Snorkelling Skomer & Skokholm: Close‑up encounters with puffins, razorbills and curious seals off Milford Haven

MILFORD HAVEN WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Snorkelling Skomer & Skokholm: Close‑up encounters with puffins, razorbills and curious seals off Milford Haven

A 6‑hour guided wild snorkelling trip around Skomer and Skokholm that places snorkelers among breeding seabird colonies—ideal for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.

Snorkelling Skomer & Skokholm: Close‑up encounters with puffins, razorbills and curious seals off Milford Haven.

Duration
6 hours
Location
Milford Haven
Operator
Pembrokeshire Boat Charters
Category
Water Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark from Milford Haven for a six‑hour guided wild snorkelling experience around Skomer and Skokholm, where breeding seabird colonies teem with puffins, guillemots and razorbills and curious seals may join your time on the water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

MARINE WILDLIFE

Seals making surprise appearances

It’s not uncommon for an inquisitive seal to join the boat and snorkellers, adding an unforgettable, close‑quarters wildlife encounter to the trip.

THE SEABIRDS

Breeding colonies up close

The trip focuses on Pembrokeshire’s iconic seabird colonies during peak breeding season, offering rare opportunities to observe puffins, guillemots and razorbills in their natural habitat.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Designed for close‑range photo moments

Using specially designed decoys, operators encourage curious seabirds to approach, creating exceptional opportunities for close‑up images for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

From the marina you head offshore for a guided snorkelling session around Skomer and Skokholm. Underwater, expect to position yourself near active seabird colonies while operators use decoys to attract curious birds for close encounters; above the surface, seals sometimes investigate the group, punctuating the day with spontaneous wildlife interactions.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip is best for — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Wildlife photographersIdeal for photographers seeking close‑range seabird and seal encounters during the breeding season; the operator uses decoys to facilitate photo opportunities.
2
Experienced snorkellers & diversSuitable for snorkellers aged 16 and over who are comfortable in cold water and prepared with the specified wetsuit and equipment.
3
Independent adults and small groupsBest for adults and older teens (16+) who can meet the operator’s booking requirements; trips require a minimum number of passengers to proceed.
4
Seabird enthusiastsA focused wildlife outing for those specifically interested in puffins, guillemots and razorbills during their breeding season.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & logistics

The guided wild snorkelling experience runs for approximately 6 hours and departs from the Mackerel Stage, Milford Marina (Nelson Quay, Milford Haven SA73 3AF).

What to bring

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera gear, at least 1L water, packed lunch and snacks. Required snorkelling kit includes a 5mm+ dark coloured full‑length wetsuit, hood, neoprene gloves and socks or dive boots, mask, snorkel, fins and a weight belt with 5–6kg. All equipment must be dark/uniform colours for shark trips. Also bring a warm waterproof coat or dry robe for between sessions.

Booking requirements

Participants must be aged 16 or over to book. Trips require a minimum number of passengers to proceed.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The guided snorkelling experience lasts approximately 6 hours.

Where do we meet?

Meet at the Mackerel Stage, Milford Marina, Nelson Quay, Milford Haven SA73 3AF for check‑in and boarding.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes — participants must be aged 16 or older to book the trip.

Is there a minimum number of passengers for the trip to run?

Yes — the operator requires a minimum number of passengers for the trip to proceed.

What equipment and clothing should I bring?

Bring a 5mm+ dark coloured full‑length wetsuit (plus hood, neoprene gloves and socks or dive boots), mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt (5–6kg), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm waterproof coat/dry robe, camera, at least 1L water, packed lunch and snacks.

Will we see seals on the trip?

It’s not uncommon for inquisitive seals to join the trip, providing memorable encounters.

    Snorkelling Skomer & Skokholm: Close‑up encounters with puffins, razorbills and curious seals off Milford Haven