A Misty Morning on Skomer Island – 26th June

There are some places where the weather becomes part of the experience rather than something to endure, and Skomer Island was exactly that.

On 26th June, I made the journey across to one of the UK's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Rather than bright blue skies and sunshine, the island greeted visitors with low cloud, mist and overcast conditions. While some may see that as disappointing, photographers know that these conditions often reveal a completely different side of nature.

Crossing to the Island

The short boat trip from Martin's Haven immediately set the tone for the day. Visibility was limited as the mist drifted across the water, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The Pembrokeshire coastline slowly disappeared behind us before Skomer's rugged cliffs gradually emerged through the haze.

There was a real sense of anticipation as we approached the island.

Wildlife Around Every Corner

Skomer is famous for its incredible seabird colonies, and despite the weather, the island certainly didn't disappoint.

The unmistakable stars of the show were, of course, the Atlantic Puffins. Watching these charismatic birds go about their daily routines is something every wildlife photographer should experience at least once. Their colourful bills provided a striking contrast against the muted greys of the mist, making them stand out beautifully in photographs.

The island was also alive with:

• Puffins carrying sand eels back to their burrows.

• Razorbills and Guillemots crowding the cliff ledges.

• Gulls soaring effortlessly through the sea mist.

• Rabbits grazing across the island's grassy landscape, seemingly unbothered by passing visitors.

Every section of the island offered something different, making each walk between viewpoints worthwhile.

Photography in Soft Light

While bright sunshine is often considered ideal, overcast conditions can actually be perfect for wildlife photography.

The thick cloud acted as a giant softbox, producing beautifully diffused light with very little harsh shadow. This allowed subtle feather detail and natural colours to stand out without the high contrast that can often make editing more difficult.

The mist also simplified backgrounds, helping subjects stand out while adding atmosphere that simply can't be recreated in post-processing.

For this trip I photographed using the Canon EOS R5 Mark II paired primarily with the Canon RF 200–800mm lens. The combination proved ideal for photographing wildlife from a respectful distance while still filling the frame with detail.

More Than Just Puffins

Although many people visit Skomer purely for the puffins, the island itself is spectacular.

Ancient volcanic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, while carpets of wildflowers, coastal grasses and winding paths create countless landscape opportunities. Even with reduced visibility, the island possessed a rugged beauty that suited the weather perfectly.

The changing conditions meant every viewpoint looked slightly different throughout the day, as patches of mist drifted across the cliffs and sea.

A Reminder That Nature Doesn't Follow the Forecast

It's easy to hope for perfect weather before a photography trip, but days like this are a reminder that nature often provides something even better.

The mist created atmosphere, the soft light enhanced every feather, and the slower pace encouraged taking time to observe rather than simply rushing between locations.

Sometimes the most memorable photographs aren't taken under blue skies—they're captured when the conditions tell a story of their own.

Final Thoughts

Skomer Island remains one of Britain's finest wildlife destinations and is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. Whether you're hoping to photograph puffins, seabirds, dramatic coastal scenery or simply experience one of the UK's most remarkable islands, it's a place that leaves a lasting impression.

The weather may not have been what many visitors hoped for, but for me it became part of the adventure. The mist added mood, the wildlife delivered unforgettable moments, and the island once again proved that great photography isn't about perfect conditions—it's about making the most of the conditions you're given.

Photography Details

Location: Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Date: 26th June 2026

Weather: Overcast with low cloud and mist

Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Lens: Canon RF 200–800mm

Skomer Island Full Gallery