Discover the ancient skellig From Portmagee
Skellig Michael Island Tours
Discover the magic of Skellig Michael with boat tours departing daily from Portmagee, County Kerry. Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spectacular seabird colonies, and the wild Atlantic coast with our experienced local skippers.
Iconic Skellig Experience
Rising 218 metres from the wild Atlantic, Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving a 6th-century monastic settlement and one of the most extraordinary places on earth. We run daily boat tours from Portmagee harbour including boat cruises and exclusive landing tours.
From the vast gannet colony on Little Skellig to Atlantic puffins at arm’s length, our experienced local skippers bring you closer to these islands than you ever imagined.
View All Tours
Explore the Skellig Coast
Our Tours
Skellig Islands Boat Tour
Cruise around both Skellig Michael and Little Skellig with close-up views of the monastery, gannet colony, and marine wildlife. Suitable for all ages.
SKELLIG LANDING TOUR
Step ashore and climb the 618 ancient steps to the monastery. 2.5 hours on the island plus a circumnavigation of Little Skellig.
Skellig Private Charters
An exclusive Skellig experience tailored to your group. Choose your route, set your pace, and let our skipper craft your perfect day.es
Portmagee Harbour Tour
A gentle cruise through Portmagee harbour and the sheltered Skellig coast. Seals, stunning views, and maritime heritage. Ideal for families and younger children.
PUFFIN ISLAND AND KERRY CLIFFS
Journey to Puffin Island and the towering Kerry Cliffs. Thousands of nesting puffins from April to August, plus razorbills, fulmars, and grey seals.
Skellig Coast Whale Watching
Deep Atlantic waters in search of fin whales, minke whales, dolphins, and basking sharks. One of Ireland’s finest marine wildlife habitats.
About us
Your Skellig Islands Experts Since Day One
Family-run from Portmagee on the Wild Atlantic Way. Our skippers have spent their lives on these waters — they know every current, every cove, and every landing window along the Skellig coast.
UNESCO World Heritage
Inscribed in 1996 as one of the finest preserved early Christian monastic settlements in the world.
Experienced Local Skippers
Born and raised on the Skellig coast with decades of experience navigating these Atlantic waters.
Extraordinary Wildlife
27,000 gannet pairs on Little Skellig, nesting puffins, grey seals, dolphins, and migrating whales year-round.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Skellig Michael — Where History Meets the Atlantic
Six beehive huts, two oratories, and a medieval church — all remarkably preserved after 1,400 years on a rock pinnacle 218 metres above the Atlantic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars filming location, Skellig Michael is a place that stays with you.
Portmagee Marina
How to Get to the Skellig Islands
All our tours depart from Portmagee, Co. Kerry. Approximately 1 hr 20 min from Killarney, 2 hr 30 min from Cork, 3 hrs from Shannon Airport, and 4 hr 30 min from Dublin. Portmagee is a charming fishing village on the Wild Atlantic Way with award-winning restaurants, traditional pubs, and some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Parking is free of charge in Portmagee.
Ready to Experience the Skellig Islands? Your Adventure Starts in Portmagee.
Ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife — all in one unforgettable journey.
Book Your Skellig Tour
1,400+
Years of History
27K
Gannet Pairs on Little Skellig
618
Steps to the Monastery
5★
Rated on TripAdvisor
FAQ
Everything You Need to Know
What is the difference between the boat tour and the landing tour?
The Boat Tour is a 2.5-hour eco cruise around both islands — you stay on board. The Landing Tour takes roughly 5 hours and includes 2.5 hours on Skellig Michael to climb the 618 steps. Landing requires good fitness and is restricted to ages 14+.
When is the best time to visit the Skellig Islands?
Boat tours run mid-March to early November. Landing tours mid-May to end of September. Peak puffin viewing is May–July. Summer books up fast — reserve early.
What should I bring on a Skellig tour?
Warm layers, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses for all tours. For landing tours, add sturdy boots, waterproof trousers, food, water, and a rucksack. There are no facilities on the island.
Can children go on the tours?
All ages welcome on the Boat Tour, Harbour Tour, Puffin Island, and Private Charters. Landing Tour is strictly 14+ only. Whale Watching is 5+. Life jackets provided on every tour.
What happens if the weather is bad?
All tours are weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe we’ll offer a full reschedule or refund. We recommend staying locally the night before for flexibility.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — the Landing Tour is limited to 180 visitors per day and summer sells out months ahead. Eco cruises have more availability but booking guarantees your preferred date. Book at skelligmichael.ie/book-skellig-michael-tours/.
Skellig Wildlife
Puffins, Gannets & Marine Life
Over 4,000 puffins nest on the Skelligs each summer, while Little Skellig hosts 27,000 gannet pairs — the second-largest colony in the world. Grey seals, dolphins, and fin whales complete an extraordinary marine habitat.
Star Wars Filming Location
The Real Ahch-To — Star Wars on Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael appeared as Luke Skywalker’s island refuge in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi — no sets or CGI needed. The island’s resident puffins even inspired the porgs.
Plan Your Visit
When to Visit the Skellig Islands
Boat tours run mid-March to November. Landing tours mid-May to September. What you see depends on when you come.
Spring (April – May)
Puffins arrive, wildflowers bloom, and the island is at its quietest. Landing tours open mid-May.
Summer (June – August)
Peak season — warmest weather, calmest seas, and puffin chicks. Books up fast.
Autumn (September – October)
Quieter waters, fewer crowds, and the best whale watching of the year.