokholm depending on conditions, ensuring the itinerary adapts to give participants the best wildlife encounter possible.
Half-Day Adventure, Weather-Dependent
This is a roughly five-hour outing that is wholly weather-dependent; if conditions prevent the activity, guests will be offered rescheduling, a refund, or an alternative.
What the day feels like
What the Trip Feels Like
The outing is compact and focused: meet at a Pembrokeshire harbour, cross to one of the islands when the sea allows, suit up, and enter the water to observe and entice seabirds with decoys. The pace is governed by tides and weather, and the core experience is an intimate, wildlife-first snorkel among busy bird colonies.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this trip—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a roughly five-hour outing.
Meet at Martins Haven or Dale Harbour in Pembrokeshire prior to departure.
Bring hat, polarized sunglasses, factor 50 sunscreen; a 5mm+ wetsuit, hood, neoprene gloves and socks or dive boots depending on fins; mask, snorkel, fins, a 5–6kg weight belt; warm waterproof coat or dry robe; minimum 1L water, packed lunch and snacks; and seasickness tablets if needed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is approximately five hours long.
Where do we meet for departure?
Meet at Martins Haven or Dale Harbour in Pembrokeshire prior to departure.
What should I bring for the snorkel?
Bring a hat, polarized sunglasses, factor 50 sunscreen; a 5mm+ wetsuit, hood, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks or dive boots depending on fin type; mask, snorkel, fins, a 5–6kg weight belt; warm waterproof coat or dry robe; at least 1L water, packed lunch and snacks; and seasickness tablets if needed.
What happens if the weather is bad?
All trips are weather-dependent; if conditions prevent the activity, guests will be notified as early as possible and offered the option to reschedule, receive a refund, or choose an alternative activity.
Which island will we visit?
Depending on conditions, the trip will take place at Skomer and/or Skokholm.