Swim & Snorkel the Farne Islands
Explore waters rich with wildlife, in England’s finest marine nature reserve. Just five miles off the Northumberland coast.
A Guided sea Swim Experience in Northumberland
Discover one of the UK’s most unforgettable marine adventures by swimming and snorkelling the Farne Islands. Join our expert guides for a safe, small-group sea swim in Northumberland, where clear water, rugged cliffs teeming with seabirds and playful grey seals combine to create a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Rather than a traditional boat trip or sightseeing cruise, this is a fully immersive experience, designed for adventurous water-lovers who want to explore the marine environments of Northumberland up close.
Wildlife-aware swimming, with the greatest respect for our marine environment
The Farne Islands are home to one of England’s largest grey seal colonies and internationally important populations of breeding sea birds. It is a privilege to experience, but it requires the utmost care.
Each swim is carefully planned to protect wildlife, while offering an unforgettable experience in the water. Seals may choose to engage with us, but this is usually tentative, with them diving and gliding past us in their natural habitat. Swim sites are chosen to avoid seabird nesting areas, but we will often see birds in-flight or foraging.
This makes our trips ideal for:
Wildlife lovers
Adventure travellers
Open-water swimmers
Snorkellers seeking a unique UK experience
Pricing & Availability
All equipment is included in our pricing. Due to tides, weather and wildlife protection, spaces are limited and dates are seasonal. Our booking calendar is always up to date.
£75 Adult swimmer
£55 Teen swimmer (ages 14-17)
£35 Spectators
Private charters available from £799 for groups of up to 12 people
FAQs
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The Farne Islands are internationally recognised for their wildlife and protected waters, making them one of the best places in the UK to swim and snorkel.
When you swim and snorkel the Farne Islands, you may experience:
Curious grey seals swimming alongside you
Crystal-clear visibility in sheltered conditions
Kelp forests, rocky reefs and vibrant marine life
A rare chance to swim and snorkel the Farne Islands away from crowds
Our guided swims focus on respect for wildlife, personal safety, and maximising your time in the water.
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Our Farne Islands swim and snorkel sessions are led by qualified, experienced open-water guides who know the tides, conditions and wildlife patterns around the islands. Visit our meet the team page if you want to get to know them better.
Each trip includes:
A full safety briefing and swim plan
Professional guidance throughout the swim
Small group sizes for comfort and control
Wildlife-aware practices to protect seals and seabirds
Whether you are new to snorkelling or an experienced open-water swimmer, this is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Farne Islands.
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Yes. We provide all watersports equipment. This includes a 5mm wetsuit, swim cap, mask and snorkel, neoprene gloves, neoprene socks, swim fins and a tow float.
You bring swimwear, a towel and warm layers to wear on the boat.
We advise you 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.
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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 14 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.
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Yes of course. We have a limited number of tickets on every sailing for friends and family who want to enjoy the Farne Islands environment, but prefer to stay dry. There is lots of wildlife to see from the boat.
There is no age or ability requirements for spectators, but they will be on an open deck for 2-3 hours, so ensure they dress for warmth and staying dry.
Spectator tickets are only bookable with a swimmer ticket. If you are not with a swimmer, we recommend booking a standard cruise with Serenity Farne Islands.
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Yes - when done responsibly and with experienced guides.
Our Farne Islands swim and snorkel trips are:
Carefully planned around tides and forecasts
Led by qualified professionals
Run with strict safety ratios
Adapted on the day to suit conditions
Safety is never compromised for wildlife encounters.
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Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, but the Farne Islands are one of the most reliable locations in the UK for seeing seals.
Even if you don’t see seals, you will certainly see beautiful underwater landscapes and a diverse array of wildlife.
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Our swims take place at 5pm on Saturday evenings, from late May to mid September. Consult our booking calendar for the latest availability. Private charters are available at other dates/times.
We meet at Seahouses harbour. You’ll find ample parking, public toilets and plenty of great places to eat and drink just off the harbour.
Book Your Farne Islands Swim Experience
If you’re looking for an authentic, wildlife-rich adventure, there is no better way to experience the region than to swim and snorkel the Farne Islands. Spaces are limited due to group size and to protect the environment, so early booking is recommended.
Our guests say
“The absolute highlight for me, was the magical beauty of the kelp beds. That spot for snorkelling was just gorgeous and so peaceful! I'll never forget it. ”
— Jane
“I had an amazing trip, I had never done anything like that before and it was incredible to see as much wildlife as we did. I’ve recommended it to friends.”
— Esme
“Well organised, reassuring, knowledgeable, relaxed, incredibly safe, all round incredible experience”
— Richard
“I loved seeing the seals both on the rocks and in the water. The kelp was beautiful, and fab to see so many anemones.”