Billy Shiel's Boat Trips Reviews Summary

Category: Boat tour agency

Address: Harbour Pier, Seahouses, NE68 7RN, United Kingdom

Phone: +441665720308

Rating: 4.8
based on 281 reviews.

Wildlife and Scenery

Pros:

  • "Good views of all the sea birds and seals."
  • "Leave the binoculars at home! You'll be more than close enough to seals, puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills etc. to see with your bare eyes and just enjoy the moment!!"
  • "We were lucky enough to catch a couple of dolphins and lots of seabirds."
  • "We saw a variety of birds, including puffins and we were very lucky to see grey seals and dolphins on our way back in to shore."
  • "Topped off by an incredible sighting of a pod of dolphins!"
  • "The views are outstanding and you see loads of wildlife, including puffins, seals and loads of other sea birds."
  • "We saw lots of puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes, as well as shags, razorbills, terns and seals."

Cons:

  • "Couldn't get into St Cuthbert's Chapel due to nesting birds."
  • "The 2-hour stay at the island itself wasn't that enjoyable, since there is hardly anything to do there on a Sunday."
  • "They do advise on the website that the peak season for birds is from may to July, but was a bit disappointed that once on board, they told us that 95% of the birds were gone."
  • "No landing on islands because of avian flu."
  • "Everyone loves a boat trip. Everyone waves, even the most solumn of men. The trip was great although much of the wildlife had gone a month ago. They don't tell you that bit beforehand."
  • "There is only one stop to see some seals for few minutes which still was fun but based on the name of the tour, we been hoping to see and find out more about the seals."
  • "Booked a 2 hour trip to see birds. No real time to appreciate puffins etc and told us nothing about the curlews and gannets I saw."

Boat and Crew

Pros:

  • "The crew on board gave a great commentary all way round; they were very friendly and more than willing to chat and answer questions."
  • "The staff were super informative about any wildlife we saw, and happily answered any questions."
  • "The skipper and his assistant were both very informative and pointed out LOTS of wildlife along the way."
  • "Very well ran operation, clean tidy and spacious boat too which is a bonus."
  • "Friendly captain and crew, knowledge and helpful. Made to feel welcome and safe."
  • "The boat captain had some brilliant facts about the wildlife and history of the islands."
  • "The staff were really helpful and knowledgeable about the local area and the wildlife."

Cons:

  • "Boats are smaller than some so can be a bit rocky if the weather isn't great, but it's a much better experience."
  • "We couldn't hear the commentary from the stern so if this is important to you you may want to sit near a speaker."
  • "It was difficult to hear the commentary at the back, and I cracked my head getting on as the steel canopy is unprotected as you watch where you feet are as you clamber aboard."
  • "Took a trip with this company over weekend did the 1&half hour grey seal trip boat set off 10 mins late but was back in an hour 20 minutes definitely felt it was cut short."
  • "The only thing that could be improved would be the tannoy, it was very quiet so could hardly hear what was being said, and was in a very monotone voice."
  • "The volume was a bit low on the tannoy so missed some of the commentary."
  • "The only thing that could have been improved was a loudspeaker at the bow, so those of us standing ahead of the cabin could hear better."

Value and Experience

Pros:

  • "Definitely recommend this company if you want to have a trip around the Farne Islands."
  • "A great experience! Well looked after by the captain and crew, and the whole family loved it."
  • "Everything ran smoothly and the staff were professional, helpful and friendly."
  • "DEFINITELY worth it."
  • "Great value for money. Not many places that kids under 5 eat free."
  • "Absolutely fantastic experience. Would highly recommend anyone try this trip."
  • "It was the best experience for myself and my husband and our adult kids."

Cons:

  • "Trip was OK but didn't think it was worth £20 each wouldn't do it again."
  • "It seems a bit expensive in all but is worth visit if you are interested in nature and biodiversity."
  • "The only thing that we were disappointed with was that we only got 2 hours on Lindisfarne (Holy Island)."
  • "Crew were clearly bored and wanted an early return."
  • "Lovely boat trip ,we got very wet, though. Sad some of my photos weren't so good as boat moving and trying to focus on moving targets."
  • "Not very safe walking along painted boat seats..with a swell."
  • "I would give 5 stars but the boat was very crowded."

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