Cruise port Skomer
Live-Info for port Skomer
Port information & tips for Skomer
The Welsh island of Skomer is a breathtaking natural paradise off the coast of Pembrokeshire and is considered one of the most important wildlife reserves in Great Britain. The island impresses with its untouched beauty as well as vibrant wildflower meadows, while providing a protected habitat for spectacular seabird colonies. Absolute highlights include the famous puffins at "The Wick" viewpoint, the observation of grey seals, and the historic Skomer Heritage Trail. Since there is no harbor for large ships, expedition vessels anchor off the coast and take guests by tender boat to the landing stage in North Haven. From this central arrival point, well-marked paths lead directly into the heart of the island, allowing the fascinating flora and fauna to be explored comfortably thanks to the short distances.
Skomer is an unspoiled island off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, which is not directly called at by cruise ships. Instead, access for visitors is via a short ferry crossing from picturesque Martin's Haven on the mainland. Booking ferry tickets for Skomer in advance is strongly recommended due to high demand, especially during the summer months.
Car
The starting point Martin's Haven in Pembrokeshire is easily accessible via the Welsh road network. Coming from Haverfordwest, follow the B4327 for about 16 kilometers and then follow the signs to Marloes and Martin's Haven. A National Trust parking lot is available at the destination, which is only about a five-minute walk from the ferry landing. Daily fees for non-members are £7 to £8. It is recommended to have coins ready, as mobile reception for app payment may be limited on site. Overnight stays on National Trust grounds are not permitted.
Train
The nearest train stations are Haverfordwest (approx. 21 km) and Milford Haven (approx. 18 km). Trains run from major cities such as Cardiff, with the journey to Milford Haven taking about three hours. Transfer options to Martin's Haven are available from the stations in Haverfordwest or Milford Haven. During the season (May to September), the "Puffin Shuttle" (bus route 400) runs along the coast and provides a connection to Martin's Haven. Alternatively, taxis can be used, with costs from Milford Haven amounting to approximately £25-£30 and from Haverfordwest to £40-£50. In addition, "Fflecsi" buses offer flexible travel services that can be booked via app or telephone.
Airplane
The nearest major airport is Cardiff Airport (CWL), which is approximately 137 kilometers (approx. 85.5 miles) from Martin's Haven. A car journey from the airport to the ferry landing takes around two hours and nine minutes. Cardiff Airport offers direct connections as well as connecting flights via European hubs such as Amsterdam. From Cardiff Airport, you can reach Cardiff city center via bus and train connections. For a relaxed onward journey and to allow for potential delays, it is recommended to arrive in Wales and, if necessary, stay overnight in the region one day before the planned ferry transfer to Skomer.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the shipping company and destination area—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Skomer is an unspoiled island off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, which is not directly called at by cruise ships. Instead, access for visitors is via a short ferry crossing from picturesque Martin's Haven on the mainland. Booking ferry tickets for Skomer in advance is strongly recommended due to high demand, especially during the summer months.
Car
The starting point Martin's Haven in Pembrokeshire is easily accessible via the Welsh road network. Coming from Haverfordwest, follow the B4327 for about 16 kilometers and then follow the signs to Marloes and Martin's Haven. A National Trust parking lot is available at the destination, which is only about a five-minute walk from the ferry landing. Daily fees for non-members are £7 to £8. It is recommended to have coins ready, as mobile reception for app payment may be limited on site. Overnight stays on National Trust grounds are not permitted.
Train
The nearest train stations are Haverfordwest (approx. 21 km) and Milford Haven (approx. 18 km). Trains run from major cities such as Cardiff, with the journey to Milford Haven taking about three hours. Transfer options to Martin's Haven are available from the stations in Haverfordwest or Milford Haven. During the season (May to September), the "Puffin Shuttle" (bus route 400) runs along the coast and provides a connection to Martin's Haven. Alternatively, taxis can be used, with costs from Milford Haven amounting to approximately £25-£30 and from Haverfordwest to £40-£50. In addition, "Fflecsi" buses offer flexible travel services that can be booked via app or telephone.
Airplane
The nearest major airport is Cardiff Airport (CWL), which is approximately 137 kilometers (approx. 85.5 miles) from Martin's Haven. A car journey from the airport to the ferry landing takes around two hours and nine minutes. Cardiff Airport offers direct connections as well as connecting flights via European hubs such as Amsterdam. From Cardiff Airport, you can reach Cardiff city center via bus and train connections. For a relaxed onward journey and to allow for potential delays, it is recommended to arrive in Wales and, if necessary, stay overnight in the region one day before the planned ferry transfer to Skomer.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the shipping company and destination area—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival on Skomer is conveniently made by tender boat or local ferry directly at the protected landing stage in North Haven. As the island is a pristine nature reserve, it can be explored wonderfully and peacefully without any motorized traffic.
On Foot
The island's entire network of paths is intended exclusively for pedestrians and offers easy orientation thanks to well-marked trails. A circuit takes about three to four hours depending on your pace and also allows for direct encounters with the native wildlife, such as the famous puffins.
Boats & Tenders
The transfer from the cruise ship to the island is safely carried out using the ship's own tenders or specialized boats from Dale Sailing. These dock directly at the foot of the North Haven stairs and provide convenient access to the hiking trail network as well as the island's information center.
Puffin Shuttle & Taxis
On the nearby mainland in Martin's Haven, the Puffin Shuttle bus and local taxis are available for onward travel. These connections offer a convenient link to the surrounding towns of the Pembrokeshire coast thanks to regular service and ideally complement arrival by boat.
To experience the untouched nature of Skomer Island at its best, it is recommended to start the day with a hike along the well-marked cliff paths directly from the landing stage.
North Haven
This sheltered arrival point impresses with its crystal-clear water and also serves as home to a significant colony of grey seals, which can be excellently observed thanks to the elevated viewpoints. Additionally, the bay with its rugged coastal charm offers a perfect first impression of the wild beauty of this protected island.
The Wick
This spectacular cliff formation is the ideal place to marvel at the famous puffins up close in their natural habitat and take unforgettable nature photos. The dramatic backdrop of the steep rock faces and the busy activity of the seabirds are perfectly suited for a shore excursion thanks to the short distances across the island plateau.
Old Farm & Heritage Area
Located in the heart of the island, the historical remains of the old farmhouse and the surrounding archaeological sites offer a fascinating insight into the human history of this now uninhabited wilderness. The area is a peaceful retreat and ideal for a relaxing break while simultaneously learning more about the protection of this unique ecosystem.
The Cliffs of "The Wick"
The spectacular cliffs of "The Wick" are easily accessible on foot from the landing point in North Haven via a well-marked circular trail in about 30 minutes and offer you one of the world's best opportunities to observe puffins at very close range in their natural habitat. Thanks to the strictly protected nature of the island, you will experience an incomparable idyll and also enjoy breathtaking views of the wild Atlantic and the surrounding islands. Use one of the first tender boats in the morning to enjoy the special silence of the island to the fullest, and plan your return path to the pier about sixty minutes before the last departure so that you can end your stay in this unique natural paradise in a relaxed manner.
Returning to the landing stage on Skomer Island or to the mainland harbor across the way in Martin's Haven is simple thanks to the clear routes and allows for relaxed planning.
Boat Transfer and Ferry
The crossing from the North Haven landing stage on Skomer back to the mainland or directly to the cruise ship is made with the Dale Queen or the ship's own tenders. Departure times are clearly communicated at the landing stage and can be easily coordinated with your ship's schedule, ensuring you arrive at the meeting point on time.
Shuttle Bus and Taxi
From the harbor area in Martin's Haven, the Puffin Shuttle (Bus 400) runs regularly to nearby towns and offers a reliable connection for exploration tours along the coast. Taxis can also be called via the Lockley Lodge Visitor Centre and pick up guests directly at the parking lot above the bay to bring them safely back to the ship.
On Foot
The hiking trails on the island all lead centrally back to North Haven and are easy to find thanks to clear markings. In Martin's Haven, the path from the parking lot down to the boat landing is short and can be safely navigated via a paved path and steps, allowing you to reach the harbor area directly.
