Puffin Island Cruises

We are running 80-minute Spring Cruises from April 2021 until 21st June 2021 with social distancing measures in place, please look at the booking page for more information.

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 35 or 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.

Cruises last around 80-minutes although trip durations may vary slightly depending on tidal conditions and you need to allow 30 minutes to check in before your departure time. 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.

It is always best to book, we fill up fast especially in the holidays. Please book online, or if you want to just check sailing times you can see them on our booking page too. You can book online up to 1 hour before departure. We don't take bookings over the phone or by email, but if we have any availability left you can book at our ticket kiosk by Beaumaris Pier.

Prices from 21st June 2021*

Adults (16+)	£ 14.95
Children (4 -16 years)	£ 9.95
3 years and under	Free

Dogs free

*These prices are subject to normal operation without the need for social distancing measures. Please see the Prcies & Times page for prices while social distaning measures are in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome on our cruise boats.

Is there a toilet on-board?

Yes, there are toilet facilities on our boats.

Will I see Puffins?

Puffins nest on Puffin Island between approximately the beginning of April and the end of July, you will not see them outside of the nesting season. Between April and July, we see Puffins on most Puffin Island trips.

Will I see dolphins?

Very occasionally we are lucky enough to see dolphins on our cruises but most of the time we don’t see dolphins.

How do I book?

We only take bookings online or face to face at the ticket kiosk, we do not take bookings over the phone or by email. If you are looking to book for a large group or want a bespoke private charter, please drop us an email.

Will I get wet?

We strongly recommend that you wear suitable clothing and bring waterproofs. We will do our best to keep you as dry as possible but there may be sea spray (or rain, we are in Wales…) and most seating is not covered. The windier the weather the more spray there is and the wetter you may get.

Are there any ages restrictions?

There are no age restrictions on our boats, all ages are welcome. If you have mobility issues we recommend you read our access statement or get in touch before booking.

Is there disabled access?

Unfortunately, none of our boats have full disabled access. We will always try and accommodate you if it is possible and of course safe, please read our access statement and drop us an email with your specific requirements, however we cannot accommodate electric or motorised wheelchairs on any of our boats.

When do your trips run?

Our trips normally start at the beginning of April and finish at the end of October, if we are running trips they will be available to check times and book online. If you are looking for a private charter out of season, drop us an email and we might be able to accommodate you.

Do you get off on the Island?

All our cruises depart and return to the pier in Beaumaris, you do not get off the boat during the cruise.

What about bad weather?

Our boats will only go out if it is safe to do so. If we have to cancel because of the weather we will try and give you as much notice as possible and you will receive a full refund if you aren’t able to rebook for another day. Sometimes we are able to offer an alternative cruise in the Menai Strait if it is too rough around Puffin Island.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations by the Customer*

For scheduled cruises, customers who wish to cancel can receive a refund less a 10% fee, or a gift voucher for the full amount if the booking is cancelled more than 24 hours before the booked time. A cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance, or in case of no-show.

For private charters, customers who wish to cancel can receive a refund less a 10% fee, or a gift voucher for the full amount if the booking is cancelled more than 48 hours before the booked time. For cancellations made 24 to 48 hours before the booked time a fee of 50% applies, for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance, or in case of no-show a fee of 100% applies.

If you cancel and would prefer a gift voucher rather than a refund, please email us. Our system does not automatically issue refunds so there may be a delay in you receiving your cancellation confirmation and your refund confirmation.

You are advised to insure against and check whether your own personal insurance policy provides cover against cancellation.

*if you have booked a coach party using a separate booking form or a training course please refer to booking T&Cs and cancellation policy on that form.

Cancellation by Seacoast Safaris (for all bookings)

Seacoast safaris will endeavour to ensure that your trip/charter/course takes place in accordance with your booking. However, Seacoast Safaris reserves the rights to cancel without prior notice and at any time where we believe on reasonable grounds that cancellation is necessary due
to unsuitable conditions.

Where Seacoast Safaris cancels a trip/charter you will be offered the following options.

A full refund, or

an alternative trip/charter, with any differences in value refunded, or

a gift voucher to the same value of the trip booked which will remain valid for 18 months.

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.

Due to the design of our vessels you are not required to wear a lifejacket during our cruises.