Skellig Coast Boat Tours

On the Skellig Coast

Explore the Skellig Islands with our family-run boat tours departing daily from Portmagee, County Kerry. Whether you want to cruise around both islands, land on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael, or spot Atlantic puffins and whales, we have a tour to suit every visitor. All trips are led by fully licensed local skippers with a lifetime of experience on these waters.

Skellig Islands eco cruise boat tour along the Kerry coastline

Skellig Islands Boat Tour

Circle both Skellig Islands by boat with expert commentary on the history, wildlife, and geology. Get close to Little Skellig’s gannet colony and see Skellig Michael’s monastery from the sea. No climbing required — perfect for all ages.

Ancient stone steps on Skellig Michael island with Atlantic Ocean views

Skellig Landing Tour

Step ashore on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and climb the 618 ancient steps to the 6th-century monastic settlement at the summit. Approximately 2.5 hours on the island with breathtaking Atlantic views.

Couple enjoying a private charter boat tour to Skellig Michael

Private Charter

Hire your own boat and skipper for a bespoke Skellig experience. Ideal for families, small groups, photographers, or anyone who wants a flexible itinerary tailored to their interests.

Portmagee village harbour with colourful buildings and boats

Portmagee Harbour Tour

A short, family-friendly cruise around Portmagee Harbour and under the Valentia Island bridge. Learn about local history, spot seals and seabirds, and enjoy the stunning Kerry coastline. Approximately 1 hour.

Atlantic puffin close-up on the Skellig Islands Ireland

Puffin Island & Kerry Cliffs

Cruise past the dramatic Kerry Cliffs and around Puffin Island to see Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots in their natural habitat. Spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife photography opportunities.

Dolphin alongside a Skellig Michael tour boat

Whale Watching

Join our seasonal whale watching excursions to see minke whales, fin whales, dolphins, and basking sharks in the waters off the Iveragh Peninsula. An unforgettable marine wildlife experience.

What Makes Our Skellig Tours Different

We are a family-run operation based in Portmagee with decades of experience navigating the Skellig waters. Every tour is led by licensed skippers who know these islands intimately — the history, the wildlife, and the safest routes.

Local Expertise

Born & Raised on the Kerry Coast

Our skippers grew up on these waters. They know every current, every landing point, and every story behind the stones. You won’t get a more authentic Skellig experience anywhere.

Small Groups

Personal Attention, Every Trip

We keep group sizes small so every guest gets the skipper’s full attention, the best views, and plenty of time for questions and photos. No cattle-boat experience here.

Safety First

Fully Licensed & Insured

All our vessels are commercially licensed and regularly inspected. Life jackets provided for every passenger. We never sail in unsafe conditions — your safety always comes first.

Flexible Booking

Weather-Proof Guarantee

Atlantic weather is unpredictable. If we cancel due to conditions, we will reschedule you free of charge or give you a full refund. Book with confidence.

Choose Your Skellig Adventure

All tours depart from Portmagee Pier, County Kerry. Online booking recommended. Family and group discounts available.
Skellig Islands Boat Tour
Cruise around both Skellig Islands without landing. Ideal for families and all fitness levels.
€60
/ person
Excluding Booking Fee
Family Rates, Children’s Rate and Group Discounts Available
No arduous climb
Family-friendly, no climbing required
2.5–3 hour cruise around both islands
Expert skipper commentary throughout
Close-up views of Little Skellig gannet colony
See Skellig Michael monastery from the sea
Life jackets and wet weather gear provided
Skellig Landing Tour
Land on Skellig Michael and climb 618 ancient steps to the monastic summit. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
€145
/ person
Excluding Booking Fee
OPW licensed landing permit included
Approx. 2.5 hours on the island
5–6 hour tour including crossing
618 steps to the monastic settlement
Good fitness required — steep, uneven steps
Expert guided commentary on island history
Small group sizes for best experience
Life jackets provided for all passengers
Season: mid-May to early October

An Experience You Will Never Forget

Book Your Tour
Skellig Islands eco cruise boat tour along the Kerry coastline
Skellig Michael Island Tours logo

How We Run Our Skellig Tours

We are a family-run Skellig Michael tour operator based in Portmagee, County Kerry. Our licensed skippers have spent their lives on these waters and know the Skellig Islands better than anyone. Every tour is designed to give you the most memorable, safe, and informative experience possible.

Expert Local Skippers

Our skippers are fully licensed, locally born, and passionate about sharing the history, geology, and wildlife of the Skellig Islands with every guest.

Wildlife & History Commentary

Every tour includes live commentary on the monastic settlement, the island’s Star Wars connection, Atlantic puffins, gannets, seals, and marine life.

Comfort & Safety

Modern, well-maintained vessels with covered seating, life jackets for all, and wet weather gear available. We never compromise on passenger safety.

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Tour boat approaching Skellig Michael island off the Kerry coast
Dolphin alongside a Skellig Michael tour boat
Atlantic puffin close-up on the Skellig Islands Ireland
Portmagee village harbour with colourful buildings and boats
Couple enjoying a private charter boat tour to Skellig Michael
Ancient stone steps on Skellig Michael island with Atlantic Ocean views
Skellig Islands eco cruise boat tour along the Kerry coastline