Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
5
IslandsNature & Wildlife AreasLighthousesBoat ToursSightseeing Tours
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view

About
Discover the enchanting Farne Islands with Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, a venture founded by maritime enthusiast Andrew Douglas. Our fleet of state-of-the-art vessels ensures a comfortable and thrilling journey, offering panoramic views of the rugged islets off Northumberland's coast. Led by knowledgeable guides, our tours provide intimate wildlife encounters, from puffins to seals. Committed to sustainability, we follow eco-friendly practices, contributing to local conservation. Serenity is not just a tour; it's a commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Join us for an unforgettable experience where nature, heritage, and customer satisfaction converge. Serenity by Name Serenity by Nature
Seahouses, Northumberland, England
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,363 reviews
Excellent
3,241
Very good
99
Average
10
Poor
4
Terrible
11
Mrs Shrops
Shropshire, UK129 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We pre-booked the Inner Farne Islands tour online with this company as they were linked on the National Trust website.
We arrived at the harbour on a grey, misty day and to be honest, looking at the rough sea, I was tempted to cancel as I can suffer with travel sickness. Looking around, there were elderly folk and little kids, so I sucked it up as I thought the potential to see seals and puffins was worth a bit of sickness.
Getting out boarding tickets and NT bands (we were already members) was easy.
The boat was full and the 2 crew were very good in telling us a bit about the trip and commentary about the birds we could see. For a rough day, the boat trip was very smooth (although there were a few pukers, but not me!)
I was surprised we weren’t given a life jacket to wear, but we were assured there were enough for everyone if needed.
We stopped to see the grey seals (the driver was good at turning the boat around so everyone could see) before heading off to Inner Farne where we could get off and wander around for an hour. The NT rangers were very knowledgeable and pointed out birds to see and the best place to see them. We saw Guillemots, Arctic Terns, Eiders, shags, razor bills, kittiwakes, gulls and of course puffins. The trip was amazing and it was great to see so many unusual birds. Well worth the £30.
We arrived at the harbour on a grey, misty day and to be honest, looking at the rough sea, I was tempted to cancel as I can suffer with travel sickness. Looking around, there were elderly folk and little kids, so I sucked it up as I thought the potential to see seals and puffins was worth a bit of sickness.
Getting out boarding tickets and NT bands (we were already members) was easy.
The boat was full and the 2 crew were very good in telling us a bit about the trip and commentary about the birds we could see. For a rough day, the boat trip was very smooth (although there were a few pukers, but not me!)
I was surprised we weren’t given a life jacket to wear, but we were assured there were enough for everyone if needed.
We stopped to see the grey seals (the driver was good at turning the boat around so everyone could see) before heading off to Inner Farne where we could get off and wander around for an hour. The NT rangers were very knowledgeable and pointed out birds to see and the best place to see them. We saw Guillemots, Arctic Terns, Eiders, shags, razor bills, kittiwakes, gulls and of course puffins. The trip was amazing and it was great to see so many unusual birds. Well worth the £30.
Written June 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your incomprehensive review. I'm delighted you enjoyed the trip even on a gloomy day. Hopefully, if we ever see you again the weather will be a lot kinder for you.
Thank you once again for choosing Serenity.
All the best
Andrew
Written June 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ambientcreative
Darlington, UK51 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We, myself, wife and adult daughter went on the Serenity Farne Island with Inner Farne stop off boat trip. It was an absolutely superb experience. The booking staff and the boat crew were first rate. Boat crew were really good at helping those who needed a steady hand embarking and disembarking. The commentary (which I’d wrongly assumed would be recorded) was very good alongside the captain’s turning the boat round at vantage points so everyone could see the birds or seals he was commenting on. We were blessed with good weather. The stop off is an extra fee payable to The National Trust but was totally worth it as we saw thousands of Puffins at close hand nesting. I honestly cannot recommend the Serenity boat trip highly enough. We hope to return to do one of their other trips asap.
Written May 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you for your lovely review and I'm thrilled you were looked after and enjoyed the trip. Thank you for choosing Serenity and hopefully, we will see you onboard again soon.
All the best
Andrew
Written May 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise D
County Durham, UK17 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We went on the sunset tour and can honestly say it was excellent. The boat was smaller and more intimate than the competitors boat which meant the crewman could get round and have a chat with everyone and answer questions etc.
The commentary from Chris was really interesting and informative and Aaron was also very knowledgeable about the island and the birds etc.
The views were fantastic and to watch the sun go down over Bamburgh Castle was magical, we even got to see seals lounging on the rocks.
Would definitely recommend
The commentary from Chris was really interesting and informative and Aaron was also very knowledgeable about the island and the birds etc.
The views were fantastic and to watch the sun go down over Bamburgh Castle was magical, we even got to see seals lounging on the rocks.
Would definitely recommend
Written September 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so much and I will pass your kind comments to Chris and Aaron. I have to admit it is my favourite trip of the day and I'm delighted you enjoyed it.
Hopefully, we will see you again soon.
All the best
Andrew
Written September 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne P
Horsham, UK13 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We had a lovely trip to all the islands and Lindisfarne. The sad thing for us was despite my planning to go on a reasonable weather day the mist came in and we sailed all day in the got. It was freezing .... Suggest folks take a blanket with you and later up several layers, plus wollt hat and gloves. I was grateful my husband brought his which I used.
As far as the skippers are concerned they did an excellent job, Reece checked on everyone was polite and very knowledgeable about the birds and sea life to which he answered out questions and pointed out all the birds. Highlight of the day was spotting Dolphins and them playing by the side of the boat.
I would also suggest taking some coppers for tipping the crew as they work really hard to give the public a good experience.
As far as the skippers are concerned they did an excellent job, Reece checked on everyone was polite and very knowledgeable about the birds and sea life to which he answered out questions and pointed out all the birds. Highlight of the day was spotting Dolphins and them playing by the side of the boat.
I would also suggest taking some coppers for tipping the crew as they work really hard to give the public a good experience.
Written May 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so much for your lovely review and I'm delighted you enjoyed the trip. Excellent advice about wrapping up warm as it is always colder at sea than it is on land. I will pass on your kind comments to Toby and Reece.
Anyway, thank you so much for choosing Serenity and hopefully, we will see you onboard again sometime.
All the best
Andrew
Written May 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sightseer47749689967
43 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
This was an excellent trip going around the Farne Islands and landing on Inner Farne, which is National Trust. You only pay for the boat trip if you're a NT member, but you need to get a wrist band from the NT kiosk on the harbour at Seahouses, after you've got your boat ticket. I booked on line but there were still plenty of spaces to be had on the 1.45 pm boat in May. The skipper took us right up to the cliffs where a variety of seabirds were nesting. They weren't perturbed at all. Inner Farne is small and an hour is more than enough time to go around (twice) and take photos. It was cold out to sea so wrap up and have a hat you don't need to hang on to! Staff were knowledgeable and friendly.
Written May 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review and I'm delighted you enjoyed the trip. Hopefully, we will see you again soon.
All the best
Andrew
Written May 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mr0rdinary
Southampton8 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We had a sunny day with calm sea for a landing trip. The first part of the voyage visited various point around the islands, getting within a couple of metres of nesting birds, who were completely unconcerned by our presence. The skipper's commentary was very informative about the birds and other wildlife we saw. He turned the boat round at each spot to everyone on board had a change to see. The we landed on Inner Farne, we had an hour on shore which was plenty of time for a slow walk around the board walk. We were within inches of hundreds of puffins, guillemots and razorbills. With artic terns flying at us to protect their territory, wearing a hat is a must. On the way back to Seahouses, the skipper showed us a sea urchin and lobster. The trip took 6 hours including the "arrive 30m early", so I was glad I'd paid for plenty of parking time.
By far the best value wildlife boat trip we have taken in the UK.
By far the best value wildlife boat trip we have taken in the UK.
Written June 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so much for your wonderful review. To be up there with the best boat trip in the UK is an honor. I'm thrilled you enjoyed your trip and thank you for choosing us for your adventure, we hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
All the best
Andrew
Written June 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ralph Darvill
St. Albans, UK5 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We have been frustrated in the past two years staying in Seahouses, that the January weather has conspired against us getting out to the islands with Serenity.
It looked a bit as if 2025 was going to be the same as heavy seas and freezing temperatures ruled the first few days of the year.
Happily the weather cleared on our penultimate day and we enjoyed a bracing and sunlit cruise to see the seals, and hear the story of the islands' histoey from the company's well-informed guides.
Another notable part of the trip was to experience first-hand the incredible skill of the boatman manouvering out of the harbour and in the seas around the islands themselves, as the sea was still pretty lively.
I've been several times on the boat, and the trip is never less than wonderful, their natural beauty, geological origin and the incredible long history of those who have dwelt there in the past is always worth exploring.
It looked a bit as if 2025 was going to be the same as heavy seas and freezing temperatures ruled the first few days of the year.
Happily the weather cleared on our penultimate day and we enjoyed a bracing and sunlit cruise to see the seals, and hear the story of the islands' histoey from the company's well-informed guides.
Another notable part of the trip was to experience first-hand the incredible skill of the boatman manouvering out of the harbour and in the seas around the islands themselves, as the sea was still pretty lively.
I've been several times on the boat, and the trip is never less than wonderful, their natural beauty, geological origin and the incredible long history of those who have dwelt there in the past is always worth exploring.
Written February 9, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen L
81 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
The two hour Puffin trip around the Farne Islands was fantastic and great value for money.
Saw loads of puffins, grey seals, terns, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes,and razorbills.
The boat got up really close to within a few feet of the wildlife.
Staff were helpful and friendly and the commentary was interesting and very informative.
Nearby car parks get very busy, but we arrived at 8.30am and got a space at the harbour near the tour kiosk.
There was a nearby coffee wagon so we got a takeaway coffee and waited in the car until our 9.45am check-in time for a 10.15 am trip.
With it not being a trip where you went on the islands you could take dogs.
Saw loads of puffins, grey seals, terns, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes,and razorbills.
The boat got up really close to within a few feet of the wildlife.
Staff were helpful and friendly and the commentary was interesting and very informative.
Nearby car parks get very busy, but we arrived at 8.30am and got a space at the harbour near the tour kiosk.
There was a nearby coffee wagon so we got a takeaway coffee and waited in the car until our 9.45am check-in time for a 10.15 am trip.
With it not being a trip where you went on the islands you could take dogs.
Written June 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I'm delighted you enjoyed your trip and hopefully, we will see you again sometime soon.
All the best
Andrew
Written June 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tinkerball
Essex, UK77 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We booked the 3hr trip with a landing on Inner Farne as I specifically wanted to see the Puffins. However the whole trip was fantastic, so much more than just seeing the Puffins. We got really close up to lots of other nesting birds, the staff on the boat were great, telling us about everything from birds to jellyfish. They also made sure the people on both sides of the boat got to see by turning the boat at each point. Their passion for the job came through.
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and I will pass on your kind comments to the staff. Thank you once again for choosing Serenity.
All the best
Andrew
Written June 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thegreyfox53
Manchester, UK17 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Whilst it was never the month to see much seabird activity I had to make do with what time I had in the North East. It was a pretty windy trip with only 5 intrepid guests aboard, but all credit to the crew for a) going out at all and b) making the trip and commentary so complete, informative and clear. Under the circumstances of a sunny, blustery, beautiful day, I don't see how it could have been any better. Thank you
Written January 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind comments and I'm delighted you enjoyed it even though it was really cold. Hopefully, we will see you when it's warmer.
All the best
Andrew
Written February 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do you offer discounts for a group of 20?
how many people fit in a boat, please?
Written August 9, 2021
I think the capacity is about 30. As for price you would need to contact the owners but as Linda F says the cost is very reasonable anyway.
Written August 11, 2021
Is it best to book in advance? Would like to do the sunset cruise but obviously being weather dependant what are the chances of getting places once we’ve seen the forecast a few days or so before?
Written April 11, 2021
Are you able to land on the islands yet?
Written August 31, 2020
Sorry you are not allowed on the islands. Only certified people are allowed on the isands.
Written August 31, 2020
We have dogs is this something you can do with them or is that a no no lol ?
Written May 8, 2019
Dog are more than welcome onboard.
Written May 13, 2019
Would like an idea of prices please, taking 3 adults and two under 12s. All very keen to see Puffins at the end of May 2019. Your trip sounds amazing.
Written March 17, 2019
Hi we are looking at visiting the farne islands to view puffins and Other seabirds, do you drop off at farne or sail round
Written January 22, 2019
Generally you just sail around, but very close. Check with Serenity about tours that embark.
Written January 22, 2019
Hi
when will there be seal pups to see?
Written January 18, 2019
Hi, They start to pup near the end of October through to December. They peak in mid November. The pups around around now but growing very fast. If you need to ask anymore questions please just mail me at Serenity.
Cheers
Andrew
Written January 19, 2019
Hi, I know nothing's guaranteed, but what wildlife would you normally expect to see at the beginning of August? Many thanks.
Written January 9, 2019
Meant to say...we always go with Serenity now. They often have an extra person on board spotting other wildlife etc.
Written January 9, 2019
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