This is a great opportunity to spend more time viewing the true residents of the Farnes, our large colony of Grey Seals. Trips sailing throughout the year, weather permitting, with every season providing new experiences. From May until the end of July you will see the thousands of birds that nest at the Farne Islands, including one of our favourites, the Puffins. In the Winter months from late October until January there are fantastic views of the baby seals to be had during the seal pupping season.
Child prices are for age 5-15. Under 5’s are classed as infants. No concessions. For School/youth group bookings, please contact us direct. Online booking recommended.
Dogs are welcome on this trip.
Our 1½ hour cruise sails around all of the islands giving good views of the nesting birds on the cliff faces and viewing the Grey Seals at several vantage points along with an informative commentary throughout.There are an estimated 3 to 4 thousand Grey Seals at the Farne Islands and large numbers can be counted basking on the rocks, especially at low water when more of the Islands are exposed. With over a thousand Seal pups born each Autumn our colony is growing strong. This trip gives excellent value for money and is suitable for all ages and available all year round.
During the breeding season from May to the end of July you also have the opportunity to view the thousands of nesting birds at the Farne Islands which include Puffins, Guillemots, Terns, Kittiwakes, Shags and Cormorants.
Booking Conditions
We reserve the right to cancel any of our trips if we deem the weather and/or sea conditions unsuitable for sailing. If trips are cancelled for any reason, you will be offered a different date/trip or receive a full refund. You may change/cancel bookings no later than 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Refunds are processed through our booking system to the card from which you made payment.
If you do not receive a confirmation for your trip please check your spam/junk and telephone us on 01665 720308/720316.
Please check in and collect your tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour NE68 7RN no later than 30 minutes before sailing. You will then be given instructions as to when, where and which boat to board. Please follow instructions to ensure you board the correct vessel as multiple companies and vessels use the same boarding point.
Please act responsibly on our vessels and follow our safety procedures. Children must not be allowed to climb on the sides of the boat and must be under parental/guardian supervision at all times.
Any belongings brought onto our trips are the responsibility of the owner and we can not be held accountable for breakages or lost/stolen items.
Safe access is provided for the embarkation and disembarkation on our trips but we can not be held accountable for any actions where due caution and restraint has not been undertaken.
OPERATES APRIL – JULY.
This trip operates during April as the birds make their return to the islands and continues during the nesting season from May until the end July. Puffins start to return to the Farne Islands from the end of March with numbers varying until they settle down for nesting mid April. The Puffins start to leave the islands at the end of July/beginning of August.
Online booking recommended
Child prices are for age 5-15. Under 5’s are classed as infants. No concessions.
Dogs are permitted on this trip.
This trip spends 2 hours sailing around the Farne Islands without a landing and offers ample opportunities to view the prolific bird life which nests on these magnificent islands during the breeding season from May till the end of July.
Highlights include views of Puffins, Guillemots, Shags, Cormorants, Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, Razorbills and Eider Ducks.
The cruise also visits the Grey Seal Colony. There are an estimated 3 to 4 thousand Grey Seals at the Farne Islands and large numbers can be counted basking on the rocks, especially at low water when more of the Islands are exposed. With over a thousand Seal pups born each Autumn/Winter our colony is growing strong.
During the journey, your Skipper will also take you back in time to follow the route Grace Darling and her father took during their heroic rescue in 1838.
A full commentary is given en route and our knowledgeable Skipper and Crew are available to answer any questions.
Booking Conditions
The duration of our trips is approximate only and depends on a number of factors including weather and sea conditions. We reserve the right to cancel any of our trips if we deem the weather and/or sea conditions unsuitable for sailing. If trips are cancelled for any reason, you will be offered a different date/trip or receive a full refund. You may change/cancel bookings no later than 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Refunds are processed through our booking system to the card from which you made payment.
If you do not receive a confirmation for your trip please check your spam/junk and telephone us on 01665 720308/720316.
Please check in and collect your tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour NE68 7RN no later than 30 minutes before sailing. You will then be given instructions as to when, where and which boat to board. Please follow instructions to ensure you board the correct vessel as multiple companies and vessels use the same boarding point.
Please act responsibly on our vessels and follow our safety procedures. Children must not be allowed to climb on the sides of the boat and must be under parental/guardian supervision at all times.
Any belongings brought onto our trips are the responsibility of the owner and we can not be held accountable for breakages or lost/stolen items.
Safe access is provided for the embarkation and disembarkation on our trips but we can not be held accountable for any actions where due caution and restraint has not been undertaken.
Advance booking is recommended for this trip
Scheduled trips available April- October. This trip is only available on the scheduled dates and times due to tidal restrictions when accessing Holy Island/Lindisfarne by boat.
Child prices are for age 5-15. Under 5’s are classed as infants. Senior rate for +65. Dogs are welcome on this trip.
This excellent, unforgettable trip is onboard one of our new, modern, double decker boat, Farne’s Lass/Farne’s Maiden with toilet facilities and full expert commentary. The trip lasts approximately 4.5 hours including 2 hours spent on the Holy island/Lindisfarne.
Departing from Seahouses, we sail around the Farne Islands to view the many nesting sea birds and Grey Seals before sailing up the coast to Holy Island/Lindisfarne. The journey to and from Holy Island provides a good opportunity to see porpoise and dolphins.
The boat reaches Holy Island at high tide when the island is cut off from the mainland so that the true peace and tranquillity of island life can be experienced. Two hours are spent ashore, allowing time to explore this historic island. Popular places to visit are the Lindisfarne Priory (English Heritage), Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust), St Aidan’s Winery (where a free sample of mead can be enjoyed), Gertrude Jekyll Gardens, St Mary’s Church, The Lindisfarne Centre and the Old Lifeboat Station Museum. Holy Island also has several cafes, pubs and shops. Opening times of the attractions vary as we sail according to the tides, not the attraction opening times so please check before sailing to avoid disappointment. If you wish to dine at one of the local pubs pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. (Arrival time at Holy Island is between 1-1.5 hours after the departure time).
The National Trust are encouraging visitors to visit the island and Lindisfarne Castle by public transport through their Good Journey Scheme –
Visitors arriving onto Holy Island by boat, including boat trips from Seahouses, are entitled to 10% off Castle admission if paying, or a free guidebook if an NT member under the Good Journey scheme.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarne-castle
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lindisfarne-priory/
http://www.lindisfarnecentre.org/
On our return journey we sail home along the beautiful coastline allowing magnificent seaward views of both Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castles.
Booking Conditions
The duration of our trips is approximate only and depends on a number of factors including weather and sea conditions. We reserve the right to cancel any of our trips if we deem the weather and/or sea conditions unsuitable for sailing. If trips are cancelled for any reason, you will be offered a different date/trip or receive a full refund. You may change/cancel bookings no later than 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Refunds are processed through our booking system to the card from which you made payment.
If you do not receive a confirmation for your trip please check your spam/junk and telephone us on 01665 720308/720316.
Please check in and collect your tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour NE68 7RN no later than 30 minutes before sailing. You will then be given boarding instructions. Multiple companies and vessels use the same boarding point.
Please act responsibly on our vessels and follow our safety procedures. Children must not be allowed to climb on the sides of the boat and must be under parental/guardian supervision at all times.
Any belongings brought onto our trips are the responsibility of the owner and we can not be held accountable for breakages or lost/stolen items.
Safe access is provided for the embarkation and disembarkation on our trips but we can not be held accountable for any actions where due caution and restraint has not been undertaken.
RE-OPENING APRIL 2026
AVAILABILE APRIL – SEPTEMBER
The boat fare does not include the National Trust Landing fee (see current fees below). This fee is payable at the National Trust kiosk on the harbour (beside our booking office) before departure. All landings are made at the Skippers discretion and are not guaranteed. If we are unable to land you at this island, the trip will become a non-landing bird watching trip to view the cliff nesting birds and the seals.
Child prices are for age 5-15. Under 5’s are classed as infants. Over 65’s are classed as Seniors.
Dogs are permitted on the boat but not on Inner Farne. Well behaved dogs may remain on the boat with the crew while you spend the hour ashore but it’s not possible to return to the boat during that hour as the boat is required to pull out of the jetty until our allocated pick up time.
This trip lasts approximately 2½ – 3 hours hours including one hour spent on Inner Farne. Please allow 3 hours in your schedule. The tour includes a cruise around all the Farne Islands, viewing the sea birds on the cliff faces, visiting the Grey Seal colonies and also follows the route Grace Darling and her father took during their heroic rescue in 1838. A full commentary is given en route and the boat stops at Inner Farne for one hour.
NATIONAL TRUST LANDING FEES 2026 (not included in the boat fare)
National Trust members land free of charge on the Island and for non-members there is a charge payable to the National Trust Kiosk at the harbour before departure
Off Peak landing fees April, August and September 2026
– Adult: £13
– Child: £6.50
– Family: £32.50
– Family group with 1 adult £19.50
Peak breeding season landing fees May, June and July 2026
– Adult £17
– Child £8.50
– Family £42.50
– Family group with 1 adult £25.50
(Free landing to under 5’s & N.T. members)
At 16 acres, Inner Farne is the largest of the Farne Islands and, during the breeding season, from May till the end of July it is home for many thousands of nesting seabirds. These birds include Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns, Roseate Terns, Arctic Terns, Shags, Cormorants and Eider Ducks.
In the year 678 Inner Farne was also home to St Cuthbert. After 12 years as Prior of Lindisfarne, St.Cuthbert retired to Inner Farne until he became Bishop of Lindisfarne in 684. He returned to Inner Farne when his health deteriorated and died there on 20th March 687. A church was built on the island in 1370 dedicated to St Cuthbert and is open to the public today.
Apart from the Inner Farne Lighthouse, all the buildings on the island date from the monastic period. The “Fishehouse” situated beside the landing jetty is all that remains of the Guest House which was built by St Cuthbert for his visitors. In 1500 a Prior named Castell built the “Pele Tower” to house the monks who lived on the island. The Tower is now home to the National Trust Rangers who live there for 9 months of the year to look after the Island and its’ wildlife.
Booking Conditions
The duration of our trips is approximate only and depends on a number of factors including weather and sea conditions. We reserve the right to cancel any of our trips if we deem the weather and/or sea conditions unsuitable for sailing. If trips are cancelled for any reason, you will be offered a different date/trip or receive a full refund. You may change/cancel bookings no later than 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Refunds are processed through our booking system to the card from which you made payment.
If you do not receive a confirmation for your trip please check your spam/junk and telephone us on 01665 720308/720316.
Please check in and collect your tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour NE68 7RN no later than 30 minutes before sailing. You will then be given instructions as to when, where and which boat to board. Please follow instructions to ensure you board the correct vessel as multiple companies and vessels use the same boarding point.
Please act responsibly on our vessels and follow our safety procedures. Children must not be allowed to climb on the sides of the boat and must be under parental/guardian supervision at all times.
Any belongings brought onto our trips are the responsibility of the owner and we can not be held accountable for breakages or lost/stolen items.
Safe access is provided for the embarkation and disembarkation on our trips but we can not be held accountable for any actions where due caution and restraint has not been undertaken.
Online booking ahead is recommended for this trip.
These trips are available mid May – mid September.
Child prices are for age 5-15. Under 5’s are classed as infants. Dogs are welcome on this trip.
A relaxing end to the day as we enjoy a sunset cruise around the Farne islands. During the breeding season from May to the end of July there are thousands of nesting birds at the Farne Islands which include Puffins, Guillemots, Terns, Kittiwakes, Shags and Cormorants.
There are also an estimated 3 to 4 thousand Grey Seals at the Farne Islands and large numbers can be counted basking on the rocks, especially at low water when more of the Islands are exposed. With over a thousand Seal pups born each Autumn our colony is growing strong.
Following your cruise around the Farne Islands, we continue to sail along our beautiful coastline to enjoy scenic sunset views as the sun sets behind the magnificent Bamburgh Castle, with the occasional visit from our local dolphins.
Booking Conditions
The duration of our trips is approximate only and depends on a number of factors including weather and sea conditions. We reserve the right to cancel any of our trips if we deem the weather and/or sea conditions unsuitable for sailing. If trips are cancelled for any reason, you will be offered a different date/trip or receive a full refund. You may change/cancel bookings no later than 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Refunds are processed through our booking system to the card from which you made payment.
If you do not receive a confirmation for your trip please check your spam/junk and telephone us on 01665 720308/720316.
Please check in and collect your tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour NE68 7RN no later than 30 minutes before sailing. You will then be given instructions as to when, where and which boat to board. Please follow instructions to ensure you board the correct vessel as multiple companies and vessels use the same boarding point.
Please act responsibly on our vessels and follow our safety procedures. Children must not be allowed to climb on the sides of the boat and must be under parental/guardian supervision at all times.
Any belongings brought onto our trips are the responsibility of the owner and we can not be held accountable for breakages or lost/stolen items.
Safe access is provided for the embarkation and disembarkation on our trips but we can not be held accountable for any actions where due caution and restraint has not been undertaken.
Gift cards are sent via email and include voucher codes for the recipient to redeem online for a trip of their choosing. Vouchers can be redeemed for any of our available trips and any balance remaining is carried forward. Gift cards can be printed off from your email and/or forwarded via email to the recipient.
Private boat hire available by prior arrangement – prices vary according to dates, number of passengers and duration of hire. Please contact us directly on 01665 720308 or email us on info@farne-islands.com
SORRY THIS TRIP IS NOT AVAILABLE TO BOOK AS STAPLE ISLAND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.
Staple Island is a very rocky island only suitable for the very sure-footed. It is not suitable for any persons with mobility issues. This island is very exposed to the elements so for safety reasons, landings are made at the Skippers discretion and are not guaranteed. If we are unable to land you at this island, the trip will become a 2.5 hour non-landing bird watching trip to view the cliff nesting birds and the seals.
Trips available May – July during the peak nesting season.
Child prices are for age 5-15. Under 5’s are infants. No concessions.
Dogs are permitted on the boat but not on Staple Island. Well behaved dogs may remain on the boat with the crew while you spend the hour ashore.
During the breeding season (May 1st until July 31st) it is possible to make a morning landing on Staple Island. The trip lasts approximately 2½ – 3 hours including one hour on Staple Island. We also sail round the other Islands including Longstone, Inner Farne and and visit the Grey Seal colonies at several vantage points with full commentary en route.
This island is noted for its vast seabird colonies, especially those of the Auk family such as Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. Puffins are the most numerous birds that nest on the Farnes with over 10,000 pairs nesting on Staple Island alone! A footpath over the top of the Island takes you straight through the nesting Puffins.
“The Pinnacles” are isolated rock stacks situated off Staple Island, and the cliff faces offer the perfect opportunity to see these birds in their natural habitat. Staple Island is an ornithologist’s and photographer’s dream and for anybody who wants to get close to these birds it’s an experience they’ll definitely take home with them.
Staple Island is a rocky island and as such is not recommended for disabled visitors or for those with walking difficulties. It is also an island which is very exposed to the elements which means landing can occasionally be difficult. Landings are always made at the skippers discretion
Booking Conditions
The duration of our trips is approximate only and depends on a number of factors including weather and sea conditions. We reserve the right to cancel any of our trips if we deem the weather and/or sea conditions unsuitable for sailing. If trips are cancelled for any reason, you will be offered a different date/trip or receive a full refund. You may change/cancel bookings no later than 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Refunds are processed through our booking system to the card from which you made payment.
If you do not receive a confirmation for your trip please check your spam/junk and telephone us on 01665 720308/720316.
Please check in and collect your tickets from Billy Shiel’s Booking office at Seahouses Harbour NE68 7RN no later than 30 minutes before sailing. You will then be given instructions as to when, where and which boat to board. Please follow instructions to ensure you board the correct vessel as multiple companies and vessels use the same boarding point.
Please act responsibly on our vessels and follow our safety procedures. Children must not be allowed to climb on the sides of the boat and must be under parental/guardian supervision at all times.
Any belongings brought onto our trips are the responsibility of the owner and we can not be held accountable for breakages or lost/stolen items.
Safe access is provided for the embarkation and disembarkation on our trips but we can not be held accountable for any actions where due caution and restraint has not been undertaken.
SORRY THIS TRIP IS NOT AVAILABLE in 2026.
Sorry, due to the National Trust limiting landings on the islands to one hour and Staple Island being closed, this trip can not operate in 2026.
Child prices are for age 5-15. Under 5’s are infants. No concessions. No dogs.
This tour is particularly suitable for the enthusiastic ornithologist and photographer or anyone who simply wishes to spend more time observing the wealth of nesting species. The trip departs daily from Seahouses harbour at 9.30 am and only runs during the breeding season (May, June and July). It lasts approximately 5.5 hours and allows 2 hours on Staple Island in the morning and 2 hours on Inner Farne in the afternoon. It is recommended you take a packed lunch as there are no facilities on the Islands. This tour also includes a cruise around all the Islands to view nesting seabirds on the cliff faces and the Grey Seal colony at several vantage points.
National Trust members land free of charge on the Island and for non-members there is a charge payable to the National Trust Kiosk at the harbour before departure (not included in the boat fare)
NATIONAL TRUST LANDING FEES (2020)
Adult: £34.80 Child: £17.40 Family £87.00
(Free landing to under 5’s & N.T. members)
Inner Farne and Staple Island are major sanctuaries in the UK for about 22 species of breeding seabirds, including Guillemots, Razorbills, Eider Ducks, 4 species of Terns and a staggering 70,000 Puffins.
There are no facilities on Staple Island. Inner Farne has public toilets and a small information centre.
Staple Island is a rocky island, unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues. It can also be tricky island to land at as it is exposed to the elements. If we are unable to land at Staple the trip will sail later and make an afternoon landing on Inner Farne for two hours- – the maximum time permitted by the National Trust.