Farne Islands seabird and seal cruise from Seahouses: 90 minutes

Longstone Lighthouse and Grace Darling's rescue route, narrated by the current keeper

A 90-minute cruise around the Farne Islands departing from Seahouses, with expert commentary from George, the Trinity House lighthouse attendant who has sailed these waters for decades. You'll see resident grey seals, cormorants, shags and gulls throughout the year. Seasonal seabirds including puffins, guillemots and terns appear May through July. The route passes Longstone Lighthouse, where you'll hear the history of Grace Darling's famous rescue and traverse the exact waters where it happened.

Step-by-step itinerary

Farne Islands cruise and lighthouse visit

• Depart from Seahouses harbor
• Enjoy 90-minute Farne Islands cruise
• Listen to expert lighthouse commentary
• Observe seabirds and grey seals
• Sail to Longstone Lighthouse
• Learn about Grace Darling and rescue route

The experience

The boat, the Golden Gate, was purpose-built in Seahouses specifically for the Farne Islands and lighthouse duties. George, the skipper, combines his work as a Trinity House lighthouse attendant with running the cruise, so the commentary comes from someone who actually tends the lights and knows every detail of the islands' structure and history. The boat keeps to smaller passenger numbers rather than filling to capacity, which means more room to move and better sightlines for photography.

Resident wildlife (grey seals hauled out on the rocks, cormorants and shags diving, gulls wheeling overhead) appears year-round. Between May and July, the seasonal arrivals show up: puffins, guillemots, razorbills and terns nest on the islands during breeding season. Outside those months, the seabirds thin out, though there is still plenty to see. The cruise passes close enough to Longstone Lighthouse for George to walk you through its structure and the story of Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper's daughter who launched a rescue boat in 1838. You'll follow the exact route she took across these waters.

The 90-minute round trip leaves from Seahouses, a working fishing village on the Northumberland coast. Public transport options are available nearby, and the boat accommodates infants in prams or strollers, as well as service animals.

What’s included

• Full expert commentary from the lighthouse attendant.
• close views of resident seals, cormorants and gulls.
• passage past Longstone Lighthouse with historical narration on Grace Darling's rescue.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 74

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips

Is this one for you?The boat keeps passenger numbers below capacity rather than filling to the limit, so you get more space and better sightlines than a packed tour would offer. Book May through July if puffins and other seasonal breeders are your main draw. Outside those months, the resident seals and year-round seabirds are still worth the trip, though the breeding colonies will be gone.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What seabirds will I actually see on the Farne Islands cruise?

Resident species like cormorants, shags, gulls and grey seals are present year-round. Puffins, guillemots, razorbills and terns arrive during breeding season from May through July. Outside that window, the operator cannot guarantee sightings of the seasonal birds, though other wildlife remains visible.

Who provides the commentary on the Farne Islands cruise?

George, the skipper and current Trinity House lighthouse attendant, narrates the entire cruise. He has sailed around the islands for many years and combines his lighthouse duties with running the boat, so his knowledge covers both the seabirds and the structures you'll see.

Does the cruise stop at Longstone Lighthouse or just pass it?

The boat sails up to Longstone Lighthouse but does not land. You receive expert commentary on the structure and its history from George, and you traverse the rescue route that Grace Darling took in 1838, all from the water.

How long is the Farne Islands cruise from Seahouses?

The cruise is 90 minutes round trip, departing from and returning to Seahouses harbour.