Skomer Island cruise port guide

Skomer Island has been designated a National Nature Reserve, Ancient Monument and Full Maritime Nature Reserve. The old name for Skomer Island is Skalmeye –the Isle of the Sword or Cleft/Cloven Isle, possible referring to the island being nearly cut into two. Skomer is approximately one kilometer off the Pembrokeshire coast and part of a Marine Conservation Zone. There is evidence of human occupation going back some 2,000-5,000 years with a farming community of up to 250 residents. View less Rabbits were introduced in the late 1200s and Skomer became a rabbit warren. Today it is better known for the Skomer vole, its bird life and the spring flowering of the bluebells -giving the whole island a blue touch. The island offers excellent habitats for seabirds nesting in the cliffs and ground nesting birds. The largest concentration of Manx Shearwaters worldwide is found on Skomer and neighboring Skokholm and more than 25,000 Atlantic Puffins have been counted here in one season. Access to the island is limited to 250 visitors per day, but Zodiac cruises permit to appreciate the seabird colonies in the cliffs much better. 172 bird species have been recorded, with Black-legged Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Northern Fulmars and several gull species showing the largest numbers. Northern Gannets visit from a neighboring breeding site and harbor porpoises and dolphins are occasionally seen, while grey seals can be seen year-round.