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Landing Tours Restart in May 2025

Non-Landing Tours Operate from March 18th 2025

Booking for the 2024 season is now closed – Booking systems will re-open in January 2025.

Skellig Michael non-landing eco tour Around The Skellig Islands

This tour operates form March 18th 2025 to 1st November 2025 and departs daily at 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 5:15pm. It takes approximately 2.5 hours in total. This tour takes you up close to Skellig Michael, you see all the island has to offer, wild life( puffins, gannets etc), light house, the monastery, old path taken by the monks etc… but you do not get off the boat.

We depart from Portmagee Marina. Eircode V23 TN30

Please ensure that the phone number and email address provided is correct so we can contact you if departure times change or if tour needs to be cancelled.

About the Non-landing tour

It takes approximately 1 hour to get to Skellig Micahel

The boat circles the small Skelligs and Skellig Michael itself for approximately 40minutes – you get up close to the island to see historical sites before returning to Portmagee.

Tour tour is suited for all ages and abilities.

We have a toilet on the boat.

Cost of Non-landing Tour: Adult €50, Student €45, child €40, family (2adults & 2 children) €170

What time do I arrive for the tour?

You need to arrive at Portmagee Marina 15minutes ahead of your tour to check in.

Skellig Michael Landing Tour – Available from May 2025 – Book from January 2025

Landing Boat Operator Dermot Walsh.

This tour departs daily between 8:30am and 9:30am. It takes approximately 1 hour to get to Skellig Michael, you are allowed off the boat and onto Skellig Michael for approximately 2.5 hours before returning to Portmagee.

We recommend that children are at least 12 years old to do this tour.

About the landing Tour

This tour is approx. 5 hours in total. We depart daily from Portmagee Marina between 8:30am and 9:30am. When you arrive at Skellig Michael you can get off the boat onto the island. There are approx. 618 steps to climb to the Monastery. You are allowed 2.5 hours to explore the island. There are guides on the island to give you the full history.

This is a very popular tour and is usually booked well in advance.

Cost of Landing Tour: €130 per person

Departure times can change due to weather conditions as we are in contact with the guides on Skellig Michael while we monitor the landing conditions at Skellig Michael. Times can be delayed up to 12:30/13:00 depending on sea conditions.

Please be aware of this when booking and planning activities for later in the day.

Please ensure that the phone number and email address provided is correct so we can contact you if departure times change or if tour needs to be cancelled.

On the day

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time to check in

What to bring:

Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking

Warm clothes and rain gear

A packed lunch, Water

OPW Skellig Michael Safety Guide Video

While you are planning and booking your trip to Skellig Michael the OPW (gaurdains of the Island) reccomend you view the safety video below.

About The Skellig Islands

Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the only two in the republic of Ireland.

On the summit of this magnificent island off the South Kerry coast is St Fionan’s monastery. It is one of the earliest foundations in the country.

The monks lived there in the 6th century. They prayed and slept in beehive-shaped huts made of stone, many of which can be seen on the island today.

The monks left the island in the thirteenth century. It became a place of pilgrimage and, during the time of the Penal Laws, a haven for Catholics.

There are 618 steep steps to the Monastery at the top of Skellig Michael. This is a challenge but well worth the effort.

There are guides on the Island who will give the full history of Skellig Michael.

There are many types of birds on and around the island with the most popular being the Puffin. Skellig rock puffins come here to breed at the beginning of April and leave by the beginning of August, back towards the east coast of Canada (across the pond) and the mid-Atlantic ridge where they forage for the winter months on shoals of Capelin. The Skelligs have one of the largest Puffin populations which is of international importance.

Little Skellig is the second-largest gannet colony in the world. The rock looks white as it is occupied with so many gannets.

There is limited availability for the landing tours to Skellig Michael which are very popular so booking well in advance is advisable.

We also operate the non-landing eco tour around Skellig Michael where you get up close to the island but you do not get off the boat. This is also a popular tour for families and people who are unable to do the climb.

F.A.Q’s

When do the tours operate?

We operate the non-landing tours from March 18th until 1st November.

We operate the landing tours from May 11th – September 30th

Where do the tours depart from?
All our tours depart from the Portmagee Marina, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Do I need to book in advance?
It is advisable to book well in advance to reserve your preferred departure date and time.

Weather Conditions and Cancellations
All our tours are weather dependent. If we need to cancel you will be given the option of rescheduling your tour for another time or a full refund.

Can I reschedule my Tour if it is cancelled due to adverse sea/weather conditions?
Yes, if your Tour is cancelled we will try our best to get you on the next available Tour when the weather/sea conditions improve.  The landing tours are usually booked well in advance so therefore are difficult to reschedule.

How do I book the tours?
We take all our bookings online via our website using a safe well known payment processing service – if you have any difficulty please email skelligmichaelboats@gmail.com

Do you take group bookings?
Yes  we can accomodate large groups for the non-landing tours.

Safe Access Guide

Introduction

Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site and is unique. It has special archaeological, historical and spiritual significance in addition to being a delicate wilderness habitat. Please help us to preserve this special place at all times.

The key things to remember are:

  • This is a wilderness site.
  • Accidents and fatalities have occured.
  • Take responsibility for your own actions.
  • Show courtesy to your fellow visitors.
  • Care for the environment.

Planning Your Visit

The seas can be quite rough and the weather unpredictable. Ensure that you have appropriate wind waterproof clothing and wear suitable footwear for the climb. Visitors should be aware that the trip in its entirety could last up to 6 hours. Visitors are strongly advised to bring food and drink with them and to carry items in a backpack, ensuring your hands are left free. There are almost 600 steps to reach the monastery.

Visitors are requested to give serious consideration before deciding to bring young children to the island. Otherwise, if young children are brought, they should be under strict supervision at all times. No dogs or other animals are allowed.

The Terrain & Your Safety

  • Transferring between a boat and the landing pier can be hazardous in certain sea conditions; there is a risk of serious injury or death.
  • The lighthouse road and access routes are exposed to loose overhead rock.
  • The access route includes steep uneven steps with
    unprotected edges.
  • Steps can be slippery when wet.
  • The terrain includes sheer cliffs, please stay on the
    designated access route.
  • Straying from the access  route involves a high risk of fall or tumble.
  • Due to the unpredictable nature of the winds, be prepared for sudden gusts or change in direction particularly when on the steps.
  • Know your own abilities and seek the advice of the guides.

The Guide Service

  • The guides’ function is primarily to protect the monument and to interpret the site’s significance.
  • The guides do not escort visitors up and down the access routes.
  • The guides are the official monitors on the island and their instructions, particularly in relation to safety, must be complied with at all times.
  • You will be met by a guide on the lighthouse road at the start of the climb to the monastery.

Visitor Behaviour

  • Leaving the access route may cause the dislodging of loose rock and stones, thereby endangering the lives of those below.
  • Picking up and throwing loose stones damages the monument and endangers the lives of those below.
  • Climbing on dry stone walls is forbidden. This damages the monument and may endanger lives.
  • Offenders risk prosecution.
  • Take your time. Do not hurry when either ascending or descending the steps.
  • If the route is congested, please give way to the person who is descending.

Care for the Environment

Please respect the environment on Skellig Michael.

  • Skellig Michael is a National Monument and World Heritage Site and is protected by the National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004.
  • The walls and buildings are very fragile and easily damaged. Please do not climb on them.
  • Because of excessive wear and damage within the monastery, access within the enclosure may be restricted and only allowed under the supervision of a guide.
  • Graffiti or any other wilful damage will result in the prosecution of the offender.
  • In order to protect wildlife and maintain the fragile ecosystem, dogs or other animals are prohibited from the island.
  • Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance – close contact or feeding can disturb natural behaviour. Bird colonies should not be disturbed during nesting.
  • Picnicking is not permitted within the monastic enclosure or on the steps. Please do so at the Wailing Woman or at Christ’s Saddle just before the last flight of steps to the monastery.
  • All litter should be taken back to the boat and disposed of later at an appropriate facility on the mainland.

The information contained on this page is from the OPW visitors safety guide publication and is the copyright of the OPW.

Contact us

Get in touch

Location.

Address:

Portmagee Marina,

Portmagee,

Co. Kerry

Eircode: V23 XD93

Email: skelligmichaelboats@gmail.com

Phone: +353 (0)87 901 0994

Privacy Policy

 Our website is located at https://www.skelligmichaelboats.ie.

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect your data, use, share, and protect your personal data while you are accessing our website.

Our Contact details:
Skellig Michael Boats

Email:

Tel: +353

Last updated: 15/01/2025

We explain your rights and our use of your personal data.
Information we may collect;

Personal Data
We may collect personal data that is provided by you to us when :
A booking is made and processed through our website.
Contact us by email or from our contact form.

The personal data we collect may comprise of :
Your Name, address etc nescessary to complete our booking processses.
Your email address
Your phone number
Your payment details (collected by our agents Bookeo)
Any other information you provide to us
Your IP address

How your data is used.
We may use the personal data we collect for the following purposes:

To allow us to process and manage your bookings.
Contact you with information regarding your contact or bookings with us.
To satisfy any legal requirements and protect our legal rights.

Others we may share your data with
Skellig Michael Boats will not share your data with anyone other than our trusted partners or legal requirements.

Legal obligations:
We may be required by law to disclose your personal data, to goverment bodies or enforcement authorities ( eg, Garda, courts or goverment)
Service Providers:
Our trusted website service providers are required to keep any data we share with them safe and confidential.
Our Booking service provder.
Our Secure booking system is operated by Bookeo, Bookeo record your payment details and personal data , ie name, address, payment details. Their privacy policy is available to view here.

Data Retention

We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. We may also retain and use your data to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

Protecting your data
We operate using the safest methods available to us to protect your data, while you make use of our services , we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your data over the internet, email or other contact systems.

Your Data Protection Rights

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the following rights:
You have the following rights with respect to your personal data:

You have the right to know why your personal data is needed, what will happen to it, and how long it will be retained for.
Right of access: You have the right to access your personal data that is known to us.
The Right to rectification: you have the right to supplement, correct, have deleted or blocked your personal data whenever you wish.
If you give us your consent to process your data, you have the right to revoke that consent and to have your personal data deleted.
Your Right to transfer your data: you have the right to request all your personal data from the controller and transfer it in its entirety to another controller.
A Right to object: you may object to the processing of your data. We comply with this, unless there are justified grounds for processing.

To exercise these rights, please contact us. (details are at the top of this page).  If you have a complaint about how we handle your data, we would like to hear from you, but you also have the right to submit a complaint to the supervisory authority (the Data Protection Authority).

Cookies
Cookies are used to ensure the operation of the systems on our website , these are kept to the minimum to ensure operation of the website, without collecting only the essential data required from you to acheive this.

Changes to This Privacy Policy:
This privacy policy may be updated from time to time, your continued use of the website or services after any chages will assume acceptance of the changes. You are advised to check our policies regularly.

Accessibility Policy

At Skellig Michael Boats, we are committed to ensuring our maritime passenger transport services are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. Guided by best practices and compliance with local, national, and EU accessibility regulations, we strive to provide an experience that meets the diverse needs of our passengers.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

  1. Accessible Vessel Design:
    Our vessels are designed and maintained to enhance accessibility, featuring amenities such as accessible seating, handrails, and a door at the back of the boat for ease of boarding and disembarking for passengers with mobility challenges.
  2. Customer Support and Staff Training:
    Our team is trained in disability equality and inclusive communication, ensuring that all passengers feel supported and valued. Crew members are available to provide assistance and address individual needs throughout the journey.
  3. Clear and Inclusive Information:
    We provide clear, accessible information about our services through digital displays in our booking office and online platforms, allowing passengers to plan their journey with ease and confidence.
  4. Emergency and Disruption Procedures:
    We have robust plans in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers during emergencies or disruptions. Our crew is trained to prioritize the needs of passengers with reduced mobility during evacuations or other unexpected situations.
  5. Minimizing Barriers:
    We regularly review and audit our vessels and operations to identify and reduce barriers to accessibility, ensuring continuous improvement in line with evolving best practices.

At Skellig Michael Boats, we believe that every passenger deserves a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. We remain committed to fostering inclusivity, safeguarding the natural beauty of Skellig Michael, and upholding the highest standards of service for all who travel with us.

Commitment to Accessibility Compliance
We are committed to meeting all current and future accessibility regulations. In line with the upcoming EU Accessibility Directive (EU) 2019/882, which will apply from June 2025, we are actively reviewing and enhancing our services to ensure compliance with these new standards. This directive emphasizes the accessibility of products and services, aligning with our goal to provide an inclusive experience for all passengers.

If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions about our services, please feel free to contact our team for assistance.

Email:

Phone:

Environmental Policy

At Skellig Michael Boats, we are fully committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations and strictly adhere to all relevant local, national, and EU environmental laws and regulations. Our dedication to environmental sustainability is reflected in the following practices:

  1. Responsible Waste Management:
    We follow stringent waste management practices, ensuring the proper disposal of waste materials, including hazardous waste such as oils, fuels, and cleaning agents, in compliance with all regulatory standards.
  2. Vessel Maintenance and Inspection:
    Our vessels undergo regular inspections and maintenance to prevent leaks, spills, or emissions that could harm the marine environment, ensuring the highest standards of operational safety and environmental care.
  3. Marine Pollution Compliance:
    We comply with all marine pollution regulations, ensuring that no waste is discharged into the sea. We take proactive measures to prevent pollution and protect the pristine waters surrounding the Skellig Islands.
  4. Crew Education and Training:
    Our crew is thoroughly trained in environmental protection practices, including waste reduction, resource conservation, and pollution prevention. This ensures that they are not only compliant with relevant regulations but also equipped to be environmental advocates during operations.
  5. Visitor Education:
    We actively engage visitors in environmental education, encouraging them to adopt the 3 Rs principle—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—during their experience. Informational materials onboard and on-site explain how visitors can contribute to sustainability efforts, such as minimizing waste and using recyclable containers.
  6. Recycling Initiatives:
    We encourage recycling onboard by promoting the use of reusable containers and facilitating the proper disposal of plastic drink bottles, ensuring that waste is reduced, and materials are recycled appropriately.
  7. Noise Pollution Reduction:
    To protect local wildlife, particularly seabirds around Skellig Michael, we maintain our vessels to minimize engine noise. Additionally, we adhere to operational guidelines that limit disturbances to sensitive marine and coastal environments.
  8. Strict No-Drone Policy:
    We enforce a strict no-drone policy around the Skellig Islands to prevent disruptions to wildlife, particularly birds, ensuring their natural behavior is not disturbed.
  9. Protection of Natural Habitats:
    To preserve the integrity of Skellig Michael’s unique environment, we strictly prohibit visitors from disturbing or removing stones, plants, or natural elements from the island. Visitors are educated on the importance of maintaining the natural state of the island and respecting its fragile ecosystems.
  10. Wildlife Protection:
    We adhere to wildlife protection regulations, ensuring our operations do not disturb or negatively impact local fauna and flora. Special care is taken during sensitive breeding seasons to safeguard the natural behavior and habitats of wildlife.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

We are dedicated to regularly reviewing and enhancing our environmental practices, including the education of staff and visitors, to remain fully compliant with all applicable legislation. By implementing these measures and encouraging sustainable behaviors, we aim to safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity of Skellig Michael, ensuring that it remains a protected and cherished destination for future generations.

Sustainability Policy

Aligned with Skellig Michael Boats dedication to sustainability across the environmental, social, and economic pillars, this statement highlights our commitment through actionable, measurable practices that support long-term sustainable development goals.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to create a sustainable tourism model that respects and preserves the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Skellig region while fostering thriving local communities. We strive to lead by example, ensuring that our operations inspire environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and a balanced approach to economic growth.

Environmental Sustainability

  • Eco-friendly Practices: We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint through effective waste management practices, including reducing, reusing, and recycling waste generated during operations. Efforts include reducing plastic usage and promoting reusable bottles and containers.
  • Energy-efficient Vessels: Regular maintenance ensures our vessels operate at optimal fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and monitoring fuel consumption to use resources responsibly.
  • Wildlife Protection: Strict protocols prevent disturbances to local wildlife, such as prohibiting drones and activities that might disturb birds or other species on Skellig Michael. Passengers are educated about preserving natural habitats and respecting the environment by not disturbing or removing stones, plants, or other elements on the island.

Social Sustainability

  • Community Engagement: By collaborating closely with local communities in Portmagee and surrounding areas, we create employment opportunities and support local businesses. Involving the community enhances tourism experiences while fostering a thriving local economy.
  • Accessibility and Inclusivity: We ensure experiences are accessible to all visitors, regardless of background or abilities. This includes offering clear communication, inclusive booking systems, and safety briefings tailored to diverse needs, including non-English speakers. Additionally, our vessels are equipped with a door at the back of the boat to accommodate disabled passengers, ensuring safe and comfortable boarding and disembarking.
  • Health and Safety: The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew are paramount. We strictly adhere to health and safety regulations, conduct comprehensive safety briefings, and provide appropriate safety equipment.

Economic Sustainability

  • Long-term Viability: We optimize operational efficiency by maintaining vessels, complying with regulations, and investing in staff training and development to enhance service delivery and operational performance.
  • Cost-effective Operations: Continuous assessment and improvement of service delivery allow us to reduce costs without compromising quality or safety, maintaining competitive pricing while ensuring financial stability.
  • Supporting Local Economy: We actively contribute to the local economy by providing employment and supporting tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. This ensures the economic benefits of tourism are distributed throughout the community.

Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

  • Alternative Experiences: In cases where weather conditions make travel to Skellig Michael unsuitable, we offer a one-hour alternative tour to the Kerry Cliffs and Puffin Island. This ensures visitors still enjoy the area’s beauty while supporting local businesses and maintaining tourism activity.
  • Digital Displays: We provide a digital display in our booking office showcasing information about local activities and amenities in Portmagee and the Skellig Ring area. This ensures visitors have access to sustainable alternatives and opportunities to explore the local region.
  • Local Partnerships: We actively partner with local businesses, artisans, and service providers to offer an enriched tourism experience while supporting the community.
  • Visitor Education: We educate visitors on sustainable tourism practices, including the importance of preserving the natural environment, respecting wildlife, and supporting local economies through responsible tourism.

Commitment to Sustainability

By integrating these pillars of sustainability and fostering sustainable tourism initiatives, we deliver a service that respects the environment, uplifts the community, and ensures long-term economic viability. Our efforts are driven by a vision of creating meaningful and responsible tourism experiences that benefit visitors, the local region, and future generations.