Greetings, fellow adventurers and nature enthusiasts! We hope this blog post finds you well and eager to explore the serene and wildlife-rich Farne Islands with us. This year has been quite unique, and we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the season that has passed, share some insights, and look forward to the days ahead.

A Season of Surprises

The past season has been one of the quietest in many years. While the reasons for this unexpected quietness are multi-faceted, it has left us contemplating the changes and challenges in our beloved corner of the world. Let’s delve into a few factors that might have played a part.

Nature’s Whims: As much as we like to predict and plan, nature often has its own agenda. It could be the bird flu affecting the number of visitors or the fickle hand of Mother Nature, who, despite the ever-advancing technology of weather apps, occasionally chooses to surprise us with her own unique forecasts.

In this little climate zone we call home in Seahouses, we’ve learned to take weather forecasts with a pinch of salt. We’ve seen countless sunny days when the apps predicted rain and vice versa, so we trust our local wisdom and instincts when it comes to weather predictions.

Summer’s Shy Arrival: This summer, we must admit, was a bit of a tease. With just a few weeks of glorious sunshine, it seemed that the sun chose to shine when it wanted rather than during the school holidays, leaving kids and families yearning for brighter days.

But, despite the challenging factors, the Farne Islands remain an exquisite destination, and we hope for sunnier times ahead. After all, the beauty of this place shines through, no matter the weather.

Highlights and Silver Linings

While this season had its challenges, it also brought some incredible moments and triumphs. One standout feature was the remarkable increase in dolphin sightings, which filled our hearts with joy and awe. The bird flu, though a concern, did not impact our seabird population as heavily as in previous years. Kittiwakes, towards the end of the season, faced more challenges than other seabirds, but the Farne Islands’ resilience prevailed.

We also appreciate the National Trust’s cautious approach to not opening the islands, ensuring the safety of the wildlife and visitors alike. We hope to welcome visitors back next year with open arms.

Our dedicated staff have been the backbone of Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours. They’ve demonstrated unwavering commitment, adaptability, and resilience in the face of this unique season’s challenges. We’re proud of their efforts and excited to announce that we’re on the lookout for new team members next year to pass on our knowledge and continue providing excellent service.

The Journey Continues

As for yours truly, stepping back remains a distant dream. We’re excited to share that Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours received the Gold Award for Experience of the Year from Visit England, and we’re still buzzing with excitement about it!

We want to assure you that we’re still sailing every day, and we invite you to join us on our extraordinary journeys. As we move into the upcoming season, we look forward to new adventures, new discoveries, and brighter days.

So, until we meet again on the waves of the Northumberland coast, stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep those spirits high. The Farne Islands and Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours await your return.

Watch this space for more updates, and don’t forget to set sail with us soon!