Set sail across the Atlantic to experience the awe-inspiring Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising dramatically from the sea — an unforgettable day on the water.
Traverse the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on boat trips around Kerry’s coastline and islands.
Take a day trip to Skellig’s Rock, venture out on a wildlife tour of the historic Bull’s Rock in Kenmare Bay, or go dolphin and whale watching in the evening sun. Learn about the maritime heritage of the coast and hear folk stories about the Skellig Coast’s rich history.
Local boat tour operators with a wealth of local knowledge run a variety of daily boat trips:
Sunfish Explorer — Boat & Kayak Tours
Caherdaniel native, Noel Donnelly provides Boat Tours, Wildlife Tours, Ribs and guided Kayaking. This is great fun for families and a great way of exploring stunning coastline. Get out on the water and get close up with seals and if you’re lucky, spot a dolphin or white-tailed sea-eagle.
Contact hotel for bookings
Skellig Tours operate from Bealtra, Bunavalla in Derrynane Harbour
A second-generation Skelligs’ boat skipper, John O Shea has the local islands in his blood and he departs daily for the Skelligs from Derrynane Harbour, a smuggling port used by the O’Connell clan of the famous Daniel ‘The Liberator’ O’Connell.
The tour takes you past Deenish and Scariff Islands in the wildlife abundant Kenmare Bay and the highlight of the trip is a 2.5 hours stopover on Skellig Michael – a 1,500-year-old monastic settlement which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the return journey, you can take in close-up views of the Little Skellig, home to over 27,000 breeding pairs of gannets – making it the second largest gannet colony in the world.
Skellig Coast Discovery
Skellig Coast Discovery.com depart from Westcove Pier in Caherdaniel.
The Skellig Coastline stretches some 130 kilometres from Castlecove in the East to Kells Bay in the West. Boat journeys include the Iveragh Peninsula towards Derrynane and the Beara Peninsula out to the Bull Rock on the southern side of Kenmare Bay. This area is one of the most exposed coastlines along the Wild Atlanic Way enjoying Mountain peaks, Islands, Bay and Coves.
Derrynane, Beara Peninsula Coast The Islands and Bull Rock, the Beara Peninsula coast is one steeped in history and legend.
On this voyage you will also hear stories about the ‘Hag of Beara’ and press gangs out to capture local fishermen for the naval services. Wonderful opportunities to see wildlife including views of the Gannet colony and a trip under the arch of the Bull Rock (weather and sea conditions permitting).
You will also hear fascinating stories of lighthouse building, destruction and loss of life on Calf Island and the subsequent building of the lighthouse at Bull Rock. Good views of the Dursey Island Cable Car linking the mainland to the island are also afforded on this voyage.
Booking in advance is recommended.
Discover more of Kerry
Coastal walks, golf, beaches and dark skies — there's so much to explore on the Wild Atlantic Way.
All Things to Do