Sailings available every day, weather permitting. Book online or ring us on 01665 720308.

Gateway to The

Farne Islands

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Farne Islands puffins

Our Cruises & Trips

All Trips Calendar

1.5 hour Grey Seal Cruise with Seabirds

Seahouses, Northumberland. Sails all year round.

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: 90 min

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Price: £20

Holy Island/Lindisfarne

Seahouses, Northumberland. May - October

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: 4.5 hrs

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Price: £45

Inner Farne Landing Trip

Seahouses, Northumberland Operates April - September

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: 150 - 180 min

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Price: £30 (plus National Trust landing fee)

Sunset Cruise

Seahouses, Northumberland. May - Mid-September

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)

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Price: £25.00

2 hour Puffin Seabird Cruise with Seals

Seahouses, Northumberland

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: 120 mins APRIL - JULY

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Price: £25

GIFT CARD

All trips depart from Seahouses harbour.

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: As per chosen trip

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Price: Customer Choice

Private Hire

Seahouses, Northumberland

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: On request.

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Price: Price on request - this varies according to date, vessel, length of hire and number of passengers.

Dive Charters

Seahouses, Northumberland

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: 2 dives per person per day

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Price: £65

Staple Landing Trip

Seahouses, Northumberland

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Sorry this trip is not available as Staple Island is remaining closed to the public for 2024.

Duration: 150 - 180 min

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Price: £30

Birdwatch Cruise

Seahouses, Northumberland

Inner Farne trips now available! Staple Island is closed for 2024.

Duration: 180 - 210 mins

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All Day Bird Watch Trip

Seahouses, Northumberland

Sorry, this trip is not available in 2024

View Alternate Trip

Duration: 6 hrs

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Price: £40

Farne Islands puffins
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About Us

The 'Shiel' family (Billy Shiel's father) started taking boat trips to the Farne Islands in 1918 - just after the First World War.

The name 'Shiel' has long associations with the Sea on this rugged Northumberland coastline.

Pictured on the right is the late Billy Shiel MBE whose grandfather founded Farne Island Boat Trips in 1918 shortly after the 1st World War. Billy's son, William, is now at the helm and is currently operating 8 boats, 5 Glad Tidings, 1 St Cuthbert and 2 new double decker boats for 2023 - Farne's Lass and Farne's Maiden.

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fisherman

Our journey since 1918

The ‘Shiel’ family (Billy Shiel’s father) started taking boat trips to the Farne Islands in 1918 – just after the First World War when, following a morning of fishing, they would take passengers out in the afternoon to show them the wildlife. This was where young Billy’s lifelong passion of the Farne Islands began and his wish to share the islands and their rich wildlife with fellow enthusiasts from all around the globe and even our very own Royal family.
In 1958, he welcomed the Queen aboard from the Royal yacht Britannia, and four years later, hosted the late Queen Mother while she was on a visit to Alnwick to stay with the Percy family.

Another highlight for Billy was being awarded an MBE from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1997 for services to tourism. Meanwhile, Billy’s son William, a chip off the old block, was spending every spare moment on board the boats and soon began to take over the business with the same passion and enthusiasm. William grew the fleet from 4 boats to 11, making changes and updating along the way and is continually adapting and updating the business while retaining the same core values and love of the islands as his father.

In the last few years William said a sad farewell to some much loved old favourites. Glad Tidings 2 took the high road to bonny Scotland, Glad Tidings (1) is now having new adventures In Guernsey with Guernsey Coastal Cruises. Glad Tidings 3 has become part of the Puffin Cruises Amble fleet and St Cuthbert 2 is now operating trips around the Royal Albert dock. Meanwhile, in 2023 there’s have been two new additions to the Billy Shiel’s fleet, twin girls; Farne’s Lass and Farne’s Maiden, beautiful new vessels which include open top decks and covered saloon areas.

Following the family tradition and already playing a big role, William’s son, Oliver is eager to finish his studies and continue the business so watch this space…

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Glad Tidings VIII received support from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), Rural Economy Grant (REG) North East Small Business Growth Fund through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

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Billy Shiel's Boat Trips

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