The Copeland Islands

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Nelson's Boats - Birdwatching and the Copelands

Mew Island Lighthouse -The Copeland Islands.

A view from the Cliffs

The Copelands are famous for birdwatching, one of the islands is an approved ringing station and observatory.

The main island which is the most accessable is only a 15 minute boat ride from our base at Donaghadee harbour.

This island is host to an ever growing colony of Arctic terns over the late spring and summer, huge rafts of Manx shearwaters gather around the shores at evening time and virtually every other type of sea bird common and not so common to these shores, makes an appearance. The majestic Gannet , the Arctic Skua, the tiny Storm Petrel and the comical Puffin are but a few.

Land birds which frequent the islands regularly include game birds, many species of duck, buzzards, owls, native and visiting song birds, rare visitors have included a Whites Thrush ,Waxwings and a Golden eagle.

There are no animal preditors on the islands, the rabbit population has reached almost epidemic proportions.

A large colony of Atlantic grey and Common seals spend the summers basking in the warm sunshine.

The islands are heaven for the birdwatcher, ideal for ramblers, school and club outings pic-nics or evening barbeques or just a family day out.

Pleasant coastal walks, quaint whitewashed cottages, stunning sea views and coastal scenery.

Round the islands Porpoises are regularly seen and on occasions, Dolphins. Over the past summers both Orca, better known as killer whale, a large Basking shark and a juvenile Hump-back whale have been seen unexpectedly by our customers while on a coastal fishing trip.

Sailings to the Copeland Islands start most days around 2 in the afternoon. Other times by arrangement.

If you have any special requirements or needs or would like to charter the boat for a private party please give us a call.

The pictures below are of children watching the seals on the rocks just ahead and around the boat.

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