Ramsey Island Island

Address: Ramsey Island (Ynys Ramsey), Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK (access by boat from St David’s)

Website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/ramsey-island/

Hours: Reserve open daily; boat services operate seasonally

Admission: Nature reserve access free; boat transfers from St Davids are operated by local boat operators and charge per passenger.

Ramsey Island (Ynys Dewi) is a small island nature area off the Pembrokeshire coast of southwest Wales, noted for its coastal wildlife and steep cliffs.

The island has a long history of seasonal use and small-scale habitation and has been managed for conservation in recent decades to protect its wildlife and habitats. Traditional farming on the island declined in the 20th century as conservation became the primary focus.

Ramsey lies off the coast near the city of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, separated from the mainland by Ramsey Sound and visible from the St Davids headland.

• Wildlife and access: The island is known for seabird colonies and grey seals; boat trips from St Davids are the usual access and trips can be weather dependent.

Ramsey Island is accessed by boat from St Justinian (the small harbour near St David’s, Pembrokeshire). Drive to St Davids (follow the A487 to the peninsula) and continue the short local road to St Justinian car park; local boat operators run wildlife and transfer crossings to Ramsey Island - the crossing is brief (roughly 10-20 minutes) and is subject to tidal/weather conditions. Landings and shore access are managed locally so check operator schedules and any guided-tour requirements before travelling.

• Book a landing or wildlife-boat trip in advance through a licensed operator in St David's - Ramsey Island is an RSPB nature reserve with controlled access and limited daily landings.
• Plan your visit for late spring/early summer if you want the best seabird and seal activity; that period offers the highest likelihood of puffins, gannets and breeding seals around the cliffs.
• Follow RSPB guidance about landing points and routes ashore - sticking to approved landing sites and paths reduces disturbance to nesting birds and helps you see the island's wildlife more reliably.