FAQ
Skellig Michael Island Tours — Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Trip
Where do the tours depart from?
All Skellig Michael Island Tours depart from Portmagee Pier on the Iveragh Peninsula (Ring of Kerry), County Kerry. Portmagee is a small, colourful fishing village with pubs, restaurants, and accommodation options. We ask that you arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and the safety briefing.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend booking online in advance — especially for landing tours, which are limited by OPW permits and sell out weeks or months ahead during peak season. Eco cruises and harbour tours can also fill up during busy periods in July and August. Booking online guarantees your spot and allows us to contact you directly if weather requires rescheduling.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket — even on sunny days it can be cool and breezy on the open Atlantic. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip (hiking shoes or trainers with tread — no sandals or flip-flops). We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and a small backpack. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before departure as the crossing can be choppy.
How long are the boat tours?
Tour duration varies by type. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour takes approximately 5–6 hours including the boat crossing and around 2.5 hours on the island. Our Skellig Islands Eco Cruise is approximately 2.5–3 hours. The Puffin Island & Kerry Cliffs tour is around 2 hours. The Portmagee Harbour Tour runs about 1 hour, making it a great option for younger children or anyone short on time. Full details are listed on each tour’s booking page.
Is there parking in Portmagee?
Yes, there is free public parking in Portmagee village, a short walk from the pier. During peak season (June–August), spaces fill up early in the morning, so we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your tour. Portmagee is approximately a 1-hour drive from Killarney, 2 hours from Cork, 2.5 hours from Shannon Airport, and 4.5 hours from Dublin.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, we offer a full refund for cancellations made more than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable unless we can fill your spot. If we cancel due to weather conditions, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund — no questions asked. Please contact us as soon as possible if your plans change so we can accommodate other guests on the waiting list.
About the Skellig Islands
What are the Skellig Islands?
The Skellig Islands are two small rocky islands located 12 km off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. Skellig Michael (Sceilig Mhichíl) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its 6th-century monastic settlement, dramatic stone beehive huts, and 618 hand-carved steps. Little Skellig is home to Ireland’s largest gannet colony with over 30,000 breeding pairs. Together they represent one of Ireland’s most extraordinary natural and cultural landmarks.
Can I land on Skellig Michael?
Yes — landing on Skellig Michael is permitted during the official season from mid-May to early October, weather depending. The Office of Public Works (OPW) limits daily visitor numbers to protect the site, so landing tours sell out quickly. We operate licensed landing tours from Portmagee, giving you approximately 2.5 hours on the island to climb the 618 ancient steps and explore the monastic settlement at the summit.
When is the best time to visit the Skellig Islands?
The Skellig season runs from mid-May to early October. Late May to July is peak puffin season — thousands of Atlantic puffins nest on the island during these months. June and July offer the longest daylight hours and calmest seas. August and September bring fewer crowds and often still-favourable weather. Early and late season trips may see more dramatic Atlantic swells, which many visitors find exhilarating.
What happens if the weather cancels my tour?
Atlantic weather determines everything on the Skelligs. If sea conditions are unsafe, we will contact you as early as possible to reschedule your tour to another available date. If no alternative date works for you, we offer a full refund. We do sail in light rain and overcast conditions — some of the most dramatic photos of Skellig Michael are taken under moody skies. We recommend booking early in your trip so there is flexibility to reschedule if needed.
Are the Skellig tours suitable for children?
Our eco boat tours and harbour tours are family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages (life jackets provided for everyone). For landing tours on Skellig Michael, children must be at least 10 years old and comfortable with steep, uneven steps and exposed heights — there are no handrails on the 618 steps. The Puffin Island & Kerry Cliffs cruise is also suitable for families and offers fantastic wildlife viewing without the climb.
Will I see puffins on a Skellig tour?
Atlantic puffins nest on the Skellig Islands from roughly late April to early August, with peak numbers in May, June, and July. During these months you can expect to see puffins at very close range — they are famously unafraid of humans. Outside puffin season, the islands are still home to storm petrels, Manx shearwaters, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars. Little Skellig’s gannet colony is visible year-round on all our boat tours.