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Other Activities : Boat Trips
The following are boat trips I have been on and can recommend:
Peninsula Ribs : Shearwater : Highlander 2
Peninsula ribs offer adrenalin rides from Pwllheli and now Abersoch Main Beach. I went along to see what you can expect from a typical rib ride around St. Tudwal’s Islands.
The boat can carry up to 12 passengers, and a small rib carries you out to “Black Jack” from the Main Beach. From here, “Black Jack” steams past St. Tudwal’s Island East and out to see the seals on “half tide rock”. After ringing the bell you then travel through the middle of the islands and on around St. Tudwal’s Island West, and after paying Porth Ceiriad a visit, it’s back to the Main Beach where you started from.
“Black Jack” can travel at up to 50mph and on the water some say this can feel like 3 times that, however, the boat is very stable in the water and even on the day when I went out, which was a little choppy, the boat went really well and didn’t bounce around too much in the water. You are given a full safety briefing at the start of the trip.
An ideal activity for those out looking for a thrill! For more information you can visit the Peninsula Ribs website: www.peninsularibs.com
Wildlife enthusiasts and those looking for a longer boat ride are well suited to a trip on “Shearwater”. The stunning mountain scenery was mostly hidden the day I went out, but the fantastic coastline and its inhibitors were out in force as usual. We didn’t see dolphins the day I went out, however, Alan, the skipper, told me that dolphins were a regular sight on their coastal cruises.
The cruise started in Pwllheli Marina, where a full safety briefing was given, from here, “Shearwater” cruised out to St. Tudwal’s Islands where hundreds of varying birds line the rocky cliffs of the islands. There are sheep on the west island and black rabbits on the east. Both are privately owned.
Around the corner is Porth Ceiriad, which we cruised by, turning the next corner into the famous Porth Neigwl or “Hell’s Mouth”. The sea conditions were idyllic and so not really right for the surfers who normally flock to the beach. From here it was straight across to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). We then circled the island, taking in the seal colonies and various birds that seek a safe haven out here from the grips of humanity – such as the Manx Shearwater, from which the boat gets its name.
After passing through Swnt Enlli (Bardsey Sound), the most treacherous section of water around the peninsula (not that you notice in a boat this size), it is across Aberdaron Bay to the Gwylan Islands and their hundreds of puffins. I was actually surprised at how small the puffins are, and Alan told me that many people say the same.
Here we stopped for a cup of tea and some biscuits, before heading back across Porth Neigwl and towards home. The way back includes a look at Trwyn Llanbedrog and the wildlife found there.
This cruise is ideal for those who like bigger boats and a more “comfortable” ride. More information can be found at www.shearwater.info
The Highlander, which has recently been changed for Highlander II, carries passengers across to Ynys Enlli/Bardsey Island from either Pwllheli or Porth Meudwy, near Aberdaron. You can cross for a day trip or a longer stay if you are in one of the self catering cottages on the island.
I travelled across from Porth Meudwy after a breakfast in a cafe in Aberdaron. Though we were crossing the famously turbulent waters of Swnt Enlli/Bardsey Sound, the boat is quite large and very stable in the water, so we experienced no bouncing around or discomfort as a result (clearly I am a very fair weather boater!!).
If boarding at Pwllheli, your journey starts from the pontoons in the marina, at Porth Meudwy however, you have to get out to the boat on a smaller rib. Don't let this put you off though, it is only a short journey and you tend to go quite slowly (just how I like it!). If it is high water on reaching Enlli, you can disembark onto the "harbour wall" as I call it - you can make your own mind up when you go! If it is low water, another small rib will escort you to the beach. The same applies on leaving the island.
We had 3 hours on Enlli and managed to do a circular route from Y Cafn (the harbour), right to the south western tip of the island and then right back along the northwest side of the island to the base of the mountain and then back to Y Cafn. I hope to go again and explore the mountain.
For more information on Ynys Enlli, please go to www.enlli.org
To enquire about/book a trip to the island please phone: 01758 760667 or email: post@enlli.org
Peninsula Ribs : Shearwater : Highlander 2
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