Staple Landing Trip

SORRY THIS TRIP IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.  STAPLE ISLAND IS CLOSED FOR 2024.

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.

NATIONAL TRUST LANDING FEES 2023 (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

May, June, July
Adult: £13  Child: £6.50 Family: £32.50 Family group with 1 adult and 3 children: £19.50
(Free landing to under 5’s & N.T. members)

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.