Seabird & Seal Farne Islands Cruise

Join our 1.5-hour Seabird & Seal Farne Islands Cruise from Seahouses. Enjoy expert commentary, stunning wildlife, and a personalized experience on the Golden Gate.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Farne Islands - Enjoy a 90-minute cruise around the Farne Islands, featuring expert commentary from the current Trinity House Lighthouse attendant.
    Witness resident seabirds like cormorants, shags, gulls, and grey seals throughout the year.
    From May to July, seasonal birds such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and terns can also be observed….
What's Included
  • Full expert commentary
What's Not Included
  • No landing.
  • Expenses if trip has to be cancelled at short notice.
Additional Information

We are a genuine, fully-owned, small family-operated business that has been established for many years.
Our vessel, the Golden Gate, was specifically constructed in Seahouses for the Farne Islands, particularly for Trinity House duties related to the lighthouses.
George, the skipper and lighthouse attendant, has been navigating these islands for many…

Location
Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips
Meet at Golden Gate Farne Islands booking office down Seahouses Harbour 20-30 minutes before departure. The booking office is painted is navy at the bottom, white at the top with a gold band around the middle.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(27 Ratings)
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1 star
Stevegof
Jul 10, 2025
Take a gamble on seabird/ seal watching - There are many seabird/seal watching trips from Seahouses, that range around £20 each. You are advised to dress warmly and take a hat, ( some birds have been known to dive bomb the boats) The trips are great fun and if you get the right crew, you’ll have a great experience. We went with a company called Serenity, their boat was smaller than some of their competitors so was limited in visitors. We had a bright, breezy day, slight sea wind. The boat made its way out to the birds breeding grounds around the Farne Islands, with the crew/captain giving a commentary. We sailed around several of the breeding grounds, being made aware of what birds were to be seen. Then we went on to the seal colony, and again we got a very good commentary. The trip we paid for was 1 hour and 30 mins, which went very quickly. You are shown several local scenes on your way back to harbour. We found our experience well worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Crabbit2
Jul 10, 2025
1000’s of seabirds and puffins up close - Trip left on time with a nearly full boat but didn’t feel squashed in . Great views from the boat . We saw our first puffins on the sea about 2 miles about as we got closer to the first island there were hundreds flying close to the boat and in the sea . The crew told us where to look and slowed the boat . We then got closer to the first stunning cliffs and saw hundreds of assorted seabirds nesting or flying again the crew told us about each one . We continued round several islands ,where the grass went down to the sea we saw puffins in their burrows too .You her great views of the famous Darling lighthouse and commentary on that and buildings on the other islands . The crew spotted seals so slowed down the boat at a safe distance so we could all sea them . We went about 5 miles out and round several islands all teaming with birds . We went specifically for the puffins and were delighted at how many we saw . Check the nesting seasons if you want to see specific species of birds . The crew were friendly , knowledgeable and helpful I’d highly recommend this trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aisling_f
Jul 7, 2025
Fun experience. Staff... - Fun experience. Staff very knowledgeable regarding all the different bird species and the seals. Staff very friendly. A fun day out for everyone
Review provided by Viator
Beehivemama
Jul 3, 2025
Despite a reschedule, worth every penny! - We were booked on the landing trip, but sadly NT cancelled it due to the weather, Golden Gate were fantastic, rescheduling us on an earlier non landing trip, refunding us the difference within 24hrs. The Guide was really knowledgeable and we saw so much wildlife. Excellent trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lilianrv6438pe
Jun 15, 2025
Great intro tour to the Farne Islands - We opted for the 1.5hr tour which was just enough to see everything. The team were very knowledgeable about the islands the birds, pointing them out in plenty of time. I would wholly recommend if you’re looking for a quicker tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beckyst2126uo
Sep 5, 2024
September sailing (Saw seals and shags) - Really great experience. Knowledgeable and friendly crew. Saw birds and seals (early September). Will definitely be coming back to do the puffin cruise. Great value and easy to get to.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jadeat9960yo
Aug 20, 2024
Fabulous! - A fabulous trip out on the boat with George and Andrew and easy to book online or with Ailsa down at the harbour. Very informative guide about the local islands and topped off with seeing the seals and birds. We will be back next year in puffin breeding season!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephab87
Aug 19, 2024
Once in a lifetime experience! - Highly recommend - beautiful boat, captain George and his crew were great, and truly unique experience. commentary was brilliant and were lucky enough to see dolphins, as well as seals and a bunch of birds. Thank you Golden Gate!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sue_s
Aug 18, 2024
A lovely day out! - Seeing the seals lying around on the rocks, listening to the stories from the guide. Very good organisation by the ladies in the ticket office.
Review provided by Viator
222sineadr
Aug 22, 2025
Just awful - The boat was an old fishing boat, the water so choppy it left me and my children traumatised and we were fearing for our lives. Totally unsuitable for children and families would definitely not recommend unless you want to go to hell and back- if you survive!
Review provided by Tripadvisor