easy
75 minutes
Suitable for most mobility levels, with minimal physical exertion
Join Starida Puffin Island Cruises for an engaging 75-minute journey along the Menai Strait, where puffins and seals thrive amidst stunning coastal scenery. Discover the wildlife and vistas that make this cruise a standout in Wales’s outdoor scene.
The ORIGINAL Puffin Island Cruise • 75 minutes • Suitable for all ages
Embark on the ORIGINAL Puffin Island Cruise for a 75-minute adventure along the Menai Strait. Experience breathtaking views of the Snowdonia mountains and Anglesey coastline while spotting diverse wildlife, including puffins and seals. Enjoy an engaging guided tour with local insights, making this a memorable journey for nature lovers.
Times offered: Daily, April-October Duration: 75 minutes (approx)
Join us aboard the Island Princess for a gentle cruise along the Menai Strait to Puffin Island, where you have the opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat, including guillemots, cormorants, kittiwakes, razorbills and of course the puffin. The east end of the island is home to a colony of grey seals and you may be lucky in spotting a bottlenose dolphin or harbour porpoise! As we cruise down the Strait, there is plenty of opportunity to take in the spectacular scenery of the Snowdonia mountain range and Anglesey coastline, and we’ll also share some local history as we pass various sites along the shore.
Not just a cruise but a complete guided tour with a full commentary that’s as entertaining as it is informative from experienced local crews.
Well-behaved dogs welcome and travel for free!
It’s easier to book online, and it’s usually possible to book up to 20 minutes before scheduled departure time. You can also book in person at our kiosk next to Beaumaris Pier, make sure you ask for Starida by name! If you have any queries, you can also give us a call or email and we will do our best to help; please include a telephone number in any emails just in case we can’t email back straight away.
All trips depart from Beaumaris Pier and you will need to collect your boarding cards at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Failure to be at the right place in time will result in you missing the boat and your seats being resold.
All trips are weather permitting, details of how to confirm your trip can be found in your booking confirmation email. We attempt to contact all passengers to advise them of cancellation or significant changes but this cannot always be guaranteed, especially in the event of multiple cancellations. The easiest way to let you know is by text so make sure you opt in for text message updates.
Please remember that the birds and animals are wild and we have no control over them. Whilst we do what we can to make sure you see as much of the wildlife as possible, we cannot guarantee what you will be able to see on any particular trip. Some of the bird species on Puffin Island (including the puffin) are migratory and only come to land in order to breed; what you see during your visit depends on when you join us, particularly from August each year.
Whilst easy to board, all vessels may pose accessibility issues at times. We have prepared an Access Statement which is available upon request to help you judge the potential ease of access for yourself but if you are at all unsure, please contact us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements ahead of your visit.
Keep comfortable as weather can change quickly on the water.
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with a good set of binoculars.
Secure a good spot on the boat and allow time for briefing.
Use the boat's side for steady shots of puffins and seals.
The Menai Strait has been a vital maritime route for centuries, with its narrows historically significant for trade and navigation in Wales.
Starida promotes responsible wildlife viewing, ensuring minimal disturbance to seabird colonies and marine mammals while supporting local conservation efforts.
Protects against wind and spray while onboard, especially in cooler months.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Helps spot distant wildlife more clearly during the cruise.
Sunscreen and hats shield you during sunny days on the water.
summer specific
Capture memorable moments of wildlife and scenic views.