For all ages! • 2 Hours • Bird watching
Set sail from Seahouses on a two-hour Puffin Seabird Cruise to the Farne Islands, home to bustling puffin colonies, Grey Seal haul-outs, and the storied route of Grace Darling’s heroic rescue. Discover why this wildlife-packed boat trip is a must-do activity on England’s Northumberland coast.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required on a stable boat
Wildlife
History
The Farne Islands have been a protected nature reserve since 1904 and are famous for Grace Darling’s 1838 heroic rescue of shipwreck survivors nearby.
Conservation
The Farne Islands are carefully managed to protect breeding seabirds and seals, with visitor guidelines to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
Billy Shiel's Boat Trips
For all ages! • 2 Hours • Bird watching
Billy Shiel's Boat Trips operates from Seahouses, England, offering a range of Farne Islands and coastal cruises focused on wildlife, history and scenic views. The company runs short and extended trips including the Inner Farne landing Boat Trip, Holy Island/Lindisfarne excursions aboard the new double-decker Farne's Lass, Sunset Cruises, Grey Seal Cruises with Seabirds, and Puffin Seabird Cruises with Seals. Each voyage includes knowledgeable commentary about local wildlife and heritage, with opportunities to see Grey Seals, Puffins and thousands of nesting seabirds during the breeding season.
The Inner Farne landing Boat Trip is a 2.5-hour visit to Inner Farne, highlighting St Cuthbert's legacy and the Grace Darling story. Holy Island/Lindisfarne cruises are 4.5-hour scenic journeys that visit Lindisfarne, feature views of Lindisfarne Castle, and include a complimentary mead sample at St Aidan’s Winery. Sunset Cruises circle the Farne Islands at dusk with coastal views and the chance to spot dolphins and Bamburgh Castle at sunset. The 1.5-hour Grey Seal Cruise focuses on seal colonies and seabird colonies and is suitable for all ages and is dog-friendly. The 2-hour Puffin Seabird Cruise emphasizes Puffins, Arctic Terns and seal watching with expert crew commentary. Sailings depart from Seahouses harbour, with options across seasons and tides. Booking information, schedules and availability are published by the operator; visitors should check tide times and trip details before travel.
Tours suit photographers, families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking coastal scenery, seal and seabird encounters from Seahouses harbour on small to medium-sized passenger vessels with informative onboard commentary.
Location
Seahouses
Departures from Seahouses harbour
Tours Offered
5 Tours
Range of durations and routes
Dog Friendly
Selected Trips
Grey Seal Cruise allows dogs
Featured Vessel
Farne's Lass
New double-decker for Holy Island
Secure seats for Inner Farne landings, Holy Island excursions, sunset cruises and seal or puffin trips — check schedules and tide times before booking.
Dress in layers for coastal weather
The North Sea can be cool and windy even in summer; bring windproof and waterproof layers to stay comfortable.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching
Enhance your viewing of distant seabirds and seals by packing binoculars or a spotting scope.
Arrive early for ticket collection
Check in at Billy Shiel’s Booking office 30 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding.
Supervise children carefully onboard
Children should be monitored closely to prevent climbing on boat sides and ensure safety during the cruise.
Windproof jacket
Protects against chilly sea breezes and spray during the cruise.
summer
Binoculars
Helps spot seabirds and seals at a distance for a better wildlife experience.
Comfortable non-slip shoes
Ensures safe footing on wet boat surfaces during embarkation and disembarkation.
Sunglasses
Reduces glare from the water for clear viewing and comfortable eyes.
summer