Guided Trips
Pelagics
Since 2021 I have organised pelagic (offshore) boat trips off the coast of Pembrokeshire, out into the Celtic Deep, in search of passage and scarce seabirds. These trips take place from July to September. In every year we have recorded Wilson’s Storm Petrel (including a new Welsh record 4 on one trip in 2024) and Great Shearwater. Other highlights have included Cory’s Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Black Tern, Great Skua, and Arctic Skua. European Storm Petrel is almost guaranteed.
It is not just about the birds: we have also recorded Blue Shark, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Ocean Sunfish, Risso’s Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and on nearly every trip we enjoy superb views of Common Dolphin.
We sail from Neyland on board Dale Sailing’s Helen Claire, a twin-hulled speedster that gets us far offshore pretty quickly, her twin hulls providing excellent stability whilst we drift and ‘chum’ hoping to attract seabirds. The fact that we have only had one incidence of sea-sickness in the last two years should reassure even the wariest sailors.
Each trip last approximately eight hours: approximately 2-2.5 hours to get out to the Celtic Deep, 3-4 hours out there, and 2-2.5 hours back. You need to bring binoculars, a camera (if you have one), full waterproofs (just in case) and enough food and drink to last the day.
2025 availability (as at 18/4/25): 23rd July (FULL), 1st August (FULL), 9th August (FULL), 25th August (FULL), 6th September (FULL), 14th September (5 places)
Price: £115
Booking and further information: info@westcoastbirdwatching.co.uk
