Atlantic Grey Seals

A grey head at the surface, a quiet dive and a glimpse of a wild neighbour. Atlantic grey seals are one of the memorable sights of the Pembrokeshire coast.

How to recognise a grey seal

Grey seals have a long face and a distinctive profile. Their coats vary from grey and silver to brown, often with mottled patterns that make individual animals look quite different.

Out at sea, you may notice just the head before a seal slips beneath the surface. On land they can be seen resting on rocks and remote shores.

A life between sea and shore

Grey seals feed at sea and return to land to rest, moult and breed. Pembrokeshire’s rocky coast and offshore islands provide places where they can haul out away from busy beaches.

Autumn is an important pupping season here. A quiet cove can be a nursery, even when only one animal is visible. Mothers and pups need space and peace.

Watching without disturbing

The best encounter is one that lets the seal carry on as it was. Keep your distance, move quietly and follow your guide’s instructions. Never approach, feed or touch a seal, and do not try to encourage it towards a kayak.

A seal looking alert, lifting its head or moving towards the water can be showing that it has noticed a disturbance. Stop and give it more room. Do not land on pupping beaches or disturb mothers nursing pups.

Seals on a Kayak King tour

Grey seals are part of the wildlife associated with this coast, but a sighting is never guaranteed. Our guides choose routes around the conditions and the group, and wildlife always comes on its own terms.

Bring curiosity, take your time and enjoy whatever the day offers. For more coastal creatures, explore our Pembrokeshire marine life guide.