boat trip around skellig michael

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Skellig Coast Adventures

Providing skellig michael tours by boat. explore the beautiful skellig islands with us, skellig michael tours.

Skellig Michael Landing Tour

Skellig Michael Eco Tour

Our vessels.

Here at Skellig Coast Adventures, we are an amalgamation of 4 boat tour operators. We have over 50 years of experience providing boat tours of Skellig Michael. We aim to provide a quality service to all our customers. Our fleet is made up of 4 vessels – The Skellig Walker , Celtic Victor , Ursula Mary and The Deva .

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael dates all the way back to the 6th century. It is a world renowned early Christian monastic, UNESCO world heritage site. Both Skellig Michael and its twin little Skellig are only accessible by boat. Recently, it made an appearance in the Star Wars Franchise where it was home to Luke Skywalker.

You can experience the Skelligs along with the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Harbour on one of our Skellig Michael boat tours. You will be immersed in the fascinating history and stories of the Skellig Coast and see an abundance of wildlife creatures that call this place home.

Stay - Savour - Seek

Accommodation

Check out our Kerry accommodation partners

• +353 (0)87 901 7338
• Portmagee Marina, Portmagee, Co. Kerry
• @skelligcoastadventures
• Skellig Landing
• Skellig Coast Eco
• Celtic Victor
• Skellig Walker
• Ursula Mary

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Sea Cruise around Skellig Islands

Our Skellig Michael Sea Cruise is the perfect way to enjoy the spectacular views of the famous Skellig Islands while remaining seated. The Skellig Michael Sea Cruise departs daily from April to October and is weather dependent. Your journey will begin at the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre where you can learn all about the UNESCO World Heritage Site before getting the amazing opportunity to view the islands up close on this tour around the mesmerizing rocks. The cruise is approximately 2.5 hours long and includes touring around Skellig Beag allowing you to view the second largest colony of gannets in the world before continuing the excursion to view the spectacular Skellig Michael and all it has to offer.

While on this tour you will have the chance to witness the beehive huts, the lighthouses and the steps these outstanding monks carved into the Skellig Rock in the 6th century. This island is something of sheer magnificence that you wouldn’t want to miss.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Once you arrive back at The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre you can enjoy a wholesome meal in our fully licensed restaurant or pick up some souvenirs in our Gift Shop.

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy

Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Landing Tour offers you the chance to climb the 618 steps to the very top of Skellig Michael. Here, you can view the beehive huts and monastery that is situated at the top of the island. The boat trip to Skellig Michael takes approximately 1 hour in duration and you will then have approximately 2.5 hours to walk and explore Skellig Michael.

Our Skellig Michael landing tours depart daily during the summer months from The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, Valentia Island. Boats depart between 09:30 AM and 10:30 AM and don’t return until 2PM/3PM that afternoon. If you book a landing tour with us it incudes an entry ticket to our Visitor Centre. We have a restaurant area where you can order food and drinks for the boat trip.

Private Boat Tours

Looking for a unique experience? We now offer private boat tours on the beautiful Eagle III and will tailor the tour to suit your groups needs. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the crystal waters while watching the sun go down over Skellig. Take in the breathtaking views of Dingle Bay and witness the incredible sea life along the way. Or perhaps you would prefer a cruise around the harbor, exploring the Portmagee Channel and taking in the view at the Spectacular Kerry Cliffs and Puffin Island. We will ensure that each tour is designed to create an authentic memorable experience for all.

If you would like more information on our private boat tours please email us at [email protected] or call 0871810027.

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If you wish to book directly with us please select our vessel “Celtic Victor” on the booking page.

There are some details about this trip that should be observed before you make a decision to visit – these are outlined below

• Landing on Skellig Michael and undertaking the climb to the monastery requires a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. The sea trip can also be challenging at times and this should also be considered before making a booking enquiry. All intending travellers should be physically fit for this trip.
• Children under 12 are not accommodated on this trip
• Wet gear will be provided but we recommend you bring you own also as you can never have enough when out on the ocean – sensible footgear is also required.

Throughout the tour we will depart to you our knowledge of the history of Skellig Michael and surrounding area. At the Small Skelligs you will witness first-hand the wonder of over 50,000 Gannets (the 2nd largest colony in the world) and the resident colony of seal. Dolphins and Whales can also be seen occasionally on the trip to and from Skellig.

Our landing trips depart from Portmagee Marina at 8.30am each morning weather permitting and return at approximately 2pm.

The itinerary of the trip is as follows:

• Arrive at Portmagee marina, Co. Kerry at 8.30am (the exact time will be confirmed by email 2 days before the trip).
• On arrival ask for the Celtic Victor (this is the name of our vessel)
• Depart 9.00am
• Arrive at Skellig Michael at approx. 10.00am
• Depart Skellig Michael at approx. 12.30pm
• Return to Portmagee 1.45pm

Note: All bookings should confirm 2 days before the sailing date to get an update on weather conditions and departure times.

Cost: The Skellig landing trip costs €125 per person + booking fee (€8.75 per person).

Our Eco trips depart from Portmagee Marina at approximately 2.30pm and return at approximately 5.00pm.

• Arrive at Portmagee marina at 2.15pm
• On arrival at the marina ask for the Celtic Victor (this is our vessel)
• Depart 2.30pm
• Arrive at Skellig Islands at approx. 3.30pm
• Depart Skellig Islands at approx. 4.15pm
• Return to Portmagee 5.00pm

Cost: The Skellig eco trip costs €50 per person.

Find Us…

Skellig Michael

Dan & Donal McCrohan, Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co Kerry, Ireland Tel: 087 290 6168 Email: [email protected]

Murphys Sea Cruises To Skellig Michael

Contact: e: [email protected] t: +353 876762983

Explore the wonderful Skellig Michael with Pat Joe Murphy Operating boat tours to Skellig for over 30 years! LANDING TOURS & ECO (around the islands) TRIPS availabe - Book in advance to secure your spot as tours are limited to 12 passengers per day!  

Skellig Michael Tours

The Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig, stand aloof in the Atlantic Ocean some 13km southwest of Portmagee & Valentia Island, County Kerry. From any angle, or from any vantage point on the nearby Ring of Kerry, they are spectacular pinnacles, which have magnetised viewers for gene rations. 

MURPHYS SEA CRUISES

M urphys offer boat tours to Skellig Michael daily from Portmagee durin g the summer months. There are many imitators but only a few are the original boatmen to the islands. Patrick Murphy is the Skipper of the wonderful "Shelluna". Patrick was born & raised in the beautiful village of Portmagee and lives in the village. With over 30 years of captaining boats on the atlantic, you know you are in safe hands.

Murphys Sea Cruises was established in the 1980's, at the time there were only a few boatmen "licensed" to go to the Great Skellig. Patrick & crew have brought thousands of people to and from the islands and promises them a trip of a life time .

Now taking reservations  for 2023 - book in advance to secure your spot!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

"A lovely boat trip going around the smaller Skellig to view the birds on the way to Skellig Michael. The boat drivers were really helpful, friendly and informative with a lovely enthusiasm about nature, we were fortunate to see jumping dolphins and a baby seal. A reall fantgastic experience."

"There are a dozen purveyors of trips to the Skelligs, but you'll feel confident about your boating safety if you choose Pat Joe Murphy, Captain of the beautiful Shelluna. Pat Joe has a yellow cottage office down the road and across the street from the Portmagee docks (picture included), but everyone in the area knows him to call for you to arrange your passage. On the trip back, Pat Joe stopped alongside LIttle Skellig, a bird and sea lion colony, so that we could take photos of the tremendous wildlife. The smooth ride, both there and back, was in large part enjoyed because of Pat Joe's skill at the helm. I would recommend this adventure for preteens and older. I had quite a memorable day!"

"Very enjoyable experience. We set off on time and the journey was very comfortable. It was a beautiful day and the crossing wasn't difficult. Skellig Michael was amazing. Murphy Cruises were professional and I have no problem recommending them for the trip."

ABOUT THE SKELLIGS

The Skelligs are world famous, each in its own right. Skellig Michael is known throughout the world of archaeology as the site of a well preserved monastic outpost of the early Christian period, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small Skellig is equally renowned in matters of ornithology as the home of some 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second largest colony of such sea birds in the world.   

The monastic site on Skellig Micheal is reached by climbing over five hundred steps on up a 1000 year old stone stairway. Stone beehive huts where monks lived and prayed centuries ago cling to cliff edges alongside oratories, a cemetery, stone crosses, holy wells and the Church of St Michael. These isolated archaeological remains show the dramatically spartan conditions in which this early Christian community lived. Enduring several Viking raids, the monks eventually left the island in the thirteenth century and it subsequently became a place of pilgrimage.  A boat trip to The Skelligs allows one to experience these magnificent natural monuments first hand, book with Murphys today and experience the trip of a lifetime tomorrow.

Explore The Best Of The West With Skellig Michael Tours

Visit one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites from the comfort of a well-equipped passenger boat and take back home a treasure trove of memories of an unforgettable trip.

A Confluence Of Natural & Cultural Heritage

Experience a different world altogether, far away from the mainland, encompassing natural rock formations, monastery, hermitage, and lighthouses, of historic and cultural relevance.

Enjoy A Leisurely Sail Around Skellig Islands Onboard The Skellig Star

Let our Skellig Michael boat trips offer you a spectacular view of the mesmerizing islands, rich in biodiversity and home to sites of cultural importance.

Skellig Michael Tours

About Skellig Island

The twin crags of Skellig Michael Islands appears in the horizon, shortly after the Skellig Michael Boat Trips start off from Portmagee Village.

The natural formation of the islands could date back to at least 300 million years ago in the prehistoric period. The islands can be divided into two portions— The Great Skellig Michael & Little Skellig.

The Skellig Michael landing tour is not permitted on the Little Skellig island, while the Great Skellig Michael, with its easily noticeable twin peaks, is among Europe’s most ancient and sacred places. It used to be home to a group of Gaelic monks in the 6th century. The monks had built the Skellig Monastery to mark as the finishing line of an ancient pilgrimage going through France, Italy, Greece and Palestine — The St. Michael Axis. The monastic settlement is also highly regarded for its architectural genius, exemplified by the beehive huts and the 3 steps and pathways, with over 600 stairs leading up to the monastery— all still in brilliant condition to this day.

Apart from the historical importance of the site, the island also has a rich biodiversity and is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Northern Gannets. Other fauna includes seabird species like puffins and razorbills and marine animals including a thriving population of grey seals. Earlier known as just Skellig, which in Gaelic means “splinter of stone” the site, especially the twin crags was later named after the Archangel Michael, as a dedication. It got the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It was recently the filming location for the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015.

Why Choose Skellig Michael Tours

• Gives You A Memorable Experience With An Up & Close View Of The Islands From The Comfort Of Spacious And Cozy Passenger Boats
• Offers Two Different Options Of Skellig Islands Boat Trips & Skellig Michael Eco Tours
• Wheelchair Accessible Boats Allow Tourists Of Different Physical Conditions To Gain Access
• Takes You On A Fully Insured And Licenced Passenger Vessel
• Competitively Priced For A Wider Range Of Tourists

The Most Important Sites Include

• The Skellig Michael Monastery
• The Stairs & Pathways leading up to the Monastery’s main complex
• The Christ’s Saddle Valley between the two mountains
• The Tower House, or Wailing Woman — a megalithic rock formation, from where you get breathtaking sites of the Little Skellig in the distance

About Skellig Star (The Boat)

Skellig Star is an accommodating boat of ours. It is definitely a true charmer! Built to take you around the Skellig Islands, it’s a 40ft Lochin running on twin engines, promising a smooth and safe sail, all the way to the Skellig Michael and Little Skellig islands. Its specialty lies in accessibility, presenting you breathtaking sights you wouldn’t have had access to by land. Rest assured by taking the Skellig Michael landing tour the Skellig Star is well capable of bringing you as close as possible to the island and landing you safely.

Our Skellig Star is well-equipped with life jackets and waterproof gear for our passengers. While safety is mandatory for every passenger as we value lives more than anything, the latter is optional and intended to keep you dry even during the heaviest downpour. Accommodating a maximum of 12 passengers at once, our boat is spacious, with cabin seating offering marvelous views of the Skellig Islands. Purposely designed with the seating arrangement inside the cabin, it ensures shelter from harsh weather conditions without compromising on passenger comfort.

Among its other state of the art facilities, there’s a toilet on-board. All in all, it’s a true star, completely insured and licensed, encompassing advanced facilities so that you enjoy a leisurely Skellig Michael boat trip.

Bookings Are Now Open For  2024 Skellig Michael Tours

Book Your Skellig Michael Tour Early In Advance. You Can Book Online, Or Give Us A Call at 00353 87 617 8114 for guidance.

Skellig Michael Eco Tour Departure Timings:

10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3.00pm, 5:30pm

From where does Skellig Michael Tours depart?

Portmagee situated in County Kerry is the exact location from where our boats depart. For further information, kindly refer to our Contact Us page.

Is it necessary for an enthusiastic passenger to book in advance for Skellig tours?

We don’t want to disappoint you. Therefore, our advice would be to book in advance to avoid the rush during the peak season.

Can I cancel my bookings during adverse weather/sea conditions?

Skellig Island tours are entirely weather-dependent. We will cancel the tour if the sea conditions are not suitable to travel and refund your money. To get a better insight, kindly refer to our Cancellation Policy.

How can I identify the Skellig Star?

Please make a call to our booking office once you reach the vicinity. One of our staff members will assist you to Skellig Star.

How would advise on clothing & shoes for a boat ride to the Skellig Islands?

Our advice to you would be to put on warm comfortable clothes. We have waterproof gears ready on-board.

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Skellig Ferries

Welcome . . .

We aim to provide you an unforgettable and fun trip where you experience the magic of Skellig Michael. A visit to Skellig Michael is a unique and captivating experience. See for yourself the outstanding natural beauty of this special place.

Your safety and comfort will be our number one priority and we will endeavour to provide you with memories that you will treasure forever.

The Skellig Islands float on the Atlantic Ocean, twelve kilometres off the coast of county Kerry. When you first reach the Islands you will be struck by their rugged beauty – as they scale some 700ft above you.

We are Fully Booked for 2021. Reservation for 2022 able to Book Now.

Take a trip to “Ahch-To” The Star War Island

The makers of Star Wars were so fascinated by the Skellig Michael, it is a location for 2 Star War movies; “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi” .

We have two trips to the island every day, the Eco trip and the Landing trip. Click below to choose yours.

We are Fully Booked for 2021.

Reservation for 2022 able to book now..

Skellig Ferries Eco Trip

Trip around the Island, min 2 hours.

A Trip Around the Island

Watch our video of the tour of the Skellig Island

Our Gallery

View a few images of what it’s like on the Island and around it.

How To Visit Skellig Michael In 2024 (A Guide To The Skellig Islands)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: February 1, 2024

The Skellig Michael tours are some of Ireland’s most sought-after. They’re also some of the most misunderstood .

There are two types of Skellig Islands tours:

• Landing tours : You physically explore Skellig Michael Island
• Eco tours : You sail around the two Skellig Islands but don’t leave the boat

In the guide below, you’ll find info on the different tours of the Skellig Islands, their history and, of course, the Star Wars link . Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows if you want to visit Skellig Michael

Click to enlarge map

So, if you want to visit Skellig Michael Island, there are several  need-to-knows before you start planning your trip.

1. Location

The ancient Skellig Islands jut from the Atlantic Ocean around 13km from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry .

2. There are 2 islands

There are two Skellig Islands. The smaller of the two, known as Little Skellig , is closed to the public and cannot be accessed. Skellig Michael (AKA ‘Great Skellig) is over 750 feet tall and is home to a number of historic sites.

3. There are 2 tour types

If you’re wondering how to get to Skellig Michael, you have 2 options – the Skellig Michael landing tour (you physically go onto the island) and the eco tour (you sail around the islands). The majority of Skellig Michael tours leave from Portmagee pier, although one leaves from Derrynane Harbour and another leaves from Valentia Island .

4. Star Wars fame

Yes, Skellig Michael is the Star Wars Island in Ireland. It featured Star Wars Episode VII “The Force Awakens” in 2014 . If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll see Skellig Michael at the end of the movie when Luke Skywalker gets reintroduced to viewers.

5. Warnings

• Book tickets well in advance:  They book out frequently
• Good fitness levels needed:  You’ll need to climb a bit on the landing tour
• Tours don’t run all year: The ‘season’ runs from from April until the beginning of October

6. Where to stay nearby

The best place to base yourself when visiting Skellig Michael, in my opinion, is Portmagee , however, Valentia Island and Waterville are two other great options.

About the Skellig Islands

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll find Skellig Michael Island and Little Skellig jutting from the Atlantic around 1.5km from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula.

And it’s from here that the Skellig Islands have been delighting those that have dared to visit long before George Lucas and Hollywood came knocking.

How they were formed

It was during the Armorican/Hercynian Earth Movements that Skellig Michael first peeked above the Atlantic Ocean.

These movements led to the formation of the mountains of County Kerry, which Skellig Michael is connected to.

The mass of rock from which the island was formed dates back over 400 million years and consists of compressed sheets of sandstone mixed with silt and gravel.

Mentioned as far back as 1400 BC

Of the two islands, Skellig Michael boasts the most Religious and historical significance.

The island was first referenced in history in   1400 BC and was called ‘home’ by a group of monks for the first time during the 8th century.

In pursuit of a greater union with God, a group of ascetic monks withdrew from civilisation to the remote island to begin a life of solitude.

A UNESCO World Heritage site

The remote and isolated islands have an almost prehistoric feel about them and the Skelligs are widely regarded as one of Europe’s most perplexing and remote sacred sites.

In 1996, UNESCO gave recognition to Skellig Michael and its “outstanding universal value” , placing it upon the World Heritage List , where it sits proudly next to the likes of the Giants Causeway and Yellowstone National Park.

“An incredible, impossible, mad place”

Once upon a time, over 20 years before Star Wars creator George Lucas was born, a Nobel Prize and Oscar-winning Irish playwright discovered the wonders of the Skellig Islands.

On September 17th, 1910, George Bernard Shaw left the Kerry coast in an open boat and sailed across the choppy waters that lay between the islands and the mainland.

In a letter penned to a friend, Shaw described the island as  “An incredible, impossible, mad place”  that is  “part of our dream world” . If that doesn’t make you want to visit, nothing will.

How to get to Skellig Michael in 2024

We get emails asking how to get to Skellig Michael constantly . They tend to start mid-summer. But by that time many tours are booked up.

So, there are several different Skellig Michael boat tours on offer. Now, as mentioned above, just 180 people can access the island each day .

So, getting a ticket on one of the boat trips that land on the island can be tricky. Here’s an overview of each of the tours:

1. The Eco Tour around the islands

The first of the two Skellig Michael tours is the Eco Tour. This is the tour that takes you around the islands, but that doesn’t ‘land’ on Skellig Michael.

These Skellig Island tours tend to involve visiting Little Skellig first and seeing some of the wildlife (ganets and seals to name a fiew) before sailing around Skellig Michael.

2. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Landing Tour involves taking a ferry to the larger of the islands and heading for a wander around it.

The landing tours is more expensive (info below) but it’ll treat you to one of the most unique experiences in Ireland.

Skellig Michael tours compared

Good God. It’s taken me over an hour to collect the info below about the various Skellig Michael tours. Why?!

Well, because some of the websites are an absolute mess and a half!

WARNING : The prices and times listed below may change so  please  double check them in advance!

1. Skellig Michael Cruises

• Run by: Paul Devane & Skellig Michael Cruises
• Location : Portmagee
• Eco tour : Lasts 2.5 hours. €50
• Landing tour : You get 2.5 hours when you visit Skellig Michael. €140
• Learn more here

2. Skellig Boat tours

• Run by: Dan and Donal McCrohan
• Eco tour : It lasts 2.5 hours and it costs €50 per person
• Landing tour : Costs €125 per person

3. Kerry Aqua Terra Boat & Adventure Tours

• Run by: Brendan and Elizabeth
• Location : Knightstown (Valentia)
• Skellig Coast Tour : Takes you around the most scenic sites in the area including the islands and the Kerry Cliffs. 3 hours. €75 p/p.

4. Sea Quest Skellig Tours

• Eco tour : It lasts just under 2.5 hours and it costs €50 for adults with lower priced tickets for kids
• Landing tour : €130 and you get 2.5 hours on the island

5. Casey’s Skellig Island Tours

• Eco tour : €45
• Landing tour : €125  

6. Skellig Walker

• Eco tour : €50 per person
• Landing tour : Tickets cost €125 per person 

Things to see and do on Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael was first referenced in history in   1400BC and was called ‘home’ by a group of monks for the first time during the 8th century.

It’s thanks to these monks that the island is home to a number of historical sites (the views are also out of this world).

1. Enjoy the journey over

If you do get a chance to visit Skellig Michael, your adventure begins from the moment you step on the ferry.

The journey across takes an hour from Portmagee (above) and you’ll be able to start soaking up views soon after your departure.

Now, if you’ve ever taken a ferry anywhere in Ireland, you’ll know that the water can be very choppy at times, so keep that in mind.

I’d recommend decent footwear, also. Aside from the fact that you’ll be doing a lot of walking on the island, the area where you step off the ferry can be slippy.

This isn’t helped by the fact that the boat will be rocking. So, decent footwear and a sturdy belly (keep away from the pints the night before!) are both needed. 

2. The Stairway to Heaven

Cast your mind back to a time when monks lived on Skellig Michael (AKA ‘Great Skellig’). They needed to eat, and the water was their main source of food.

The monks needed to conquer a grueling 600+ steps each day as they made their way from the summit, where they lived, to the icy waters below, where they caught fish.

Those that visit the island will need to climb these 600+ steps to reach the top of the island. This will be a challenge for those with poor mobility.

3. Views galore

If you visit Skellig Michael on a clear day, you’ll be treated to outstanding views of Little Skellig and the Kerry coastline. 

And after climbing the 600+ steps to the top, you’ll have earned a bit of kick-back-and-take-it-all-in-time.

When you arrive here, try and switch off, put the phone/camera away and bask in the brilliance that surrounds you. 

4. The beehive huts

Life in the middle of the Atlantic was by no means easy, so the monks got to work and built several structures to make the island suitable to live on.

Over time, they managed to construct a Christian monastery, six beehive huts, two oratories and some terraces.

The cluster of six beehive huts that housed the island’s inhabitants were constructed with slate and stand proud to this day – an immense feat considering the intense storms they’ve been subjected to over many years.

5. The Skellig Michael monastery

Although the Skellig Michael monastery is a ruin, much of the inner and outer enclosure is still visible. The monastery is situated on the east side of the island, as this location gets some good shelter.

The monks built three different staircases that would allow them to access the area, depending on the weather. Only the steps I mentioned earlier are accessible to the public today, for safety reasons.

You’ll be able to see one of the staircases from the monastery. This was one of the paths that was shown in Star Wars: Force Awakes.

FAQs about visiting Skellig Michael

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from whether or not the Skellig boat trips are worth the price they charge and where to stay nearby.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Skellig Michael worth it?

Yes. It’s worth the hassle of planning your trip and dealing with the potential cancellation if the weather is bad. This is one of those experiences you’ll remember forever.

Are there many Skellig Islands boat trips to choose from?

There are a lot of different tour operators, each of which tends to offer both an Eco Tour (where you sail around the islands) and a landing tour (where you visit Skellig Michael).

Was Star Wars filmed on Skellig Michael?

Yes. The Skelligs featured in Star Wars film Episode VII “The Force Awakens” in 2014. If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll see Skellig Michael at the end of the movie when Luke Skywalker gets reintroduced to viewers.

Is Skellig Michael open in 2024?

Yes, tours are running to the Skellig Islands in 2024. The ‘season’ runs from from April until the beginning of October.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Very useful info for planning our trip. Thanks for taking the time.

Sunday 16th of April 2023

Thank you for this post. Because of it, I was able to find a tour that actually had space on their boat!

Pat Mulcahy

Thursday 16th of February 2023

Very useful information Keith thanks

Tuesday 21st of June 2022

Very useful info. A great website source. Well done

Monday 21st of March 2022

As the world's foremost Star Wars scholar, I feel I must point out that The Force Awakens premiered on December 17, 2015, not 2014. :)

Landing Tours Begin on May 11th 2024

Non-Landing Tours Operate from March 18th 2024

Booking for the 2024 season is now open.

Skellig Michael Boat Tours are popular especially in the peak season so booking is advance is advisable.

Skellig Michael non-landing eco tour Around The Skellig Islands

This tour operates form March 18th 2024 to 1st November 2024 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 11th – September 30th 2024

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. 618steps to climb to the Monastery. You are allowed 2.5hours 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: €140 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 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

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 6 th 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.

When do the tours operate?

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

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

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 [email protected]

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

Get in touch

Portmagee Marina,

Eircode: V23 XD93

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 (0)87 901 0994

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Our Skellig Michael tours | Boat trips to Skellig Michael

Skellig michael tours | boat trips to skellig michael.

Skellig Michael tours season is quick approaching, many of your out there are booking your holidays or already have them booked to Ireland. Many of you have decided to take a Skellig Michael tour, as it has been on your Bucket list for a while now. There is no denying a boat trip to Skellig Michael is an unforgettable experience.

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is the site of a Monastic Settlement dating back to the 6th century, while one can find legendary accounts of Skellig Michael which date to pagan times, back in 1400 BC.

Of course Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site on of three in Ireland. Here is a UNSECO quote from 1996 on why it deemed Skellig Michael worthy of such an accolade. “The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional, and in many respects unique example of an early religious settlement deliberately sited on a pyramidal rock in the ocean, preserved because of a remarkable environment. It illustrates, as no other site can, the extremes of a Christian monasticism characterizing much of North Africa, the Near East and Europe.”

 UNESCO WHC, 1996

Our boat tours to Skellig Michael

We here at Skellig Michael Cruises offer you trip of a life time to go around both Skellig Michael and the small Skellig. We run three times daily from the beautiful fishing village of Portmagee, just off the famous Ring of Kerry and is now a part of the world’s longest touring route the Wild Atlantic Way. We are delighted to announce here at Skellig Michael Cruises, that after a fantastic year last year. Such was the demand for our unique trip to Skellig Michael we have extended our fleet, with the purchase of another boat which has meant we have doubled our capacity. We now cater for 24 people on each of our trips to Skellig Michael.

A unique Boat trip to Skellig Michael

Our tour to Skellig Michael is to allow anyone who is unable to climb the rock.There are many people who come to Portmagee unable to climb Skellig Michael for a variety of reasons; young families, age, disability or time constraints etc.  This is where we come in, we offer you choice as we depart the pier from Portmagee at 10.30, 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm on a daily basis weather permitting. The boat trip takes around 2.5 hours in total and allows you to get up close and personal with the Skellig Islands.

Dingle Day and weekend tours

Here at Skellig Michael Cruises we also offer you the opportunity to visit the beautiful fishing village of Dingle in west Kerry. We offer a day tour on Friday Saturday and Sunday, with a weekend trip departing Portmagee on the Saturday and returning from Dingle on the Sunday to Portmagee.

Book your tour today

Now that you have your Holidays booked you can book your Skellig Michael tours with us today, or your Dingle Trip.

Paul Devane

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Latest News

We have started operating tours around Skellig Michael. You can book your preferred time of departure here : https://www-1557q.bookeo.com/bookeo/b_skelligmichaelcruises_start.html?ctlsrc2=zaAhcC0M4JEyr0TK1uBj53X%2Bc7r47vR8YdGbX7HXvYY%3D&src=02r           Read Full Story here https://www.facebook.com/260491857303744/posts/3274902352529331/?d=n

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SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING TOUR

On the Skellig Michael Landing Tour you can get off the boat and explore the island. The tour departs from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry . Landing on Skellig Michael is very restricted and only licensed boats are permitted to land once per day during the season (mid May to end of September) . Landing is not permitted outside this period. The departure time for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour is subject to change because of the sea conditions, tides and landing time slots but the tour normally departs between 08:00am and 12:30pm . You will find out the allocated departure time when you check-in the day before the tour . It is very important that we are able to contact you on the phone number and email address you provide when you make a booking. Skellig Michael is 12km out in the Atlantic Ocean so the tours are very dependent on the sea conditions  and we will need to keep you updated if the departure time changes or if a tour is cancelled.

How to book the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?

We take all bookings online on our website. Go directly to the booking page by clicking on the button below. Availability for the landing tour is limited so you really need to book well in advance. You can add your details to the waitlist if the date you are looking for is full. We do not permit children under the age of 14 years on the landing tour.

ABOUT THE SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING TOUR

How long is the boat trip to skellig michael.

The ferry crossing to Skellig Michael takes about 50 minutes.

How much time do I have on Skellig Michael ?

You will have approximately 2 and a half hours on Skellig Michael.

Why is there only one trip per day for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?

We are only permitted to land on Skellig Michael once per day due to restrictions to preserve the island. There are 15 boats with licenses to land on Skellig Michael and each boat is allowed to carry 12 passengers. That means there is a maximum of 180 people on Skellig Michael per day.

When will I find out if the Skellig Michael Landing Tour is cancelled?

The heritage guides, who live and work on Skellig Michael during the landing tour season, monitor the conditions at the island every morning and they ultimately decide whether or not the landing tour can go ahead. They will not make a decision to cancel unless they are absolutely certain that landing is not possible so sometimes their final decision may be right before the tour is due to depart . Of course, we will contact you immediately if we hear any updates before that. 

Are children allowed on Skellig Michael Landing Tour?

We do not allow children under 14 years on the Skellig Michael Landing Tour.

How many steps are there on Skellig Michael?

There are 618 steps to the monastery on Skellig Michael. You will climb the same steps constructed by the monks who made their home on the island between the 6th and 12th centuries.

How much is the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?

The price for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour is €125 plus booking fee per person. There are no senior, student or children’s rates. We do not permit children under the age of 14 years on the landing tour.

What other options are there instead of the Skellig Michael Landing tour?

What to bring on the skellig michael landing tour.

In Ireland, the weather is very unpredictable and we can get all the seasons in one day. Wear warm comfortable clothing and good walking shoes (not flat soles) for climbing the steps to the monastery. You also need to bring rain wear (jacket and trousers). There are no shops or facilities on the islands so bring something to eat and drink with you. You should also bring sunscreen. If you suffer from motion sickness consider taking medication before the tour and avoid eating for a couple of hours beforehand. 

Checklist for the Landing Tour

Wear warm comfortable clothing

Good walking shoes – not flat soles

Packed lunch

Drinking water

Rain wear – jacket and trousers

Sunscreen (we might get lucky)

What time does the Skellig Michael Landing Tour depart?

The departure time slot is normally between 08:00am and 12:30pm but can be later depending on the sea conditions, weather or tides. We will tell you the allocated departure time when you check-in the day before the tour.

You must be very flexible with your time on the day of the tour because  departure times change frequently  due to the sea conditions / tides / weather. The tour normally returns to Portmagee between 1:30pm and 5:30pm but it can be later.  6pm  is the latest the tour will finish if the departure is delayed because of the sea conditions.  Please be aware of this when making plans for after the tour. 

THE DAY OF THE TOUR

You need to arrive at the marina no later than 15 minutes before departure unless we instruct you otherwise when you check-in the day before the tour . Ask for BRENDAN CASEY at the marina.

Recent Reviews on Google “Would 100% recommend this on a checklist of “must do” items in Ireland.” “Once in a lifetime experience you will never forget.” “ Amazing boat tour by a very experienced and knowledgeable captain”

YOU MUST CHECK-IN THE DAY BEFORE THE LANDING TOUR

You need to tell us:  Where you are staying the night before the tour and the best phone number to contact you on.   We will tell you:  The expected departure time and the forecasted sea/weather conditions   You cannot check-in more than 24 hours in advance because we will not be able to provide you with the most up to date information before then.    CHECK-IN ONLINE Check-in link is provided on your confirmation email when you make a booking You must do this between 08:30am and 3pm the day before the tour     If you are having difficulty checking in online you can: CALL/SMS/WHATSAPP Phone Number is provided on your confirmation email when you make a booking You can do this between 12pm and 4pm the day before the tour

Where do the Skellig Michael Tours depart from?

All our tours depart from the marina in Portmagee, County Kerry. – Ask for BRENDAN CASEY. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour is due to depart.

How do I change or cancel my Skellig Tour booking?

Login to our customer area to update or cancel your booking. Enter the same email address you used when you made your booking.

It is advisable to stay as near as possible to Portmagee.

You should stay locally the night before the tour because the sea conditions vary a lot and we are often not sure if the tour will go ahead until right before it is due to depart.

A SAFETY GUIDE

Visiting skellig michael.

You require a reasonable amount of fitness to undertake the landing tour.  There are 618 steps to the monastery on Skellig Michael, and some are quite steep in certain areas along the path. Please watch the safety video to make sure you are aware of the rugged nature of Skellig Michael.

Are there alternative tours if my landing tour is cancelled due to sea or weather conditions?

Yes, we can get you on the next available  Skellig Michael Eco Tour  or  Audio Visual (AV) Boat Tour  and refund the difference in price back to your card. The landing tour is sometimes cancelled due to adverse sea or weather conditions. Unfortunately, as subsequent landing tours are usually booked out well in advance, it is unlikely we will be able to reschedule your booking. This is a limited tour with very few places available each day due to restrictions on landing on the Skelligs. If your landing tour is cancelled and you don’t wish to go on an alternative tour you will receive a full refund including booking fee.

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR THE SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING TOUR

A cancellation fee of €12.50 per person applies for cancellations made 7 or more days in advance. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 7 days in advance. If we have to cancel a tour for any reason including sea/weather conditions, you will receive a full refund including booking fee.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

We may need to change the departure time and we will give you advance notice of this. The departure time may be delayed by many hours due to tides and sea conditions. You must be available until at least 6pm on the day of the tour. This is the latest that the tour will arrive back to Portmagee marina if the departure time is delayed. We reserve the right to cancel a trip for any reason including sea and weather conditions, engine failure etc. If your landing tour is cancelled we will not be able to reschedule your booking to the following days’ tours if they are already fully booked. This is a very limited tour with very few places available each day due to government restrictions on landing on the Skelligs. You cannot book multiple days as a contingency as this would be unfair to other people trying to book. It is very important that we can reach you at the contact information you provide us with (ie. Phone Number and Email) because the tours are very dependent on the sea conditions and we will need to keep you updated if the departure time changes or if the tour is cancelled. The cancellation policy for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour is strictly 7 days and a refund is not possible if you cancel less than 7 days in advance. If you need to cancel your booking, you must do so at least one week in advance to receive a refund excluding the cancellation fee of €12.50.

CALL US +353 6694 77108

Explore the fascinating Skellig islands with our Skellig Michael landing tour

• 45 minute trip to Skellig Michael Island.
• Two and a half hours to explore the island’s incredible scenery, monastic settlement and iconic wildlife.
• Climb the 618 steps to the ancient 6th Century monastery and hear the history of this incredible place.
• See the Wailing Woman, Christ’s Saddle and other iconic locations from Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens .

Online Booking

Family Friendly

Landing tours to the island are not available before the middle of May. We strongly advise you to consider booking a Skellig Michael Eco Tour as your next best option. This tour goes right up close to the island allowing you to see and hear about the history of this amazing place as well as the beautiful Skellig Coast and its abundant sea and bird life.

We also recommend you book soon as these tours are also beginning to fill up. Seats on the Eco Tour are also available to book in the booking engine below or you can read more details about the Skellig Michael Eco Tour here >>

Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland Email: [email protected]   •  Tel: +353 66 947 7108

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Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 66 947 7108

© Skellig Michael Boat Trips • All Rights Reserved • Privacy Policy • Make a Payment Site by Bright Idea

Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland E: [email protected] T: +353 66 947 7108

© Skellig Michael Boat Trips All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy • Make a Payment

Privacy Overview

Skelligs Landing Tours

We are the only operators to depart from Ballinskelligs a way point on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the land base of the Skellig Monks.

We are departing daily from Ballinskelligs Pier from the 14th of May.

Walk the trail the monks may have taken while on Ballinskelligs and then complete the experience by a landing tour to Skellig Michael.

Advanced booking for Landing Tours is advisable, places are limited and fill up quickly.

Eco Cruises

We operate Eco Cruises around both Skellig Islands , this tour is ideal for those who are unable to land on Skellig Michael due to health or other reasons , you can still expeience the force of this island and get to see areas of the island that a landing cruise doesnt allow.

The tour also includes the Gannet santuary of Little Skellig home to thousands of nesting Gannets.

This tour departs most day but is subject to weather conditions.

Force Awakens Sunrise / Sunset / Dark Sky Cruises

Join the Force Awakens skippers Brendan & David Walsh and Derek Noble and experience the beauty of a Kerry sunrise / Sunset or Dark Sky from the ocean. We offer a unique opportunity for everyone, but especially photographers and artists to see and capture the beauty of our scenery at these magical times.

Our Skelligs and round Ballinskelligs Bay cruises operate throughout the day , seven days a week (weather permitting)

Private Boat hire is available on special request.

Skellig Michael Landing Tour approx 5 Hrs

Eco trips around skellig islands approx 2.5 hrs, eco bay trips to puffin island, scariff and deenish island.

Very nice trip to the Skellig on the Force Awakens. We departed from Ballinskellig Pier (wich is very less crowded than Portmagee) and after the other boats (less people on the island too). The team was very friendly and the boat is nice.

Had a wonderful afternoon experience with Brendan on The Force Awakens. Kids and I loved it. Out of this world.

We had a great day Brendan the weather was great Skelligs was great and I think I can speak for everyone on the boat today when I say you really made our trip by showing us all the extra cusses (coves) and wildlife thanks Brendan for a great trip on the Force awakens

The Force Awakens passenger vessel is a fully licenced and insured that can carry 12 persons, life jackets are provided for all passengers on their voyage for safety.

Our Skippers have many years of passenger vessel sailing around these waters including cruises to the Skellig Islands, so you can be assured of a safe and enjoyable cruise.

Please Note: We do not permit the consumption / bringing on board of any alchoholic drinks, this is purely for safety reasons.

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Latest News

Skellig michael landing tour from ballinskelligs pier, we can highly recommend their skellig michael  landing tour, david and his crew took us to an unforgettable trip to skellig michael, the skelligs force awakens, where to find us..

Reen Pier Ballinskelligs Co Kerry Ireland

GPS. N51° 48.646’ – W010° 16.458’

T. +353 87 2385610

Ballinskelligs is a Wild Atlantic Way point.

Call for departures times for:

Landing Tours :

Eco Cruises:

Note: All landing tours / Eco Cruises are weather permitting.

Book a Skellig Islands Eco Boat Tour 2024

Book your boat tour around the skellig islands.

Skip over description and jump straight to Booking

• The trip takes approximately two and a half hours   and brings you from Portmagee harbour out into the wild and beautiful Atlantic all the way out to both Skellig Islands and back.
• The trip costs 50 euros per adult and 25 euros per child . The 40 euro adult price is standard across all tour providers .
• Please note: this trip does not allow you to land on Skellig Michael .
• Landing tours are not available before the start of the landing tour Season. In 2024,  the landing tour season is expected to start on May 15th but may start earlier. If you are in the area before then we strongly recommend you consider booking this tour as a very enjoyable alternative.
• Eco tours fill up quickly so we strongly recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Often, you are accompanied on your journey by schools of dolphins, a minke whale or two and even a humpback whale on occasion.
• You will be right beside Skellig Michael itself giving the opportunity to see the island up close and see the incredible historical beehive huts and ancient steps.
• You’ll also get to see Little Skellig, which is one of the largest gannet sanctuaries in Europe .
• This trip is fantastic for families and those with younger children who would not be allowed on the Landing tours.

We’ve put together a video overview of the trip. Sea conditions for individual trips will vary, depending on the weather, naturally.

The Eco Tour is provided by one of our local trusted boat operators, Skellig Michael Boat Trips , on board the Lady Clare, one of only 15 boats licensed by the Office of Public Works to also provide landing tours to Skellig .

They will contact you with all updates related to your trip such as in the case that a trip has to be cancelled due to weather conditions. Please review their cancellation policy and terms and conditions below for further details. If you have any further enquiries about the status of your trip, please contact them directly. Their contact details will be provided as part of your booking confirmation.

A detailed overview of the excursion itinerary is also available by clicking the ‘Info’ button on the relevant tour below.