Just off the Causeway Coast, a wee bit out from Portrush, lies the Skerries — a cluster of offshore islands that are home to one of the North Coast’s most rewarding wildlife sights: our very own seal colony.
We swung by recently to check in on the neighbours, and they’re doing just brilliantly. Calm seas, plenty of fish in the water, and a colony of grey seals hauled up on the rocks without a care in the world. As you’ll see in the video, life is good out on the Skerries.
The Skerries — A Wildlife Haven on Your Doorstep
The Skerries Islands sit just a short trip from Portrush Harbour, but they feel like a world away from the shore. These rocky outcrops provide the perfect haul-out spot for grey seals — sheltered, undisturbed, and surrounded by the rich feeding grounds of the North Antrim coast. Numbers build up nicely throughout the season, and on a calm day you can get remarkably close from the boat without disturbing them in the slightest.
It’s one of those genuinely special moments that passengers remember long after the trip is done — watching a colony of wild seals at ease in their natural habitat, with nothing but open sea around you.
See Them For Yourself
The seals are a highlight on several of our trips, and the beauty of a private hire is that you can make the Skerries a dedicated stop on your own bespoke route. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone who wants to experience the wild side of the Causeway Coast, this is one not to miss.
We always observe from a respectful distance — close enough for a brilliant view, far enough to leave them exactly as we found them.
Want to visit the seal colony yourself? Book a sightseeing trip or private hire from Portrush.
