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 Wave Dancer, 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 a handful of sea-sickness in the last five years should reassure even the wariest sailors.
Each trip lasts 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. If time allows we will return via the Smalls and Grassholm Tsland. 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.
2026 dates ALL SOLD OUT: 24th July, 1st August, 7th August, 15th August. Dates in late August and September may be added in early August. To be added to the mailing list please email info@westcoastbirdwatching.co.uk.
Price: £119 per person
Booking and further information: info@westcoastbirdwatching.co.uk
