Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips (Skomer boat)

This is the short, mighty crossing that makes Skomer possible: the landing boat from Martin's Haven at the end of the Marloes peninsula, threading Jack Sound to the island's steps. Landing tickets are sold in advance by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (the island's managers) with the boat fare on top — in puffin season the good dates go within minutes of release, so this is the one booking to make before your accommodation.

When landings are full or the swell says no, round-island cruises run instead — no ticket scramble, and the rafts of puffins, guillemots and razorbills sit on the water beside you. Manx shearwater evening trips are the connoisseur's version: Skomer holds one of the world's great colonies and they return to the island at dusk in tens of thousands.

Check sailings, tickets and cancellation policy via the operator and the Wildlife Trust's Skomer pages. If the boat is off, the Marloes peninsula walk is the consolation.