Skellig Michael is an island off the coast of County Kerry that dates back to the 6th century and it is one of the two famous Skellig Islands. This island is larger than Little Skellig and it is easy to spot thanks to its peaks that tower above sea level. Unlike Little Skellig which is closed to the public, you are allowed to visit Skellig Michael and this island is a very popular tourist attraction in Ireland.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and you’re wondering how you visit Skellig Michael, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Skellig Coast Adventures, we offer Skellig boat tours and we can help you to experience this world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below we have looked into the two different ways you can visit Skellig Michael with us.
Skellig Michael eco tour
This is a very popular boat tour for families and it’s a brilliant way to see the Skellig Islands from the water. The Skellig Michael eco tour offers a unique experience, helping you to explore the Skellig Coast and we have four vessels in our fleet that can take you around the islands.
This boat tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and it departs from Portmagee Marina between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm every day. The Skellig Michael eco tour is suitable for all ages and abilities, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to sit back, relax and take in the beautiful scenery along the Skellig Coast, including the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Harbour.
You will have the opportunity to see lots of incredible wildlife during this tour. From puffins and gannets to seals and bottlenose dolphins, so many amazing creatures inhabit the islands and the waters that surround them. Your expert skipper and tour guide will help to ensure you don’t miss out on the wildlife that goes flying or swimming past too.
Throughout the eco tour, you will also learn all about the rich history of the Skellig Islands. You will be told about the folklore of the Skellig Coast and the many stories that have been passed down through generations. The history of Skellig Michael is fascinating and you most certainly won’t get bored during this boat trip.
Skellig Michael landing tour
More often than not, when visiting Skellig Michael, people want to step foot on the island and this is what the Skellig Michael landing tour offers. A maximum of 180 people are allowed to land on this island each day and you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
This boat tour lasts approximately 5 hours and departs Portmagee Marina between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, depending on the landing slot. The Skellig Michael landing tour is best suited to people with a reasonable level of fitness as the island can be difficult to navigate and it’s not suitable for children under the age of 10.
One of the best parts of this particular boat tour is disembarking the vessel and climbing the famous 640 steps to the top of the peak. The panoramic views from Skellig Michael are breathtaking and stepping foot on the island that is steeped in history is a once in a lifetime experience. Not to mention, you will be walking in famous footsteps as Skellig Michael was home to Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars Franchise.
You will also be told all about the Skellig Coast during this boat tour and your tour guide will immerse you in the stories of years gone by. Of course, you will get to see the wildlife creatures that call the Skellig Coast home too.
Booking a Skellig Michael boat trip
If you want to visit Skellig Michael and you’re keen to book a boat tour, you can trust that Skellig Coast Adventures is the best tour operator to turn to. Both of our Skellig Michael boat trips are lots of fun and you can guarantee that you will have an unforgettable time whether or not you choose to land on Skellig Michael. With over 50 years of experience behind us, you will be in the best hands with our tour guides.
To book a boat tour today, simply click the ‘book your adventure today’ button at the top of our website. It is very straightforward to book your preferred tour for a date and time that best suits you, and it will only take a matter of minutes.