Скачать или смотреть Photographing Puffins on Skomer Island | A Wildlife Adventure in Wales.

Every summer, thousands of puffins return to the wild cliffs of Skomer Island—and in this video, I set out to photograph them in their natural habitat.

Join me as I:
Travel by boat to one of the UK’s most remote wildlife havens 🛶
Share my camera gear setup for bird photography 📷
Capture puffins nesting, flying, and delivering fish to their chicks 🐟
Offer practical tips for getting the perfect puffin shot
Explore the beauty and quiet magic of Skomer
Whether you're planning a trip to Skomer or just love puffins and photography, this one's for you.

📌 Planning your own visit?
I’ve included info below on permits, gear recommendations, and the best time to go.

🎟️ Permits & Booking

Day-trip landing tickets are essential — only 250 visitors are allowed per day, with a maximum stay of 5 hours

Booking opens December 1 via the Pembrokeshire Islands/Wildlife Trust website, and popular June dates often sell out quickly

Check-in at Martin’s Haven office is mandatory at least 1 hour before your boat time
en.wikipedia.org
Boats depart between 10 AM–12 PM (return from about 3–5 PM) from April–August; September has a reduced schedule
passportandpixels.com

Alternative: Private Boats
You can land on your boat between 10 AM–12:30 PM and 2:30 PM–5 PM, April–September, Tues–Sun – but must pre-clear biosecurity rules and bag-packing protocols
https://www.welshwildlife.org/skomer-...
.
📅 Best Time to Visit

Puffins arrive mid‑April, stay through May to late July, and start leaving by mid‑July, with most gone by end‑July

Peak puffin activity, with chick-rearing and fish deliveries, is May–June, especially June


Mid‑July sees declining numbers and greying plumage .
🗓️ Ideal Planning Tips

Book ASAP in December, aiming for early season dates (mid‑May to June)


Arrive early at Martin’s Haven (e.g., by 8 AM) to check in and secure your place

Stay flexible—weather can cancel crossings; some travellers plan multi-day stays “just in case” .
🦜 Summary Table

Aspect Details
Permits Mandatory day-landing tickets (max 250/day)
Booking Opens Dec 1, especially for June dates
Season Puffins present mid‑Apr–late Jul
Best Photos May–June (with chicks & fish activity)
Access Times Boat from 10–12 PM; stay until ~3–5 PM
Arrival Check-in at least 1 hr before departure
Flexibility Build in contingency for weather cancellations
✅ What You Should Do Now

Mark 6+ months ahead in your calendar to book the moment tickets open (Dec 1).


Keep a buffer day nearby for weather delays.

Camera Gear
Camera Body (DSLR or Mirrorless)
Ideally weather-sealed; full-frame or crop sensor both work.
Telephoto Lens (300mm–600mm)
Puffins are small and often a few meters away.
Popular: 100-400mm, 150-600mm, 500mm prime.
Wide-Angle Lens (16–35mm / 24–70mm)
Great for landscapes, cliffs, and environmental shots of puffins.
Spare Batteries (x2–3)
No charging facilities on the island.
Memory Cards (Plenty)
High-capacity, fast cards (e.g., UHS-II SD cards or CFexpress).
Support & Stability
Monopod or Lightweight Tripod
A monopod gives flexibility on uneven ground.
Camera Rain Cover / Dry Bag
Weather can change quickly—protection is essential.
Accessories
Binoculars (Optional but useful)
For spotting birds before setting up a shot.
Lens Cloths / Wipes
Sea spray and mist can smudge lenses quickly.
Beanbag
Useful for low-angle ground shots if you’re not using a tripod.
Polarizing Filter
Reduces glare and deepens blue skies.
Personal Essentials
Waterproof Backpack / Camera Bag
With compartments for fast access.
Rain Jacket / Layers / Hat
Skomer is exposed—expect wind and sudden rain.
Water & Snacks
There’s no café or shop on the island.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses—yes, even in Wales!

👇 Check it out and let me know your favorite shot in the comments!

Website: [stephenMsmith.co.uk]

My gear list:

🔗 Links & Resources: visit info:
https://www.welshwildlife.org/skomer-...
https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co....

Follow me on Instagram: [@s.m.smith_]
🎵 Music licensed via [YouTube]
🎙️ Filmed on location in Pembrokeshire, Wales

#SkomerIsland #PuffinPhotography #WildlifePhotography #BirdingUK #NatureVlog