Kayak King · Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire Marine Life
A seal surfacing beside the coast. Seabirds skimming the water. Tiny creatures in a rock pool. Pembrokeshire marine life is one of the pleasures of slowing down and looking a little closer.
Discover wildlife from the water
Our guided kayak tours start at Lower Town Fishguard, on the north Pembrokeshire coast. Exploring at kayak pace gives you time to notice the birds, rocky shoreline and changing light that can be easy to miss from land.
Every trip is different. The season, tide and sea conditions influence what we see and where we go. Wildlife sightings are a possibility, never a guarantee, and our guides choose a route suitable for the group and the conditions.
Atlantic grey seals
A rounded head appearing above the water is often the first sign of a grey seal. Their mottled coats range from pale grey to darker brown, and their distinctive long noses help distinguish them from harbour seals.
Seals spend time both at sea and resting ashore. Watching them quietly is a privilege: we keep our distance, avoid blocking their route to the water and never approach, feed or touch them.
Read more about Atlantic grey seals
Seabirds along the cliffs
Look for cormorants resting on rocks, fulmars near the cliffs and, in season, razorbills and guillemots. A razorbill’s black-and-white plumage and deep, blunt bill make it a memorable bird to spot.
Seabirds use the coast to feed, rest and breed. We give nesting areas space and avoid disturbing birds on the water or the shore.
Life between the tides
The intertidal zone changes with every tide. Rocks and seaweed shelter crabs, anemones and other small marine creatures, while the harbour’s exposed edges attract feeding shorebirds.
Spider crabs are one of the striking animals featured on our original wildlife page, with long jointed legs and a spiny shell. You do not need to collect or handle wildlife to appreciate it: look closely and leave it where you found it.
Look after the wildlife you came to see
Move quietly, give animals space and follow your guide’s instructions. If an animal becomes alert or changes its behaviour because of you, give it more room.
Keep exploring
Lou’s guide to the life around us
Wondrous British Marine Life
By Lou Luddington · A handbook for coastal explorers
Our friend Lou is a marine biologist, photographer and sea kayaker with a long connection to Pembrokeshire. Her illustrated guide is a lovely companion for anyone curious about the creatures along Britain’s shores.
Take the curiosity from your day on the water home with you, and discover more about the life beneath and beyond the tide.
Buy Lou’s book at Sea Kayak Academy
Buy from our sister business, Sea Kayak Academy.
Come and explore the coast with us
Our 2.5-hour guided tours use stable sit-on-top kayaks, with equipment and photos included. Beginners are welcome. Enjoy the coastline, hear a little of its story and see what the day brings.