As the season winds down, it’s always rewarding to look back and reflect on the journey. This year at Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours brought us a blend of unforgettable memories, a few challenges, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. From the unpredictable weather to the incredible teamwork among our crew, it’s been a season full of highs. We are still sailing everyday and will be until after the new year.

Weather and Wildlife: Navigating Nature’s Hand

As with any year on the Northumberland coast, the weather played a significant role. Some days were gloriously calm and sunny, allowing for perfect sightings of seals, puffins, and other seabirds, while other days tested our mettle with rougher seas and challenging winds. Yet, it’s all part of the experience – a reminder that we’re merely guests in these waters. There’s a certain thrill in facing the elements; it brings a fresh perspective to each trip and deepens our respect for the environment.

A notable environmental shift this season was the ban on fishing for sandeels, a critical food source for many seabirds. Whether this ban directly impacted sightings this year is still uncertain, but we saw encouraging numbers of puffins and other seabirds, suggesting they may have benefited from this added protection.

This season blessed us with sightings of some truly majestic marine life around the Farne Islands, including Bottlenose Dolphins, White-beaked Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises, and even a few Minke Whales. Each encounter was a thrill – seeing these creatures in their natural environment never fails to leave our guests and crew in awe.

The diversity and frequency of sightings this year felt exceptional, and many of us believe it has a lot to do with the recent ban on sandeel fishing. Sandeels are a key food source not just for seabirds but for larger marine life too. With this essential fish stock better protected, we may be witnessing a positive shift in the local ecosystem. More abundant sandeel populations could be encouraging more dolphins and whales to stick around, creating a richer environment overall.

Despite our luck with so many marine species, we missed out on seeing Orcas, Common Dolphins and Basking Shark. These magnificent creatures have been known to visit these waters but are elusive and have their own migratory patterns. Orcas, in particular, are apex predators with massive territories, so spotting them here remains rare. Still, with continued conservation efforts, we’re hopeful that someday they may become more regular visitors.

This season’s sightings have underscored just how vital it is to protect the food sources that sustain this intricate marine food web. If the ban on sandeel fishing has indeed played a role in this year’s spectacular marine sightings, then long may it last! These waters are full of wonder, and protecting them means preserving these unforgettable moments for generations to come.

It’s always a privilege to see these creatures thriving, and we’re hopeful this positive trend will continue.

The Highs and Lows of Life on the Water

Being a skipper and crew member is an adventure on its own. There’s something magical about the early morning light hitting the Farne Islands, or that quiet moment when you’re surrounded by seabirds in flight. Seeing the joy and awe on our guests’ faces as they encounter these wonders is incredibly fulfilling.

Of course, there are challenges too. Maintaining the boat, handling unpredictable weather, and ensuring every trip is safe and enjoyable can be demanding. But those moments of laughter, camaraderie, and genuine wonder make it all worthwhile. We are lucky to work in one of the most stunning natural environments in the UK, and not a day goes by where we take that for granted.

A Season of Achievement: Awards and Accolades

One of the season’s highlights was winning the North East Tourism Gold Award and Visit England Gold Award for the second year in a row. This recognition means so much to us – it’s a testament to our dedication to providing memorable, high-quality experiences for all our guests. We’re immensely proud and grateful for the continued support that made this achievement possible.

Teamwork and Camaraderie: The Heart of Serenity

The success of our tours isn’t just about the boats or the natural beauty of the Farne Islands – it’s about the people. We have a fantastic team, both on the water and in the booking office. From our early morning starts to long days on the boat, there’s a real sense of camaraderie that makes every challenge easier and every high point even sweeter. We’re like a family, united by a shared love of the sea and a commitment to making each trip special.

Adventures on Inner Farne and Holy Island

Our trips to Inner Farne and Holy Island continue to be guest favorites. Inner Farne offers an incredible close-up with wildlife with amazing views from the top of the island, while Holy Island provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore a place steeped in history. The combination of a full tour around the Farne Islands, spotting seals and seabirds, followed by a peaceful few hours on Holy Island, is a truly memorable experience for everyone on board. My personal favourite is the Sunset Cruise, especially the noise of the seabirds during the breeding season, and when that sun goes down and the sky turns pink it’s just wow. Sometimes I pinch myself as I can’t believe I live and work in such an amazing part of the coast.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we look back on the season, there’s a deep sense of gratitude. We’re thankful for our guests, whose enthusiasm makes every trip a joy; for our hardworking team, whose spirit and dedication keep Serenity going strong; and for the incredible natural world that we’re privileged to share with others.

Here’s to another season of adventure, discovery, and connection on the beautiful waters around the Farne Islands!