Islands
Seven days exploring Pembrokeshire’s islands from the sea
26 July–1 August 2027
7 days | £825 per person
Maximum 4 guests
There’s something special about leaving the mainland behind.
Pembrokeshire’s islands offer some of the most rewarding sea kayaking in Wales, whether you’re paddling beneath the cliffs of Ramsey, exploring the waters around Skomer and Skokholm, or heading further offshore on a longer open-water journey.
Islands is a week for paddlers who want to experience Pembrokeshire’s coastline from a different perspective.
The islands are the destination.
The journey out to them is part of the adventure.
Where might we go?
As with all our sea-kayaking holidays, the exact itinerary depends on the weather, tides, swell and sea conditions.
Possible destinations include:
Ramsey Island and the Bishops & Clerks
One of the great sea-kayaking journeys on the Pembrokeshire coast.
If conditions are right, we may venture beyond Ramsey towards the isolated rocks of the Bishops and Clerks.
Skomer and Skokholm
Two of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular islands and wonderful places to explore by kayak.
Landing isn’t generally part of the experience – many island areas have restrictions designed to protect their wildlife – but that’s no reason not to get close enough to appreciate them from the water.
Caldey Island
A very different island experience, with the character of the south Pembrokeshire coast and home to the Monks.
Cardigan Island
Just outside Pembrokeshire, but an excellent option when conditions require.
Cardigan Island gives us another opportunity to explore the open coastline and its wildlife without being tied to the Pembrokeshire boundary.
Grassholm
For the strongest and most experienced paddlers, there may be an opportunity for a much more committing open-water journey to Grassholm.
This would only be considered when the conditions and the group are right.
The Smalls
This is the serious end of the scale.
The Smalls lies far offshore and involves a very long open-water crossing with no opportunity to land.
A journey of this nature can involve around 12 hours in the kayak and more than 20 miles of open water from the mainland.
It is therefore only a possibility for advanced paddlers with the appropriate experience of long open-water crossings.
It is absolutely not a promised part of the itinerary.
The islands choose the weather
You can’t schedule an offshore island crossing like a bus journey.
Wind, swell, visibility and tidal conditions all matter.
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast and make the best decision for the conditions and the group.
Sometimes that will mean heading out to an island.
Sometimes it will mean choosing a different island.
And sometimes the sensible decision will be to stay closer to the mainland.
The aim is to have an outstanding week of sea kayaking – not to prove a point to the weather.
More chance of seeing cetaceans
One of the great attractions of island kayaking is the possibility of encountering marine wildlife.
As we move further away from the mainland, we’re more likely to find ourselves in the sort of open-water environment where porpoises and dolphins may appear.
Seals are also regular inhabitants around many of the islands.
And the seabirds can be spectacular.
Of course, wildlife is wild.
We can’t guarantee what we’ll see.
But travelling quietly by kayak gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience it when it happens.
Who is the Islands holiday for?
Most of the island journeys are suitable for intermediate paddlers and above.
However, the holiday has the potential to include much more committing open-water journeys.
Anyone hoping to be considered for journeys such as Grassholm or the Smalls must have appropriate advanced sea-kayaking and open-water experience.
This isn’t a beginner holiday.
If you’re unsure which level of trip is appropriate for you, get in touch before booking.
A small group for maximum flexibility
There are a maximum of four guests on Islands.
That’s particularly useful when conditions are changeable.
A small group makes it easier to make sensible decisions, change plans and take advantage of a good weather window when one appears.
You’ll be accompanied by an experienced Mayberry sea-kayaking guide throughout the week.
What’s included?
Your £825 holiday price includes:
- Seven days of guided sea kayaking
- Experienced Mayberry sea-kayaking guide
- Kayak if required
- Paddle if required
- Buoyancy aid
- Spraydeck
- Helmet where appropriate
- Dry bags if required
- Group safety equipment
- Trip and route planning
- Necessary transport during the holiday
Maximum group size: 4 guests
What’s not included?
- Accommodation
- Food and meals
- Travel to and from Pembrokeshire
- Personal travel/adventure insurance
- Personal spending money
We have a list of accommodation options in Pembrokeshire which we’re happy to send you.
2027 date
26 July–1 August 2027
£825 per person
Maximum four guests.
Islands at a glance
Duration: 7 days
Price: £825 per person
Date: 26 July–1 August 2027
Group: Maximum 4 guests
Experience: Intermediate paddlers and above; advanced experience required for longer open-water crossings
Accommodation: Not included
Food: Not included
Guide: Experienced Mayberry sea-kayaking guide
Ready to leave the mainland behind?
Islands, wildlife, open water and some of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular sea kayaking.
Come and explore Pembrokeshire from the sea.
[BOOK ISLANDS]
