Farne Islands Freediving Trips 2026 – Seal Encounters, Kelp Forests & UK Marine Adventure

Experience one of the UK’s most spectacular marine wildlife encounters on our Farne Islands Freediving & Snorkelling Trips. Located off the stunning Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands offer dramatic scenery, pristine beaches, historic castles, and some of the richest underwater wildlife in Britain.
This is one of the best places in the UK to get close to wild grey seals—with a colony of around 6,000 animals.

Why Choose a Farne Islands Freediving Trip?

Our team has been diving the Farnes for nearly 30 years, and we return every season for one reason: the underwater experience is outstanding.

Many believe UK diving is cold or low-visibility—but with the right equipment and a little planning, the Farnes regularly deliver:

  • Comfortable water temperatures with 5–7 mm wetsuits (September–October are warmest)

  • Surprisingly clear visibility depending on weather and tides

  • Beautiful marine scenery including soft corals, kelp forests, and photogenic wrecks

  • Unforgettable seal encounters with curious pups and adults

  • Easy access from Seahouses, a friendly coastal village with plenty of accommodation and food options

With local knowledge and experienced guidance, UK diving becomes accessible, enjoyable, and full of adventure.

Your Freediving Experience

We operate our trips from Seahouses Harbour, using Billy Shiel’s Boats—the most experienced crew in the region. Their knowledge of tides, currents, and conditions ensures a safe and smooth experience around the islands.

On the Boat

The journey to the islands is part of the adventure. You’ll often see seals hauled out on the rocks and seabirds overhead. Visitors pay for wildlife tours like this—our divers get the full above-and-below experience.

In the Water

Freediving or snorkelling with seals at the Farnes is unique because the animals are entirely wild and free to choose how they interact.

Expect:

  • Seal pups circling playfully

  • Bold juveniles dive-bombing through the kelp

  • Curious seals approaching for a closer look

  • Encounters at arm’s length or just on the edge of visibility

Most trips include 3–4 hours in the water split across two sessions, allowing plenty of time for relaxed exploration, wildlife interactions, and photography.

2026 Farne Islands Trip Dates

4th–5th July – Birds & Seals Weekend

This concentrates on getting closer to the resident Puffins and Guillemots that leave the island at the end of July beginning of August. We have had success with puffin decoys in attracting them to us and swam very close with them. There are seals that time of the year in smaller number than September.

5th–6th September – Seal Weekend

Our annual seal trip where we have had some amazing interactions over the years, worth doing again and again.

 

Boat cost: £70 per person, per day
Equipment hire available: £10 per day
Prices for courses, and snorkel tours are available on request.

Who Can Join These Trips?

Our Farne Islands weekends are suitable for all levels:

1. Recreational Freedivers

Perfect for club members and visiting divers wanting a relaxed marine wildlife weekend with full safety cover.

2. Beginners Seeking Qualifications

Earn your AIDA 1 or RAID Foundation Freediver certification in a supportive, wildlife-rich environment.
Prices available on request.

3. Guided Snorkel trips

Ideal for newcomers or anyone wanting additional coaching, safety guidance, and a gentle introduction to seal encounters.
Prices available on request.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for unique wildlife experiences, this trip delivers UK freediving at its best.

Book Your Farne Islands Freediving Adventure

Our trips sell out every year due to limited boat spaces.
To reserve your place or request prices for qualifications, club diving, or snorkel sessions, simply get in touch and we’ll send full details.