We begin on Seahouses harbour. There you will meet your expert guides, pick up your equipment and discuss the latest wildlife sightings in the area. Shortly afterwards, we will meet our skipper and boat for the 30-minute cruise to the islands.

After a cruise around the islands to see the seasonally changing bird-life, we will find a sheltered spot to enter the water. You’ll be wearing a warm 5mm wetsuit, mask and snorkel, swim fins and swim float, so you’ll be safely equipped to explore above and below the waterline.

Usually we see a range of wildlife in the water. Beautiful beds of marine plant life, invertebrates and curious seals are often in abundance. What makes the Farne Islands different is the health and beauty of the underwater landscape. Fishing is excluded from the nature reserve, which has allowed the sea bed to flourish.

Our sailing partner is Serenity Farne Islands tours, two times gold-award winners at the Visit Britain Tourism Awards, so you’re in safe hands.

Our maximum group size is 12 swimmers, with an additional 8 spectators permitted on the boat.

Yes. We provide all watersports equipment, unless you prefer to bring your own. This will be a 5mm wetsuit, swim cap, mask and snorkel, neoprene gloves, neoprene socks, swim fins and a tow float.

We do ask that you bring swimwear, a towel and warm layers to wear on the boat. We always tell people to dress for winter, even in summer. The water is always chilly and after 30-40 minutes of swimming, you’ll be happy to have your layers.

Please note, there is no indoor changing available on the harbour, or on the boat. You should be comfortable changing under a towel or robe if you wish to join the trip.

You should be comfortable in cool or cold water and capable of swimming 400m (about 16 lengths in the pool) at a relaxed pace. We don’t recommend this activity for people with no prior experience of swimming in the sea.

Children ages 13 years and over are welcome on the trip, but they must be accompanied by their parent'/guardian in the water on a 1:1 ratio. Both adult and child must have the pre-requisite level of experience.

If you would like to do an introductory sea swimming session, please do reach out to us. We can suggest alternative venues.

The swim is guided by Simon Laing and Sonja Baer. You can find detailed information about their qualifications and experience on the ‘Our team’ page. But here is a quick biog. for each of them.

Simon is a marine biologist and adventure guide. He has 20 years experience working in marine environments, and 12 years as an adventure guide. Simon has worked in the UK, Canada, Europe and the USA as both a guide and ecologist.

Sonja is an adventure guide. She has been involved in outdoor activities since childhood, with 10 years of professional guiding experience in both marine and inland environments. Sonja is from Germany so is bi-lingual.

Our sailing partner is Serenity Farne Islands. A long-established boat operator in Seahouses, Northumberland. They have twice won ‘experience of the year’ at the Visit Britain Tourism Awards.

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