ARE CALDEY ISLAND BOAT TRIPS FROM TENBY WORTH IT? (AN HONEST REVIEW)
WONDERING WHETHER CALDEY ISLAND BOAT TRIPS FROM TENBY ARE WORTH IT?
During our weekend in South Pembrokeshire, we caught a morning boat over to explore Caldey Island – a peaceful island nestled off the coast of Tenby, South Wales.
All we knew before going was that it was home to a Cistercian monastery. Hardly anything had been written about it, so we literally had no idea what to expect!
So, we thought we’d change that for you! Here’s everything we now know from our trip, including what to do and see, facilities on the island, common FAQ’s and more.
We hope this insight will help you decide whether a boat trip to Caldey Island is worth it for you during your visit to Tenby!
Planning your trip to South Pembrokeshire?
Start here:
Booking.com ↗ for the best places to stay in South Pembrokeshire.
Our top suggestion:
Priory Bay Escapes (hidden gem!! 🤩)
In Penally, 2 miles from Tenby. Immaculate 2 bedroom apartment with outdoor jacuzzi and stunning ocean / countryside views.
CALDEY ISLAND BOAT TRIPS
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
WHEN CAN YOU TAKE A CALDEY ISLAND BOAT TRIP?
Boat trips to Caldey Island run daily from Tenby everyday from Monday to Saturday during the Summer months of May to September. This is always subject to weather conditions to allow for a safe journey across the island.
There are no boat trips to Caldey Island on any Sunday.
WHERE DO YOU BUY TICKETS TO CALDEY ISLAND?
You can buy your boat trip tickets on the day from the manned Caldey Island kiosk in Castle Square, Tenby, located here next to the Tenby Harbour.
From here, turn directly round and head down to Tenby South beach to pick up the next available boat.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO CALDEY ISLAND?
A boat trip to and from Caldey Island costs: ££24.95 per adult and £12.95 for a child ticket. They also offer a family rate (including 2 adults, 2 children) for £64.95. Under 3’s are free.
WHAT TIME ARE THE BOATS TO CALDEY ISLAND?
On the days that the Caldey Island boat trips are running, the first boat from Tenby to Caldey Island is at 10am, and the last boat from Caldey Island to Tenby is 5pm.
In between, a fleet of 7 MCA certified boats ensure there are regular, well-coordinated services from both Tenby and Caldey Island every 20 minutes!
HOW LONG DOES THE BOAT TO CALDEY ISLAND TAKE?
It takes approximately 20 minutes by boat to get from Tenby to Caldey Island. This may differ slightly on the day, and its dependant on the sea conditions.
CAN DOGS GO ON THE BOAT TO CALDEY ISLAND?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the boat across to Caldey Island. It is important to note that when on the island, all dogs must be kept on the lead for the safety of the local wildlife. When we visited, there were dogs on both our boats there and back!
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND ON CALDEY ISLAND?
We would say a good amount of time to spend on Caldey Island is around 3 hours. This allows you enough time to leisurely see the majority of the sights on the island.
As there is no official time limit on your ticket (apart from the 5pm last boat – of course!), you are welcome to stay on Caldey Island for as long as you want.
If you can extended time in the area, and don’t necessarily need to go back and explore Tenby today, we would even suggest staying to relax on Priory Beach (right next to the boat port).
This beach is so quiet (especially compared to Tenby’s hectic beaches) and offers a much more peaceful beach experience if that’s what you’re after!
FACILITIES ON CALDEY ISLAND
Arriving into the dock, follow the path straight for about 5 minutes, passing the main beach and below a brief spell of woodland before reaching the main Caldey Island ‘Village’.
This is where you will find all of the main visitor facilities for on Caldey Island. In the ‘Village’, you will find all of the below basically right next to each other:
- Public plumbed toilet facilities
- Tea Gardens and shop to buy food and drink.
- Post Office and Museum
- Art Gallery
- Gift Shop
Top Tip: Make sure you buy the Monk’s handmade chocolate from the Caldey Island Gift Shop! It is delicious, and one of those ‘bucket list’ things to do here.
THINGS TO DO & SEE ON CALDEY ISLAND
PRIORY BEACH
Priory Beach is the main stretch of sandy beach you will see as soon as you dock into Caldey Island. This untouched beach is arguably one of the most picturesque beaches in the whole of Wales, and is the only accessible public beach on Caldey Island.
With its soft white sand, turquoise waters, minimal visitors and epic birdlife, make sure you allow some time to wander along these idyllic shores before you leave!
THE VILLAGE
The ‘Village’ is the first area you will approach after docking at Caldey, just a short 2-3 minute walk away. As well as an idyllic central green, this is where you will find all of the visitor facilities in one place.
This includes the Post Office, Museum, Gallery, Gift Shop and Tea Gardens, serving both hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes and sandwiches.
ITALIANETTE ABBEY
It is difficult to miss the Abbey, a large white building which is iconic to Caldey Island, and in full dramatic view as you approach the Village area.
Built in 1906, this is the main Holy place of worship for the Cistercian marks who call Caldey Island home. Visitors are welcome to enter the Abbey church and, if they’re lucky, get the chance to join the monks during their daytime services.
ST ILLTYD’S CHURCH & OLD PRIORY
As you walk straight leaving the village, you will soon see the Old Priory on your right-hand side, slightly set back from the main path you’re on. In front of the Old Priory is a large idyllic pond full of elegant black swans.
Head down towards the Old Priory ruins, the oldest building on the island. Meander behind the Old Priory to find the unassuming entrance to St Illtyd’s Church, seemingly set within the Old Priory structure.
Inside, you will find a dazzling stain glass window shining on the quaint detailing of this tiny Church. You can light a your own tea light in tribute of anyone you may have lost. If you do, kindly leave a small donation for the monks.
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Get yourself back on the main path to head towards the Southern end of this small island towards the Lighthouse. Either side are open fields with some very friendly horses!
As you reach the Lighthouse, enjoy the seating area to the left, or venture on the coastal West Cliffs walk when turning right.
CALDEY ISLAND WALKING TRAILS
WOODLAND WALK
Top left of the Village, passing the Abbey, you’ll find a short uphill path towards the Woodland Walk. At just 0.9 miles (1.4km) long, this easy and flat circular loop lets you escape below the peaceful tree canopies.
It is estimated to take 30 minutes, but we easily did it in 15-20 minutes when we visited.
Half way through, stop off at numerous viewpoints for wonderful views of the sea and the distant Welsh mainland. Keep your eyes peeled for the many red squirrels that live in these woods!
WEST CLIFFS WALK
Turning right when you reach the lighthouse, you begin your stroll along the Cliff Path, pausing in awe at the rugged coastline and keeping an eye out for wildlife down below, including Oystercatchers and even seals!
As you reach the wooden gate, you can either turn right towards the village, or head through the gate to begin the official 1.9 mile (3.1km) West Cliffs Walk. This loop walk is estimated to take 60 minutes on average.
CONCLUSION: CALDEY ISLAND BOAT TRIPS FROM TENBY
So, do we believe that boat trips to Caldey Island when visiting Tenby are worth the trip? In a word – Absolutely!
It’s hard to believe that just a 20 minute boat ride can transport you to such a peaceful, idyllic and unique place. It truly is a joy to experience somewhere so tranquil, untouched and so obviously cared for by the resident monks.
We highly recommend (if you can) arriving on one of the first boats out at 10am to spend a few hours on this Holy island before it gets busy with visitors. This is especially relevant if you are visiting during peak Summer months or weekends.
WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE
When deciding on where to stay in South Pembrokeshire, we highly recommend staying a short drive away from Tenby (the main town) along the quieter coastline.
This way, you have quick access into Tenby but a quieter, more authentic Pembrokeshire experience. We have collated a list of the top choices for both options below:
🌟 The Broadmead Boutique B&B
(Just outside of Tenby: 0.8 miles from Tenby)
🌟 Priory Bay Escapes – A hidden gem!!
(In Penally: 2 miles from Tenby)
🌟 Penally Abbey Country House
(In Penally: 1.3 miles from Tenby)
🌟 St Brides Spa Hotel
(In Saundersfoot: 3 miles from Tenby)
🎪 Headland Escape (Yurts & Shepherds Huts)
(In Lydstep: 4 miles from Tenby). Where we stayed and would highly recommend. 👆🏻
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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