Skellig Landing Tour
5 hours
The landing tour is about a 5 hour experience, including travel & island exploration.
Active Experience
A reasonable level of fitness is required to climb the island’s steep steps.
What To Expect
Experience the unique Skellig Michael landing tour, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history and natural beauty. Explore the ancient monastery built by St. Finian’s monks, inspiring contemplation and connect with the island’s abundant wildlife.
Disembark and climb the famous steps, guided by the Office of Public Works. Our four vessels depart Portmagee Marina between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Our expert guide will share the history and wildlife of the Skellig Coast during the approximately one-hour journey to the island, located 11.6 km west of Valentia Island.

Book Your Tour
Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with a landing tour to this unique World Heritage Site.
€130pp (plus booking fee)
Itinerary
- Arrival – at Portmagee Marina 15 minutes before your boats departure.
- Landing – on Skellig Michael, visitors are met by the Office of Public Works.
- Climb – the 640 steps to the top and a guide will provide information on the history of the island and the monastic settlements.
- Landing – Visitors are allowed 2.5 hours on the island.
- Return – to Skellig Michael pier and board your boat.
- Explore – around Little Skellig and observe the magnificent wildlife on your return journey to Portmagee Marina.
Why Choose Us
Over 50 Years'
Experience
We’ve been bringing visitors around the Skellig Coast since the 1970s. We’ve an in-depth knowledge of the area and a lifetime of stories to share with you.
Expert
Local Guides
All our guides bring local knowledge, stories and insight to every tour, so you get an authentic Skelligs experience.
Award-Winning
Tours
We 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award Winners, so you know you’re in good hands.
Departure Point
Embarkation for all Skellig Coast Adventure cruises is at Portmagee Marina located in the seaside village of Portmagee, 15km from the town of Cahersiveen.
- Follow the Ring of Kerry route, N70, to Cahersiveen.
- Continue straight through the town. After exiting the town, continue straight on the N70 for a further 5km.
- At the junction, take the right turn onto the R565 signposted Portmagee/Valentia Island.
- Travelling this route for 10km, will bring you into the village of Portmagee.
- There are a number of free public car parking spaces available at the entrance of the village and located at the church in the centre.
Safety Guide
We only operate tours when weather conditions allow. Your safety on board is our number one priority, so before embarking on your boat trip, our experienced crew and guide will bring you through a full safety briefing.
“Great trip out to the Skellig Islands. The man on board was very informative and answered questions and gave tips on walking on Skellig Michael. They stopped on the return when they spotted dolphins. A very enjoyable trip would recommend.”
Jane Hansen
“We had a wonderful experience from start to finish on The Deva… A trip not to be missed. So informative and always felt we were in safe hands.”
Gerry and Noreen Lennon
“The crew were extremely friendly and had great stories to share with us on our trip to the islands, which made the trip truly remarkable and memorable.”
Robb C
“Amazing trip around the Skellig islands, very comfortable, and great info. Dolphins were the highlight! Will be back again to do the landing tour.”
Daire C
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget.”
CFletche
“We sailed on the Deva and the crew were brilliant. If you want to tour the Skelligs, make sure you use Skellig Coast Adventures.”
Michael
“We booked a landing tour with the Skellig Walker and had an absolutely amazing time! It was just an amazing experience from the very moment we boarded their boat.”
Cottenwoolen
FAQs
Information for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour
Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are famed for their beauty, bird colonies & natural environments. Skellig Michael is home to a World Heritage Site and was also a film location for Star Wars.
Should I book in advance?
Absolutely you must book in advance as this tour is very popular. It is a restricted site with a maximum of 180 visitors per day.
What times of the year do the tours take place?
mid May to the end of September
What do I need to wear/bring for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?
You must wear suitable outdoor clothing for this tour, including sturdy footwear with good grip, flipflops, fashion type, heels etc are not acceptable. Bring light rain gear, water, a small picnic using a small back pack with over the shoulder double straps is best, sunscreen.
Information for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour
The Landing tour is very weather dependant and the departure time can change because of this at short notice. We send an email update the evening before every tour, so it is imperative your email can be accessed whilst you are here.
Cancellation Policy
Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are famed for their beauty, bird colonies & natural environments. Skellig Michael is home to a World Heritage Site and was also a film location for Star Wars.
Can my Landing Tour be rescheduled if poor sea/weather conditions cause it to be cancelled?
The departure time can change the evening before, and in some cases the morning of your tour. Please be aware this will impact your return time due to the sea conditions, so you must be available until 5.30pm on your tour day. We will email if there are any changes.
Cant find an answer here? Get in touch with us.