The tiny island off the UK coast where puffins outnumber humans

Just a mile off the mainland coast of Pembrokeshire lies a tiny island that is home to over 40,000 seabirds. Famous for its super cute puffin colony, Skomer is a small space that is big on wildlife.

As well as the distinctive-looking seafaring birdies, the island also has the largest Manx Shearwater colony (350,000 pairs) in the world, plus other seabirds like razorbills, guillemots, peregrine falcons and kittiwakes. Just a 20-minute boat trip from the mainland, the island is perfect for a daytime adventure.

A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the island is managed by The Wildlife Trust and is Wales’s only marine nature reserve. With up to 250 visitors a day during the peak holiday season, the puffins and their friends are free to roam safely around the island that measures just 2 by 1.5 miles.

Home to the biggest colony of breeding puffins in Britain, with a total amount of 42,513 recorded last year, the next cutest residents on the island are the young rabbits that can be spotted leaping through the grassland in the spring. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, with a huge population of Atlantic grey seals, as well as porpoises, dolphins, and even whales.

Wild rabbits Skomar

At certain times of the year, visitors to the island will be welcomed by a sea of bluebells and a carpet of pink campions that covers most of the island. A peaceful spot, the best location for some puffin spotting is the Wick, a sheer cliff carved with ledges that are ideally suited to nesting seabirds.

In the centre of the island, there is a ruined farm which operates as an education room, interpretation centre and hostel with space for up to 16 people. There are four compost toilets at the farm, but no food or drink is available, so visitors should bring their own refreshments.

A limited number of wildlife lovers can stay overnight on the island if they can find availability at the hostel. Staying up late and seeing the wildlife return to the island promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Skomar Island boat

For guests who would rather stay on the mainland, the village of Marloes is home to the popular pub The Lobster Pot, and Little Haven offers easy access to Martin's Haven where visitors can hop on the boat across to the island.

Boat trips are available from now until September. Crossings cost £30 per adult and £24 per child (aged 2-11) for trips that land on the island.

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