St Mary’s Island is Whitley Bay’s go-to spot for watching grey seals. Just north of Newcastle, this small island regularly sees dozens of seals sunning themselves near the lighthouse. As a result, it’s one of the top places to see grey seals on the North East coast without needing to pay for a boat trip or a tour guide. The island is linked to the mainland by a causeway that’s fully submerged at high tide, so check tide times in advance. If times don’t line up, head to the Farne Islands instead, where a colony of 3,000–4,000 grey seals can be seen year-round. This guide walks you through every step of grey-seal spotting on St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay, from tide tables to the best coastal viewpoints.
How to get to St Mary’s Island
There are two pay-and-display car parks near St Mary’s Island. Prices start from just £1.20 an hour (as of 2025) and it’s easy to pay via the RingGo app.
Alternatively, jump on the Tyne and Wear Metro to Whitley Bay or board the 308 or 350 bus from Newcastle. Both routes drop you in Whitley Bay, and from there you can make your way to St Mary’s Island on foot.
Tips for seeing grey seals on St Mary’s Island, Whitley Bay
- Check the tides first. The causeway to the island can only be crossed two hours either side of low tide. Plan your visit around that window and make sure not to leave it too late to cross back! Click here to see the latest tide times for Whitley Bay.
- Stick to the path. Grey seals tend to sit out on the rocks behind St Mary’s Lighthouse, but don’t be tempted to climb across the rocks to get close. Stay on the path and head to the bottom of the lighthouse for great views of the seals without disturbing them.
- Pack binoculars or a camera. Binoculars or a zoom lens let you enjoy close-up views without getting too close to the seals.
- Keep noise and movement down to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
- Dress for sea breezes. Even sunny days on St Mary’s Island can feel chilly in the wind.
- Look up as well as down. Swallows, house martins, and kittiwakes often skim overhead.
- Climb the lighthouse. Access costs just £5 (in 2025) and gives sweeping views of Whitley Bay and the seal-dotted shoreline.
