Puffin Island Cruises

With spectacular scenery and an array of wildlife it’s easy to see why we take thousands of passengers each year to view this beautiful island. Our Puffin Island cruises are a leisurely and relaxed trip aboard one of our 54 seater cruise boats. With an entertaining and informative commentary along the way we’ll be pointing out places of interest and telling you about the local history, spotting the different birds and wildlife and telling you about them too.

Puffin Island also known as Ynys Seiriol in Welsh, is located at the North East entrance of the Menai Straits and is the ninth largest island off the Welsh coast. The island was once home to the sixth century saint, St Seiriol, whose monastery is still visible on the top of the island today. Puffin Island is now a bird sanctuary and a nesting site for many species of breeding seabirds. The main season is between April and July when you are likely to see common guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and of course puffins but as with all seabirds outside of the breeding season they are only found out at sea (you will not see puffins on these cruises outside of the breeding season). We also find fulmar and eider duck breeding on the island and often spot the odd black guillemot in the area too. Other species such as cormorant and shags are on the island all year round as are our resident Atlantic grey seals. You may even be lucky enough to encounter porpoise, sometimes even dolphin.

Please allow 90-minutes from start to finish although trip durations may vary slightly depending on tidal conditions.  All our cruises depart from the pier in Beaumaris and are suitable for all ages, you can even bring your dog with you, but if you have any specific access requirements please read our access statement, or send us an email.  

It is always best to book, we fill up fast especially in the holidays. Have a look at our online booking, or if you want to just check sailing times they’re there too. You can book online up to 1 hour before departure.

Puffin Island Cruise prices: Adults (16+) £11.95; Children (5-16) £7.95; Young Children (1-4) £2.95; Infants (under 1) free.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can we bring our dog?

Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome on any of our cruises.

Is there a toilet on-board?

Yes, there is a toilet on the cruise boats.

Will I get wet?

You shouldn’t get too wet, but dress for the outdoors, also note that it is generally cooler at sea.

The Cerismar cruise boat has all-round seating, it’s dry at the back (and in the wheel house), the front has great views but it can get really wet there in certain wind and tide conditions.

You are welcome to bring your belongings on the boat, please make sure you have a suitable bag or case especially for cameras, any items you do bring on any of our boats are at your own risk, we will not take any responsibility should they get wet, damaged or broken.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, please do. Our cruise vessels offer a more stable platform for photography than the RIBs, so especially if you have a long lens this would be the best option.

Any equipment you bring on the boats is at your own risk, we will not accept any responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Will we see puffins?

Puffins nest on the island typically between the beginning of April and end of July, maybe even into the first week of August. Puffins are wild animals and we cannot guarantee you will see them even if you visit during the breeding season. There are approximately 50 breeding pairs of Puffins on the island.

Will we see dolphins?

Dolphins are found in the waters around Anglesey, while we do spot dolphins every so often we can’t really advise a good time to see them. Harbour porpoise are seen quite regularly on our cruises, but again we cannot predict or guarantee sightings of these or any other animals.

Can I get off on Puffin Island?

Puffin Island is privately owned and you are not allowed on the island without special permission. All our standard boat rides are a round trip, you get on and off at the same place.

Are there any age restrictions?

Our cruises are suitable for all ages.

Is it suitable for pregnant women?

Our cruises are suitable for pregnant women however it would be advisable to check the weather conditions as although we never sail if it is unsafe some days may be rougher than others.

Is there disabled access?

There is good access on the pier, but we do not have full disabled access on the boats, please have a look at our access statement or contact us to discuss your access requirements.

What time do trips run?

The main season is between April and October, we try and sail daily from 11am (or earlier by prior arrangement) but please check for specific times either on the online booking page or by phone before making a journey to come and see us.

For trips between November and March, private charters and large groups please contact us.

How many people can the boat take?

We recommend up to 50 passengers for our cruises, although we are licensed to carry more. If your group is more than 50 people, please get in touch and we should be able to arrange something for you.

Can we still go if the weather is bad?

We will only operate if it is safe to do so. Often if conditions do not allow us get to Puffin Island there may still be an option to sail in the Menai Straits as it is more sheltered. In certain conditions you may get a little wet so please ask on the day. If you are making a special journey please make sure you call to check your sailing before setting out. Our round Anglesey cruises are the most weather dependant, we’ll always do our best to take you, but in certain conditions it’s just not possible to do it safely, in those circumstances if it’s possible we’ll run a cruise of the same duration wherever it’s most sheltered.

I have health problems are your boats suitable?

If you have a specific health problem that concerns you with regard to taking a boat trip then just let us know, but generally if you feel well enough to go it should be fine.

What safety equipment is provided?

All our vessels fully conform to the MCA codes and licensing and carry all the necessary safety equipment. All vessels carry appropriately sized lifejackets and life rafts for all passengers.

You are not required to wear a lifejacket during our cruises.

11/2 hour cruise round puffin island

What a lovely experience cruising down the Menai Strait to Puffin Island and lighthouse. Constant commentary on what around and the wild life. Very enjoyable would go again.
Stephen L (TripAdvisor)
 

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