The Pembrokeshire Coast, a rugged stretch of West Wales within the national park, teems with wildlife year-round. Spot puffins nesting on Skomer Island in early summer, grey seals pupping in autumn, dolphins leaping offshore, and rare choughs calling from cliff ledges. This guide covers the prime locations and seasons for unforgettable sightings along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Puffins and Seabird Colonies
Skomer Island hosts over 42,000 pairs of puffins during the breeding season from April to July, alongside half a million seabirds including razorbills, guillemots and Manx shearwaters. These comical birds with rainbow beaks burrow into the island's soil, often visible just an arm's length away from landing points. Weather permitting, boat trips from Martin's Haven allow day visits, with Skokholm nearby offering similar spectacles for overnight stays.
Ramsey Island, an RSPB reserve, buzzes with razorbills, guillemots and peregrine falcons in summer. Grassholm, further out, is a gannet colony with 30,000 pairs blanketing the cliffs in white. Join guided boat tours for close-up views without disturbing nests, and scan the seas for porpoises en route.
- Best time: Late spring to early summer (May-June) for puffin peak activity.
- Access: Book boat trips early; follow RSPB guidelines to protect breeding birds.
Seals Along the Coastline
Atlantic grey seals thrive around Pembrokeshire's islands and coves, with Ramsey boasting one of southern Britain's largest colonies. Numbers swell in late summer and autumn during pupping season, when over a thousand seals and pups haul out on remote beaches. North Pembrokeshire beaches offer glimpses from afar, but maintain distance to avoid stress.
Boat trips from St Davids or Tenby often encounter seals basking on rocks or swimming playfully near vessels. Their curious nature draws them close, pups especially in November. Combine with coastal walks for land-based sightings along clifftop paths.
Dolphins and Marine Mammals
Nutrient-rich waters attract bottlenose, common and Risso's dolphins, plus harbour porpoises year-round, with occasional minke whales. North Pembrokeshire coasts are hotspots, where cetaceans feed in the currents. Sightings peak in summer from boat tours departing Tenby, Milford Haven or Tenby harbour.
Less common visitors include basking sharks, sunfish and leatherback turtles in warmer months. Scan horizons from headlands like Strumble Head or join wildlife cruises for expert spotting tips. Porpoises, smaller and shyer, surface with a subtle roll.
Choughs and Rare Birds
The scarlet-legged chough, Pembrokeshire's emblematic bird, nests on sea cliffs and grazes short turf. Listen for their high 'chee-ow' calls along the coast path from St Davids to Whitesands. Ramsey and Skomer host breeding pairs, visible during boat trips.
Peregrine falcons hunt dramatically overhead, while spring brings migrant seabirds. Walk sections of the Coast Path at dawn or dusk for best chances, binoculars essential for distant nests.
Best Seasons and Viewing Tips
Spring explodes with wildflowers and returning migrants; summer fills islands with seabirds; autumn delivers seal pups and migrants; winter suits hardy birders seeking divers. Early mornings or evenings yield calmer seas and active wildlife.
- Wear layers and sturdy boots for coastal paths.
- Use apps or guides for identification; report rare sightings to conservation groups.
- Respect 100m distance from seals; no drones near colonies.
Related Reading
Deepen your adventure with our guides to the best beaches in Pembrokeshire for seal-spotting shores and more on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Plan Your Stay
Base your wildlife explorations from The Courtyard, our luxury 5-bedroom property on Glaneirw Estate sleeping up to 10, with a wood burner for cosy evenings sharing sightings and a gourmet kitchen for post-adventure feasts. Perfectly positioned near Cardigan Bay, it's ideal for groups chasing Pembrokeshire's coastal treasures. Contact us to book or explore more blog tips.