Farne Islands Boat Trip: Cruises and Landing Options

Farne Islands tours: boat tour or landing?

A cruise lets you see the islands and their wildlife from the water. It is a useful choice if you want the boat journey without relying on a shore visit. The seal and seabird cruises operate through the year subject to conditions and booking schedules. Puffins are mainly present from May to July, while the autumn seal-pup season is a different wildlife window. Animals move freely, so the day's observations will vary.

Inner Farne is a seasonal landing destination with a managed visitor route. Its season runs from April to September, and the National Trust's daily display showed it closed on 1 November 2026. Check the current status before booking and again before travelling. A landing trip needs both the boat arrangements and the appropriate National Trust ticket; see our season guide for the wildlife calendar.

Inner Farne: landing, fees and biosecurity

The boat fare and National Trust landing fee are separate. Members need proof of membership and still collect a stamped National Trust ticket after collecting the boat ticket at the harbour. Membership covers the landing, not the boat. If a landing is cancelled after departure, ask at the National Trust trailer about the landing ticket refund; the boat booking has its own terms.

Wear closed shoes for the disinfectant bath. Keep closed bags supervised and do not bring seeds, compost or root balls. The landing area has uneven rock and a boardwalk, so consider mobility needs before booking. Dogs, including assistance dogs, cannot land on Inner Farne. Private noncommercial photographs are permitted, but drones are not allowed on the Farnes.

Staple Island in 2026

Staple Island and the all-day bird-watch trip are closed in 2026. Treat older descriptions of a landing there as historical information when choosing your current trip. A view from a boat and permission to land are different things, and the crew's instructions remain important even when the weather looks settled from the harbour.

Longstone and the lighthouse

Longstone offers another perspective on the islands and their history. Landing depends on weather, tide and the boat captain's decision. The lighthouse tower visit is optional and costs extra. Tower admission is payable in cash only. Visitors must be at least 1.10 metres tall and able to climb the stairs independently. Check the selected boat's details for what is included; the Longstone history guide tells the Grace Darling story.

Farne Islands cruise prices and weather changes

Compare the advertised boat fare with the landing fee or optional tower charge where relevant. Tower admission is payable in cash only. Check the conditions attached to the particular booking, including what happens if the route changes. A National Trust landing ticket and a boat booking are separate transactions, so do not assume their refund terms are the same. Leave room in your itinerary for changing sea conditions.

For travel to the harbour, see getting there. If you want a coastal day on land as well, compare Northumberland castles with the boat choices. A cruise, a landing and a castle visit each require their own planning.

For a day by road with your own driver and guide, see the Farne Islands private tour options.

Frequently asked questions