There’s something wonderfully captivating about puffins; their bright beaks, orange feet, and playful personalities make them one of the most endearing birds to spot in the British Isles. While puffins are relatively rare along Cornwall’s coastline, there are still a few remarkable places where these charismatic seabirds can be seen during spring and early summer.
1. The Isles of Scilly – Cornwall’s Puffin Paradise
If you’re serious about seeing puffins in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly offer your best opportunity. Situated around 28 miles off the Cornish coast, these stunning islands are a sanctuary for wildlife and seabirds. Boat tours from St Mary’s often visit Annet and the Western Rocks, where puffins can be seen nesting in burrows along the cliffs or bobbing on the turquoise waters below. Operators such as the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association run regular wildlife trips throughout the puffin season.
2. The Rumps, near Polzeath
For those staying on the mainland, The Rumps — a striking headland near Polzeath — is one of Cornwall’s few puffin nesting sites. The walk out to the twin promontories offers sweeping coastal views and a real sense of wild Cornish beauty. Visit between April and July, and you may spot puffins among colonies of guillemots and kittiwakes. Bring binoculars for the best chance of a sighting, and take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery while you wait.
(My video below was filmed at the Rumps)
3. Padstow and the Camel Estuary
While puffins don’t nest directly around Padstow, several local wildlife boat trips offer the chance to see them around The Mouls, a small island off the coast near Port Quin. These excursions often combine puffin watching with sightings of seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds — a fantastic day out for anyone with a love of nature and Cornwall’s coastal wildlife.
When to See Puffins in Cornwall
Puffins typically arrive in Cornwall around April and remain until late July, after which they return to the open sea. Early morning or evening trips tend to offer the best conditions for spotting them, especially when the sea is calm.
Tips for Responsible Puffin Watching
- Bring binoculars for close-up views.
- Wear layers — the sea breeze can be brisk, even in summer.
- Always observe from a respectful distance to protect nesting areas.
Whether you’re sailing among the islands of Scilly or standing on the cliffs of Pentire Head, spotting a puffin in the wild is an unforgettable experience. It’s a glimpse into the wilder side of Cornwall — a reminder that this rugged coast is still home to some of Britain’s most treasured wildlife.