Skellig Islands eco boat tour from Portmagee
Our Skellig Michael boat trip is an eco tour from Portmagee around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. We do not land on the islands. The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
You see the cliffs, sea caves and seabird colonies from the water. All ages are welcome, so this cruise suits families and mixed groups.
Book your Skellig Islands tour
Prices and booking
For current boat tour prices, please contact us.
- Phone. +353 66 948 8022
- Email. info@skelligmichael.ie
You can also send us a booking request from our booking page.
Check availability and bookWhat to know before you go
- Season. The boat tour runs from April to October.
- Check-in. Arrive in Portmagee at least 30 minutes before your departure to park and check in. We confirm your exact departure time when you book.
- Parking. Parking in the village is free and a short walk from the pier.
- On board. We provide life jackets for everyone. The boat has covered seating, and wet weather gear is available.
- Weather. Every sailing depends on safe sea conditions. If we cancel for weather, we offer you another date or a full refund.
- Cancelling. If you cancel more than 48 hours before departure, you get a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours, there is no refund unless we can fill your place.
Safety on board
- Listen to the crew. Follow their instructions when you board and when you move around the boat. They will also show you the best places to watch from.
- Route changes. We may change the route for comfort and safety, depending on the sea and the wind.
- Wildlife. We watch seabirds and seals from a safe distance. We keep well back from nesting colonies and from seals resting on the rocks.
- Loose items. Hold on to hats, scarves and light bags. The wind can blow them off the boat.
- No alcohol or drugs. On open water, everyone needs steady feet and a clear head.
Tour itinerary
Times change with the sea, but this is how most trips run.
- Check in at Portmagee. We confirm your departure time and you board the boat.
- Along the Skellig Coast. We head out along the coast to open sea.
- Around the Skellig Islands. We make slow passes around both islands, if the sea allows.
- Commentary. Our guides tell you about the islands, the sea life and what you are seeing as you go.
- Back to Portmagee. We return along the Skellig Coast, with more chances to take photos.
Is the Skellig Michael boat trip right for you?
There is no climbing on this trip, so most people can manage it.
This trip suits you if
- You want to see the Skelligs up close from the sea.
- You are travelling with children, older relatives or a mixed group, and want a trip everyone can do.
- You like watching and photographing seabirds, seals and sea cliffs.
What the sea can be like
This is open Atlantic water, and on a rough day the boat moves a lot. If you get seasick, take something before you sail. It makes a big difference.
What you see on the eco tour
You see the islands from sea level, looking up at the cliffs.
- Skellig Michael from the sea. The island is 218 metres high, with steep cliffs and ledges cut by the sea.
- Little Skellig. It has one of the biggest gannet colonies in the world.
- Seabirds and seals. Gannets, guillemots, razorbills and grey seals are common here. You may also see puffins in season.
- The Skellig Coast. You see the Kerry coast on the way out and back.
To learn about the monks who lived on Skellig Michael, read our Skellig Michael history page. Our guide to the birds of the Skellig Islands explains what you might see.
What to bring
Bring these to stay warm and comfortable on the boat.
- Warm and waterproof layers. It is colder and windier on the water than on land. It can be sunny and windy in the same hour.
- Footwear. Wear stable shoes with good grip for the harbour and for getting on the boat.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun on the water can be stronger than you expect.
- A strap for your camera or phone. The boat moves and the wind is strong, so keep them secure.
- A small bag. Keep your hands free.
- Seasickness remedy. If you need one, take it before you sail.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cruise land on Skellig Michael?
No, this is a boat-only tour. We circle the islands where conditions allow, and you see them up close from the sea.
To set foot on the island, see our Skellig Michael landing tour. It is for ages 14 and over and runs from mid-May to the end of September.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome on this tour. If you want a shorter trip, our Portmagee harbour tour takes about 1 hour. See all our boat trips from Portmagee.
Can groups book this tour?
Yes, groups are welcome, subject to availability. For a larger group, book early to get the date you want.
If you want your own boat and skipper, contact us about a private charter.
When can we see puffins?
Puffins are on the Skelligs from about late April to early August. Most are there in May, June and July, but sightings are never guaranteed. Our puffin guide explains the season month by month.
Where do we leave from?
All our tours leave from Portmagee, County Kerry. Portmagee is about 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Killarney and 2.5 hours from Cork. It is about 3 hours from Shannon Airport and 4.5 hours from Dublin.
Book early. Dates can fill quickly in summer.
Check dates and bookThe Skellig Coast in photos
Photos of the Skellig Islands and the Kerry coast.
