While the stone beehive huts of Skellig Michael usually steal the spotlight, there is a whole other world living just beneath the hull of our boats. The Atlantic waters off the coast of County Kerry are a bustling motorway for some of the planet’s most magnificent marine life. As a family-run business with generations of experience navigating these waters, we have learned that the ocean does not give up its secrets easily, but when it does, it is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you are a seasoned marine biologist or someone who just wants to see a dolphin do a flip, the Atlantic shelf near the Skellig Islands is the place to be.
The Stars of the Show: Who You Might Meet
The biodiversity in this corner of Ireland is staggering. Thanks to the deep, nutrient-rich waters that surround the islands, we are a prime location for whale watching in Ireland. We do not just see the occasional stray fish; we see a rotating cast of marine characters that would make any nature documentary filmmaker jealous.
The Common Dolphin (Anything But Common)
Despite the name, there is nothing “common” about the joy these creatures bring. Common dolphins are the high-energy acrobats of the Atlantic. They love to bow-ride, which means they hitch a ride on the pressure wave created by the front of our boat. Seeing a pod of thirty or forty dolphins leaping alongside you as we head toward the Skelligs is the kind of experience that makes even the most cynical adult giggle like a schoolchild.
Dolphin watching in Kerry is a year-round possibility, but they are particularly active during the warmer months when the baitfish are plentiful. They are social, vocal, and incredibly fast. If you listen closely when the engine is low, you might even hear their clicks and whistles echoing through the hull.
The Mighty Minke Whale
If you are looking for something a bit more substantial, the Minke whale is our most frequent whale visitor. These are the smallest of the “great whales,” but at 8 to 10 metres long, they are still plenty big enough to make you feel very small indeed. Minke whales are known for their sleek, dark bodies and white “armbands” on their pectoral fins.
Unlike some of their more showy cousins, Minkes can be a bit shy. They do not often breach (leap out of the water), but they have a very distinctive “blow” and a curved dorsal fin that slices through the water. Spotting one requires a bit of patience and a keen eye for “the blow”, that misty puff of air that appears on the horizon when they surface to breathe.
The Basking Shark: The Gentle Giant
While technically not a whale or a dolphin, no discussion of Kerry’s marine life is complete without the Basking shark. These are the second-largest fish in the world, and they look like something out of a prehistoric era. In late spring and early summer, they come to the surface to feed on plankton, often with their massive mouths wide open.
Do not let the “shark” part scare you; they are entirely harmless to humans. They move slowly and gracefully, often allowing us to get a fantastic view from the deck. Seeing a three-metre-wide dorsal fin slowly cruising through the calm Atlantic waters is a sight you will never forget.
Why Local Expertise Matters
You could hop on any boat and head out to sea, but finding wildlife in the vast Atlantic is a bit like looking for a needle in a very wet, very large haystack. This is where our local expertise comes in. At Skellig Michael Island Tours, we do not just rely on GPS and sonar; we rely on decades of family knowledge.
Our skippers grew up in Portmagee. They know the tides, the currents, and the secret spots where the herring and mackerel congregate. If the birds are diving in a particular way or the water has a certain “sheen,” our crew knows exactly what it means. It is this instinctive understanding of the ocean that allows us to offer such high-quality Skellig Islands tours.
Special Charters and Tailored Experiences
While our standard tours are fantastic, we also offer special charters for those who want to dive deeper (metaphorically speaking) into the world of marine wildlife. These charters are designed for the enthusiasts, the photographers, the researchers, and the families who want a bit more time to sit and watch the horizon.
Our boats are equipped with the latest safety gear and designed for stability, ensuring you have a steady platform for your binoculars or camera. We depart from Portmagee Marina, a picturesque fishing village that serves as the perfect gateway to the Atlantic.
When you book a special charter with us, you are not just getting a boat; you are getting a dedicated crew who are as excited about seeing a Minke whale as you are. We take pride in our personal touch, sharing stories of the sea and the history of the islands as we scan the waves for our deep-sea neighbours.
The Eco-Friendly Approach: Respecting the Residents
We are guests in the home of these animals. As a family business, we are deeply committed to conservation and the “Leave No Trace” principles. We follow strict international guidelines for whale and dolphin watching to ensure we do not disturb the natural behaviour of the animals.
This means:
- Maintaining a respectful distance.
- Limiting the time spent with a single group of animals.
- Approaching at a slow, steady speed.
- Never “coralling” or surrounding a pod.
Our goal is for these animals to remain as wild and free as the day we first saw them. By choosing a responsible tour operator, you are helping to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the magic of whale watching in Ireland.
Preparing for Your Trip
The Atlantic is beautiful, but it can be unpredictable. Even on a sunny day, the temperature out at sea is several degrees cooler than on land. To make the most of your adventure, we recommend a few essentials:
- Layers are your friend: Wear a windbreaker or a waterproof jacket, even if it looks like a scorcher in Portmagee.
- Footwear: Wear flat, rubber-souled shoes. Boats can be slippery, and you want to be steady on your feet when a pod of dolphins appears on the starboard side.
- Binoculars: While we try to get as close as safely possible, binoculars will give you a front-row seat to the action.
- Sunscreen: The reflection of the sun off the water can cause a nasty burn before you even realise it.
- Patience: Wildlife is, well, wild. They do not work on a schedule. Half the fun is the anticipation and the thrill of the first “There she blows!” from the crew.
Setting Sail from Portmagee Marina
Your journey begins at Portmagee Marina. This vibrant little village is the heart of the Kerry coast’s maritime culture. We recommend arriving a little early to soak in the atmosphere, grab a coffee, and maybe chat with the locals. There is a sense of excitement in the air every morning as the boats prepare to head out.
As we pull away from the marina and head into the open sea, the views of the Kerry coastline are breathtaking. You will see the jagged peaks of the Skelligs rising out of the mist, and if you are lucky, you might even spot some of the thousands of gannets that call these islands home.
A Legacy of the Sea
Our business is built on a foundation of respect for the ocean and a passion for sharing its wonders. When you join us for a tour, you are not just a passenger; you are part of a tradition that spans generations. We have seen the Atlantic at its calmest and its most ferocious, and we never tire of the surprises it holds.
From the first splash of a dolphin to the silent, massive presence of a Basking shark, every trip is unique. We invite you to join us on the water, leave the mainland behind, and meet our deep-sea neighbours.
If you are ready to start your adventure, feel free to contact us or check our website for more information on tour options. The Atlantic is waiting, and we cannot wait to show you what is out there.
Whether you are here for the history of the monks or the mystery of the Minkes, we promise an experience that is as authentic as the salt spray on your face. See you at Portmagee Marina!