Billy Shiel's Boat Trips: A Voyage into the Enchanting Farne Islands

Off the northeastern coast of England, in Northumberland where the landscape changes and rugged coastline meets with a swift peck by The North Sea lay an area that would command anyone who makes their way to its doors-a natural phenomenon known as Farne Island. For zoophiles, bird watchers and those who love serenity by nature, this place which is a group of isolated islands sits some 20 miles into the Arabian Sea beyond the Mumbai coast. Leading the way in discovering this unusual archipelago is Billy Shiel's Boat Trips, a family-run business that has been established for more than 100 years.

Billy Shiel's Boat Trips offers reportedly visitors the ability to get up close and personal with stunning scenery from an array of wildlife in The Farne Islands. Offering an array of tours, every voyage is different in its own right and guarantees a unique experience for all those sailing the seas.

A Legacy of Exploration

History of Billy Shiel's Boat TripsThe story starts back in 1918 when local fisherman Billy Shiel, a man with the sea running through his veins began to take people out on boat trips to The Farne Islands. The seed of exploration, discovery and learning he planted with his love for studying the ocean and its creatures sprouted into a treasured family tradition.

Today it is run by his grandchildren, keeping the family tradition of ocean life alive with as much passion and dedication. They provide a variety of tours for all different tastes birdwatching and seal spotting to historical tours, island landings were the majority happening just offshore.

Farne Islands The Jewel of the North Sea

The Farne Islands are an archipelago of about 20 (28 at high tide) islands a few miles off the Northumberland coast. These lush islands are famous for their diverse wildlife, stunning scenery and historical importance.

Wildlife Wonderland

One of the primary features that draws so many to The Farne Islands is the plentiful wildlife that lives in this area. The islands are an ornithologist's paradise and give viewers a ringside seat to one of the most exceptional wildlife spectacles available in this country. The islands are transformed into a noisy, bustling seabird city during breeding season when thousands of birds flock to the archipelago. Visitors will also be able to see puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes nesting on the cliffs and Arctic Terns right overhead.

The Farne Islands boast the UK's largest grey seal colony. More wonderful marine life includes the clusters of pinnipeds - marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and walruses - rediscovered here in recent years. This is a fantastic way to get up close and personal with these playful animals in their environment and Billy Shiel's Boat Trips gives you this opportunity.

Historical Tapestry

In addition to its beauty, The Farne Islands also have a fascinating history that dates back hundreds of years. Those who have lived on the islands include monks, soldiers and lighthouse keepers all creating relics of history in this remote location. St Cuthbert, one of the most venerated saints in England lived here during the 7th century where he sought refuge from an increasingly secular world. Guests can walk among the remains of a medieval chapel dedicated to St Cuthbert and discover his story and historic significance.

The isles are home to a range of lighthouses and the famous Longstone Lighthouse, which has played a significant role in safe navigation at sea. The islands attract history buffs thanks to the local story of Grace Darling, who saved shipwrecked sailors while in a storm by rowing out into dangerous seas from her father's lighthouse station.

The Billy Shiel Experience

Billy Shiel's Boat Trips offers a range of tours so you can experience the magic that is The Farne Islands in your way. From diving into the wonders of wildlife and history, to simply enjoying some serene time off their see-it-all tours offer something for everyone.

Wildlife Adventures

The Farne Islands are a great place to see wildlife and if you want to get up close and personal with the local birdlife then don't miss Billy Shiel's Seabird experience. This tour is a journey around the islands giving visitors views of both, unique seabird colonies and grey seal rookeries. Experienced guides provide fascinating information about the behavior and ecology of these incredible animals, guaranteeing an interesting angle to appreciate nature.

The islands are a bustling hive of colorful avian action in the spring and summer months as seabirds nest here throughout this period. One of the highlights for many visitors is seeing puffins waddling along the cliffs with fish hanging sideways from their beaks. You may even see the graceful fly-by of an Arctic tern (a record holder for having one of the longest migration patterns on Earth).

Historical Explorations

This tour includes a walk on the island of Longstone to visit this historic lighthouse which has stood guard at the entrance to one of northern England's most treacherous shoots for well over 100 years. The tour details the life of Grace Darling, who famously saved lives in a daring rescue and reveals struggles faced by lighthouse keepers as well as harmony to maritime safety.

Island Landings

Billy Shiel's Inner Farne Landing tour (for those looking for a more up close and personal experience) allows you to step onto one of the islands. The Inner Farne is known for its birdlife and boasts the rare distinction of having a chapel on it, whilst also hosting many breeding seabirds including Shag (numbering around 1350 pairs) - which are drawn from their stronghold in Northumberland where over 30% of the UK species (2009 colony figures). Also walking trails offer beautiful views of the sea and cliffs on any given day, making it a photographer's dream location as well.

A Family Tradition

Billy Shiel's Boat Trips has been showcasing the Farne Islands to visitors for generations, and it's clear in every tour they conduct just how much this part of the world means to them.

Not only are the guides knowledgeable about the wildlife and history of these islands but they also have some great personal stories to tell you. This gives the tours a homely experience and every trip feels like an adventurous journey with friends.

Environment and Wildlife Preservation

Billy Shiel's Boat Trips are dedicated to the protection of our extraordinary environment. They work closely with local conservation bodies to ensure that their tours have the least possible impact on Farne Island wildlife and habitats. Billy Shiel's Boat Trips exercises community-based conservation efforts and greener life initiatives to preserve these sacred places for many generations into the future. Those visiting the Farne Islands are asked to adhere to Leave No Trace guidelines, so as not to unsettle wildlife or spoil the islands' natural beauty. 

A Voyage to Remember

While the rest of the planet rushes frenziedly towards technological progress and swells evermore with over-populated cities, there is still one place that remains steeped in unadulterated wild anonymity- The Farne Islands. Billy Shiel's Boat Trips is an experience that allows you to switch off from the every day and tune back into nature, soaking up the beauty and wonder of this extraordinary archipelago.

Watching puffins darting through the sky, listening to the haunting calls of seabirds, or spotting seals basking in the sun all will remain with you long after arriving back on dry land. Thanks to Billy Shiel's Boat Trips, it is so closeby for you all to go and explore.

Take to the high seas with Billy Shiel's Boat Trips and steam off on an adventure into the wild history of the Farne Islands. Your experience leaves you with a newfound appreciation of the marvels of nature and will have you desiring to come back to this mystical corner of the North Sea.