Bay Island Voyages
BEST FOR
Ages 1-15
ENTRY
from £35
WHERE
Cardiff
What it’s like
Boat trips out of Cardiff Bay to the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm, with proper lighthouse and wildlife exploring at the other end.
This is a trip out to sea rather than a paddle round the marina. The boats head out from Cardiff Bay to Flat Holm, where a warden takes you round the old lighthouse and whatever wildlife is about, or on the longer run across the Bristol Channel to Steep Holm, where you get a proper stretch of the day, 10 to 12 hours on the island timed around the tides. Either way, the boat ride itself is half the fun before you even land.
There's a height rule worth knowing before you get excited: kids need to be 1.1m and able to hold on and sit in their own seat for the whole trip, so this isn't one for a toddler in a lap. Once you're past that, ages up to 15 are catered for on the party boats, and the birthday charters are a proper novelty, a full boat for half an hour or an hour with your own group aboard.
Flat Holm only runs March to October, and it's not just the ticket price to budget for. There's a £10 per person landing fee paid to Cardiff Council when you get there, on top of the £35 to £45 boat fare, and they'd rather you had cash as backup even though the island takes card. Steep Holm is pricier again at £47 but that includes the landing fee, lifejackets and the return trip in one go.
Both islands have rugged terrain and steps, so it's not one for buggies or anyone with walking difficulties, and seats sell out fast so booking ahead beats turning up and hoping. Steep Holm trips can get cancelled at short notice if the sea's up, which is worth bearing in mind if you've built a whole day around it.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Kids over 1.1m tall who can sit still, up to 15
- Booking
- Book online to secure seat or walk-ups available
- Parties
- 30-minute or 60-minute full boat charter birthday parties for children up to 15 years
- Steep Holm trips run to the tides, so latecomers can't be waited for and you'll miss the landing.
- Both islands have steps and rugged ground, so it's not workable with a buggy or for anyone unsteady on their feet.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for a children's party booking, the boat won't wait.
- Steep Holm's ticket price bundles in the landing fee and lifejackets, Flat Holm's doesn't.
Plan your visit
Do we need to book ahead?
You can book online to guarantee a seat, or take your chances turning up on the day. Seats on the island visits go fast, so booking ahead is the safer bet.
How much does it cost?
Flat Holm is £45 for an adult and £35 for a child up to 15. Steep Holm is £47 for all ages, and that one includes the landing fee and lifejackets.
Is there an extra cost once we get to Flat Holm?
Yes, a £10 per person landing fee paid to the Cardiff Council warden on arrival. They take card but it's worth having cash as backup.
Is there a height or age limit?
Kids need to be at least 1.1m tall and able to sit and hold on by themselves for the whole trip. There's no lap-holding a little one on this boat.
How long do the island visits take?
Steep Holm visits run 10 to 12 hours, timed around two high water periods. Flat Holm is a shorter visit with a guided tour of the lighthouse and wildlife spotting.
Can we do a birthday party on the boat?
You can charter the full boat for a children's party, 30 minutes from £150 or 60 minutes from £200. Each boat holds 12 people and they ask for an adult on board.
What if the weather turns?
Steep Holm trips can be cancelled at short notice if the weather or sea state isn't safe, given the longer crossing and tide-dependent timings.
Is Flat Holm open all year?
Flat Holm visits only run March to October.
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